Field Site Manager for Chimpanzee Research and Conservation in Guinea
Location: Moyen Bafing National Park, Touge Region, Guinea (West Africa)
Organization: Moyen Bafing Chimpanzee Project (MBCP)
Contract Type: Full-time position, minimum 12-month commitment (3-month probationary period + 9 months), ideally extending to 2 years. Start date as early as March 2026.
Main Description:
The Moyen Bafing Chimpanzee Project seeks a dynamic and enthusiastic Field Site Manager to oversee and implement research and conservation activities in the Moyen Bafing National Park (PNMB) in Guinea Conakry. This full-time role requires commitment to living and working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, where a passion for conservation and scientific research can thrive.
The PNMB is located in the Fouta Djallon region of central Guinea, West Africa. The park is characterized by a variety of terrains, including river valleys, rolling hills, and forested areas, creating a diverse habitat with a tropical climate that brings wet and dry seasons. The park, established in 2021 to protect critical wildlife habitats, plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, particularly for the critically endangered West African chimpanzee.
The MBCP, established in 2022, serves as a pivotal research site dedicated to understanding chimpanzee behavior and ecology, while also acting as a crucial conservation landmark within the park. The permanent research presence is situated in a remote area, fostering a unique environment that promotes coexistence between wildlife and local communities. The project currently involves studying over five chimpanzee groups, with daily field research teams engaged in camera trapping, habituation, and ecological monitoring activities. The Field Site Manager will report directly to the Directors of the Moyen Bafing Chimpanzee Project.
Key responsibilities include:
Leadership: Manage the conservation, operations, and administration of the Moyen Bafing Chimpanzee Project and its on-site staff and visitors.
Stakeholder Communication: Act as the project's primary representative with regional/local authorities and NGOs. Ensure effective communication between Park management, project directors, and coordinate visas, research permits, travel, and lodging for personnel.
Camp and Logistics Management: Oversee daily logistical and operational tasks, including field assistant schedules, paying local workers, procuring supplies, maintaining infrastructure, and facilitating and participating in research activities. Manage logistics for communication, transportation, and equipment functionality, along with reporting and liaison duties.
Health and Safety: Ensure adherence to hygiene, safety, and security protocols.
Research Management: Oversee field data collection, quality control, data management, and training for research staff. Provide training and capacity-building support, implementing reliability tests for standard data collection.
Requirements:
Essential qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, anthropology, or a related field.
- Conversational English and French.
- Previous experience living and working in the tropics (preferably in Africa) and managing intercultural teams.
- Ability to thrive in remote areas and adapt to changing conditions, maintaining physical and mental stamina under challenging environments. Must be physically fit, mentally resilient, self-motivated, able to work autonomously, and tolerant of diverse social customs.
- Strong problem-solving, independent action, patience, flexibility, effective communication, and organizational skills. Experience managing teams and demonstrating strong cultural sensitivity and team-building capabilities.
- Good organizational skills and ability to document procedures, ensure data accuracy, and communicate effectively with researchers and stakeholders. Capable of managing logistics and dealing with unexpected challenges.
- Strong communication and leadership skills required. The candidate must be skilled in team management, working in a multicultural setting, organizing logistics, have experience with data management (including handheld data collection methods), good communication skills, and dealing with unexpected, sometimes frustrating, circumstances.
- Good technical proficiency, including in MS Office and field tracking and navigation using GPS and compass.
- Must have basic health insurance that covers emergency repatriation and liability, as well be vaccinated for measles, yellow fever, TB, hepatitis A and B, polio, and meningitis (cost of vaccinations are not paid by the project).
- Minimum of a 12-month commitment, ideally extending to 2 years.
Desirable qualifications:
- Construction and Infrastructure Skills: Practical expertise in construction, particularly in solar power systems, and experience in developing and monitoring infrastructure.
- Data Management Proficiency: Familiarity with various data management software tools, including Cybertracker and Garmin Basecamp.
- Conservation and Research Experience: Prior involvement in African conservation projects or possessing a strong scientific background is preferred.
- Research and Observation Skills: Previous experience with camera traps, animal behavior observation, primate habituation, botanical or ecological surveying, or drone surveying is advantageous.
- Medical and Safety Training: Candidates with certifications in health and safety, CPR, or first aid are beneficial.
- Data Protocol Development: Experience in creating data management protocols and implementing best practices is beneficial.
- Advanced Analytical Skills: Experience in applying machine learning techniques to identify species or behaviors from video data is a plus.
Benefits/Conditions:
Support provided:
- Basic on-site housing, amenities (e.g., solar power, limited internet), and basic food for all daily meals (mainly local food and some western food items).
- Six to eight weeks paid leave upon renewal of a second contract term of at least 12 months.
- Reimbursement of up to $1,100 USD towards an international round trip flight and visa costs after completion of the first 12-month term of appointment.
- All transportation and housing within Guinea (to and from the field site).
- Collaborate with leading professionals in primate behavioral ecology and contribute to meaningful scientific research.
- Compensation of $1,000 per month, effective after the successful completion of a 3-month probationary period, during which the candidate will be compensated as Research Assistant (with stipend).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying to this role to mbchimp@gmail.com before 11:59pm CEST on 24.02. However, please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore the position may be filled prior to this deadline. Apply early!
When applying, please indicate "Field Manager" in the subject line of your email, and name the documents with your last name. Please include in your application your CV, a 1-page cover letter highlighting your interest and qualifications, and the names and contact information of at least two references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain open until filled.
Additional information about the national park and wildlife can be found at mbchimp.org
