Biomonitoring Intern, Dja Biosphere Reserve (Open to Cameroon nationals only)

DESCRIPTION

Context

The African Wildlife Foundation, Cameroon Office has initiated a Young Graduate Professional Internship Programme to offer an opportunity to young graduates to gain experience in conservation and to familiarize with the non-governmental organization environment.

Position Summary

The Biomonitoring Intern will support the Dja Biosphere Reserve team in general coordination in-field of ongoing ecological monitoring and patrol activities. He or She will work closely with rangers/community members or guides to ensure ecological data is collected, compiled and achieved following AWF procedures. He/she will also give a support to Technical Advisor by inputting camera trap data into require database for identification and reporting.

Location: Dja Biosphere Reserve (with option to be transferred to Campo-Ma’an National Park or Faro National Park)

Duration: One (01) Year

Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of ongoing ecological monitoring activities in Dja Biosphere Reserve and its peripheries, with data collection and management following relevant established Monitoring protocols;
• Assist in planning, conducting and reporting patrol missions;
• Support the Management of Camera Traps, Deployment and ensure the Camera trap database is up to date;
• Ensure communication between Rangers in the field and base is effective through the InReach System in the operational Control Room.
• Work closely with Rangers and coordinate field deployment and pickup for Camera traps in the field;
• Assist Rangers staff with data management and analysis and train/strengthen the capacity of appointed park rangers for these tasks;
• Assist in raising local community awareness and participation in conservation issues and project related activities;
• Under supervision of the Protected Area Technical Advisor, produce concise and well written field reports on a regular basis to ensure TA and other AWF staff are well briefed on program activities;
• Provide other support to the Technical Advisor when necessary.

Learning

The Young Graduate Professional Internship Programme is a learning opportunity, therefore, the Professional intern MUST demonstrate a strong aptitude and motivation to learn and grow. He/she should be opened to feedback and ready to take initiatives.REQUIREMENTS

• MSc Degree in Ecology, Wildlife, Biology, Natural Resources Management, Conservation, Protected Area Management or related subjects.
• Familiarity with GIS analysis (particularly ArcGIS or QGIS).
• Proven statistics and data analysis capacities (Excel, other relevant software).
• Ability to manage databases; experience with managing files on Google Drive.

• at least one year of proven experience on similar topic.
• Good skills – both written and verbal (English and French).
• Good computer skills (MS Office package, Online researches, etc.), IT skills will be an asset.
• Culturally aware and able to work effectively in various cultural environments. Capable of working with
minimal supervision.
• Adheres to AWF’s values.