Job Title: Manager, Moka Wildlife Center (Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea)
Job Type: Full time with benefits, 1 year position (renewable)
Opportunity location: Moka, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea (Central/West
Africa)
Start date: September 1, 2009
Position Summary:
The Moka Wildlife Center (MWC) Manager lives at and directs the newly
(2007) established research and educational facility in the villages of
Moka Bioko and Moka Malabo at the northern border of the Gran Caldera and
Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
This 2-building (residence + education/research building) university-
affiliated facility serves as a base for scientists and students working
in the scientific reserve as well as providing biodiversity conservation
outreach to local communities and schools. It is funded by a grant from
the ExxonMobil Foundation to the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program,
part of the academic partnership between Drexel University and the
National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE). The MWC Manager is
expected to have a strong background in research (Ph.D. preferred); a
personal field research program adaptable to local conditions; and prior
experience in a Spanish-speaking country. Responsibilities include
coordinating the management of the MWC and the outreach program with an
UNGE assigned, bilingual (Spanish/English) Assistant Manager; overseeing
the design and implementation of an outreach program; and, most
importantly, providing an active, ongoing biodiversity research
environment as part of capacity building at UNGE.
The position is a full time one-year position with Drexel University
benefits. Salary (paid in US dollars) depends on qualifications. On-site
housing, meals, vehicle, and transport to and from Bioko Island (up to
$2500) are provided.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
The MWC Manager is expected to:
�� Establish a personal biodiversity research program that:
o utilizes the local ecosystem
o engages BBPP local personnel
o reflects familiarity with US academic traditions including English
language scientific writing.
�� Supervise selected research and teaching activities at the
National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) in coordination with the
BBPP Senior Conservation Biologist and BBPP On-Site Administrator.
�� Supervise the UNGE-designated (Spanish-speaking) MWC Assistant
Manager who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the MWC
including maintenance of the facilities, local guide training, and the
development and delivery of a local outreach program.
�� Live at the Moka Wildlife Center and drive (1.5 hr; 50 mi) to
Malabo (BBPP vehicle; current US & International Driver’s License
required) for meetings approximately twice per month.
Marginal Functions:
�� Plan for and supervise visiting scientists, students and interns.
�� Aid in preparation of English language reports and grant proposals
�� Provide back-up and assistance for other BBPP personnel.
�� Travel to and from the USA as needed, preferably on a US passport
which does not require a visa from either the USA or Equatorial Guinea.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The MWC Manager is expected to have:
�� Research experience as demonstrated by academic credentials (Ph.D.
or Masters degree in relevant field of study) and/or by managerial
experience in a remote Spanish-speaking location (for example, US Peace
Corps).
�� English writing ability as demonstrated by scientific
publications, reports and/or grant proposals.
�� Ability to communicate effectively with diverse people, including
local workers, UNGE personnel, local expat community and EG government
ministries, as demonstrated by similar experiences in the past.
�� Ability to thrive in a remote location with limited amenities, as
demonstrated by similar experiences in the past.
�� Ability to oversee the development of a Spanish-language outreach
program including guide training and printed materials for visitors and
school children.
Minimum Qualifications:
The position requires either an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Masters)
in a relevant area of study (biodiversity conservation) or extensive
experience that is directly relevant to the position (for example, 2 year
conservation work in the US Peace Corps at a remote, Spanish-speaking
location).
Drexel University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
To apply:
Apply by e-mail to Dr. Gail Hearn at [email protected], including a cover
letter, resume, and minimum salary requirements.
