MIKES Technical Advisor, Parc W, Penjari and Arly Complex of Protected Areas
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The MIKE Programme has documented alarming increases in levels of elephant poaching and highlighted the urgent need for action to reduce the increasing threat to elephant populations across Africa as a result of the escalating international illegal trade in their ivory. The new MIKES project aims to respond to this need by leveraging the strong foundation established and successes that have been achieved by MIKE over the past decade, but with an expanded focus to include initiatives aimed at minimising the impact of poaching and the illegal trade on the target species.
To fulfil its law enforcement capacity building aims, MIKES is providing financial and technical support for strengthening law enforcement capacity at eight “focal sites” across Africa, selected because of their importance for the conservation of elephants and other priority CITES-listed large mammal species, as well as the severity of the poaching threats to these species. One of the eight focal sites prioritized is Parc W, Penjari and Arly Complex of Protected Areas. Under this sub-project capacity building support is being delivered to the area in collaboration with IUCN Regional Office for West and Central Africa.
The technical and material support dispensed by this project under the responsibility of the TA falls under prerogative of national sovereignty. Therefore, outmost respect for due process and deference to national cultures and administrative procedures will be observed at all times.
The operations conducted take place in areas ranked “red” and “orange” security levels by foreign embassies. As such, extreme prudence and caution will be exercised at all times during the appointment.
Technical responsibilities
The TA will:
• Provide support for the development and use of ranger-based monitoring systems at the site, with a special emphasis on the practical application of these systems in the design of ranger patrols and other law enforcement operations;
• Contribute to or organise specific trainings to park staff in anti-poaching, organisation of patrols, data collection and analysis with appropriate ranger-based monitoring systems;
• Support, guide and monitor the effective implementation of ranger patrols as per the agreements signed by national authorities and in accordance with the support provided by the project, including joint-area patrols where appropriate;
• Collaborate with and provide advice to senior staff in the Parc W Complex in annual operational planning and the implementation of capacity building activities defined in the MIKES activity plan
• Advise on the fulfilment of the site’s CITES MIKE Programme obligations, including the effective and efficient collection and synthesis of elephant mortality and law enforcement effort data, in accordance with the MIKE data protocols.
• Work with technical experts to develop a simple intelligence and information management system in the area and finalise the establishment and implement an auditable fund to compensate informers in the fight against wildlife crime.
. Engage and build collaboration with other sectors that are competent to contribute to improving security around the site, such as judiciary, customs, police, gendarmerie and army; and with area-adjacent communities.
Management responsibilities
The TA will:
• Utilise other mechanisms for regularly communicating with site managers and other partners as appropriate, including e-mails, Skype calls, telephone calls, instant messaging, etc.
• Lead the procurement, delivery, management and use of equipment and materials identified in the activity plan, in accordance with the procurement procedure; and oversee the use and maintenance of equipment, materials and vehicles provided.
• Oversee the budget allocated to the Parc W Complex under the MIKES project, including maintaining up-to-date information on site expenditures as well as costs of the TA’s own travel and timesheet records etc.
• Provide inputs as necessary into the collection, management and submission of MIKE elephant mortality and quantitative law enforcement effort and outcomes information for the Parc W Complex
• Communicate on at least a monthly basis with the MIKE Programme and provide financial and narrative reports in accordance with the reporting procedures provided by the CITES Secretariat, including time sheets and activity records as requested
• Collaborate with and work to ensure synergy of activities with other partners and supporters working in the area, particularly through the WAP Coordination Mechanism, and with European Union funded initiatives
• Ensure coordinated reporting of results under IUCN M&E framework and identified targets.
• Desired Qualifications A minimum of five years’ experience in a leadership or advisory role in protected area management in Africa. • A university degree in a relevant field (such as wildlife, natural resources or environmental management, biological sciences or forestry), or equivalent professional qualifications or practical experience. • Desired Experience & Skills Hands-on, practical skills in designing and implementing protected area law enforcement initiatives including, law enforcement patrols; law enforcement patrol management; investigations and intelligence; community participation. • Practical experience with law enforcement monitoring systems (such as MIST, SMART or MOMS), and of ranger-based data collection a distinct advantage. • Practical experience with protected area management planning, and plan implementation. • Experience with donor-funded project management, including budget management and financial and technical reporting. • Demonstrated experience to effectively lead and work in a team. |
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
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