The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is looking for a Gabon Biodiversity Program Director to manage the long-standing program in Gabon.
Job Description: The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s (SCBI) Center for Conservation and Sustainability is seeking a highly motivated Conservation Biologist to lead and manage a SCBI biodiversity and conservation program in Gabon, Africa. The incumbent will implement the Gabon Biodiversity Program’s strategic plan, assure thoughtful design of program content, and foster collaborative relationships with program partners. The program generates knowledge and understanding of the Gamba Complex to restore habitats, protect wildlife species, and connect people to conservation. For further information, visit: nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/CCS/. Background: SCBI conducts research to study, understand, predict, and monitor the impact of infrastructure development projects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The knowledge and information generated by SCBI programs provides management recommendations for best conservation and sustainable development practices. Guided by the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, SCBI has worked with select energy development companies since 1996 to integrate biodiversity conservation priorities into development projects. Resposibilities: The Gabon Biodiversity Program Director is responsible for developing, managing and implementing the Gabon Biodiversity Program in coordination with the CCS Director and Managing Director of Field Programs. The incumbent will be expected to: - manage and implement Smithsonian and Gabonese policies and standard operating procedures to effectively achieve SCBI’s objectives and priotities, - conduct scientific research, primarily guided towards applying conservation practices for the long term sustainability and conservation of the area, - facilitate collaborations with national and international organizations, - promote educational activities, - develop, coordinate and implement communication, education and fundraising strategies to make the program financially sustainable, - develop annual management and budget plans, - monitor and update financial data regularly, - present program activities in oral and written forms, and - publish research, monitoring and conservation results. Qualifications: The successful applicant: 1) has a PhD in conservation biology, ecology, biology, or a related discipline, 2) has 3-5 years experience leading and managing programs, certified in program management or with 3-5 years of experience in organizational and project management skills, 3) has a background in science and statistical analysis with a strong publication record, 4) is fully bilingual in English and French, with excellent oral and writing communication skills. The position is based in Gabon with regular travel to research sites within the country and occasional international travel. Applicants should email: 1) a 2-page letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae (4-page maximum), and 3) contact information for 3 professional references indicating name and address of institution, email address, and phone number, to Sulema Castro at [email protected]. Please include “Gabon Biodiversity Program Director” in the subject line of the email. Salary: Determined based on qualifications. Note: Temporary 1 year Trust Appointment, with possibility of extention. Application Deadline: June 27, 2016, to be filled by August 2016. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
