Research Officer – ReTTA
Vacancy #: 6549
Unit: TRAFFIC Southern Africa
Organisation: TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location: TRAFFIC – Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
This role can be located in Pretoria, South Africa; Arusha, Tanzania or Yaounde, Cameroon
Reporting to: Project Leader
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: P1
Expected start date: 01 September 2023
Type of contract: Fixed-term (18 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 07 August 2023
BACKGROUND<\/strong>
ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND<\/strong>
TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC\u2019s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC\u2019s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes. TRAFFIC works in strategic alliance with IUCN and WWF on wildlife trade issues.
PROJECT BACKGROUND<\/strong>
TRAFFIC is implementing a five-year project, Reducing Trade Threats to Africa\u2019s wild species and ecosystems (RETTA). The project\u2019s purpose is to strengthen actions to conserve and protect wildlife populations, areas of high biodiversity, and communities in Africa threatened by illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade, with a particular focus on trade to Asia. The project duration is 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2025. As the project enters its fourth year of implementation, TRAFFIC is seeking an experienced Project Officer to join the Southern African section of the ReTTA team.
The salary range for this position will be equivalent to USD 30,000 to USD 40,000 p.a. converted to local currency on appointment (dependent on skills and experience)
JOB DESCRIPTION<\/strong>
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES<\/strong>
The successful candidate will undertake research on wildlife trade, within the Southern Africa region. However, the candidate will also be expected to support the team activities in East and Central Africa where necessary. The executant will identify actions designed to reduce illegal or unsustainable trade within Africa and between Africa, Asia, other regions and major international wildlife markets. They will ensure the effective delivery of the project in Southern Africa in close collaboration with the overall RETTA Project Leader
SPECIFIC DUTIES<\/strong>
\u2022 Develop and undertake research on wildlife trade in Southern Africa, carry our market surveys including internet surveys, field work, conduct interviews and literature reviews.
\u2022 Compile reports, briefing papers and other communication outputs.
\u2022 Develop recommendations for actions to address illegal and unsustainable trade and encourage uptake in the region.
\u2022 Develop concepts and proposals to help leverage additional funding and technical resources that will be required to ensure the successful delivery and continuation of the project;
\u2022 Develop and implement advocacy strategies to strengthen regional approaches to addressing the trans-continental illegal wildlife trade, particularly to Asia;
\u2022 Provide support to other related projects in the regions, where necessary.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE ROLE<\/strong>
\u2022 Convene, facilitate and\/or chair meetings and workshops, and consolidate relationships with potential project collaborators;
\u2022 Collaborate and maintain strong internal relationships with TRAFFIC regional teams in Africa and globally, ensuring all actions are synergistic, complementary and demonstrate value for money;
\u2022 Ensure the technical quality and timely delivery of planned activities;
\u2022 Ensure adherence to TRAFFIC\u2019s research and data management protocols;
\u2022 Ensure data collection for the TRAFFIC Information System.
REQUIREMENTS<\/strong>
\u2022 A university Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline demonstrating understanding of the subject area;
\u2022 Significant professional work experience relevant to nature conservation and\/or wildlife trade and transnational organised crime;
\u2022 Strong research and analytical background including research in the field;
\u2022 Fluency and excellent writing skills in English essential;
\u2022 Track record of peer reviewed publications\/project outputs.
APPLICATIONS<\/strong>
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System<\/p>\n\n\n\n