Position Title: Project Executant – Pachyderm Project
Reports to: Ruvuma Landscape Program Coordinator
Location: WWF Masasi Office, Ruvuma
Supervises: None
Grade: TBD


Background

WWF Tanzania presents an ambitious conservation initiative focused on “Securing the African Elephant and Black Rhino in Tanzania,” targeting the period from FY25 to FY27 and supporting the FY26-30 Tanzania Country Strategic Plan. The project focuses on addressing critical challenges facing pachyderm species through an integrated approach. It aims to safeguard and enhance populations of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African black rhino (Diceros bicornis) by supporting interventions in priority locations in northern and southern Tanzania. This includes three critical landscapes: Ruvuma, Southern Kenya-Northern Tanzania (SOKNOT), and the Water Towers landscape (WTL). At the national level, the project will support sectoral policy interventions on human-elephant co-existence, lobbying for integrated landscape management planning to reduce human-elephant conflict, and combating illegal wildlife trade. The goal is to create long-term, sustainable strategies to secure a viable future for these species by tackling poaching, human-elephant conflict, habitat loss, and promoting habitat connectivity.


Major Functions

The Project Executant will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of project activities in selected priority areas in Tanzania. Elephants and rhinos are flagship species for WWF’s conservation efforts. The Project Executant will assist in designing and conducting wildlife surveys, camera trapping, surveillance using drones, spotlight surveys, and monitoring wildlife behavior within the designated Ranger Outposts in the Ruvuma, Water Towers, and SOKNOT landscapes. They will implement both elephant and rhino components of the Pachyderm Project and contribute to the achievement of national strategies for elephant and rhino conservation, as well as the National Strategy to Combat Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade.


Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of the incumbent will include, but are not limited to:

1. Prepare annual project work plans and budgets to ensure effective implementation.
2. Work closely with counterparts in the SOKNOT/Water Towers landscapes for integrated project delivery.
3. Build partnerships with stakeholders working on wildlife conservation and related projects within WWF.
4. Represent WWF in national, regional, and global wildlife policy dialogues.
5. Collect data and recommend management practices to improve wildlife species habitat.
6. Implement quality assurance/quality control plans to meet WWF standards.
7. Develop and store information on the protection or restoration of rhinos and elephants within the landscapes.
8. Contribute to the management of rhino and elephant databases.
9. Train VGS in ecological monitoring data collection using SMART and MOMs.
10. Prepare timely and high-quality technical reports, including semi-annual and annual progress reports.
11. Actively participate in resource mobilization and secure funding for wildlife conservation.
12. Collaborate with M&E and Communication Officers to prepare briefing papers and awareness campaigns.
13. Undertake any other assignments as directed by relevant WWF authorities.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, Range Management, or related disciplines. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least three years of experience in managing Protected Areas in the country (Game Reserves, National Parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical software.
• Willingness to stay in remote areas.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of donor requirements, needs, and priorities.

Working Relationships

Internal: Regular interaction with the Ruvuma Landscape National Coordinator, other Project Executants, and WWF staff at the Masasi Office and other priority landscapes.
External: Collaboration with Nyerere National Park, Selous Game Reserve Rangers, Mkomazi National Park, TAWA, TANAPA, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), FZS, CWMAC, and other stakeholders.


Applications

This is Full-time Job, Interested candidates should apply through the link: Project Executant Vacancy – Pachyderm Project.
Deadline for applications: 29th January 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Early applications are encouraged, as applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period, and the advert may close early.

For assistance during the application process, please contact: [email protected]

At WWF, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us achieve our mission to stop environmental degradation and build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering an inclusive workplace.