Research and Analysis Support at Nyungwe Management Company Ltd: (Deadline 20 October 2023)

Research and Analysis Support at Nyungwe Management Company Ltd: (Deadline 20 October 2023)

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Nyungwe Management Company Ltd (NMC Ltd) was created from the agreement between African Parks and Rwanda Development Board to manage Nyungwe National Park. NMC Ltd is seeking to recruit a suitable candidate to fill the post of Research and Analysis Support in Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. The candidate must be technically skilled with good problem-solving ability, and must be enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable.

JOB TITLE: Research and Analysis Support

REPORTING TO: Park managers 

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Support and participate in conservation research activities, data collection, and ecological monitoring in Nyungwe National Park (NNP) and Akagera National Park (ANP). Support special projects and conservation initiatives, including in neighboring communities. Increase the ecological and scientific understanding of Nyungwe’s and Akagera’s ecosystems. Support other departments at the park through data sharing and collaboration. Document and file all initiatives and produce reports on activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and carry-out data collection to answer key ecological questions in and around NNP and ANP.
• Collate data received from various data collection efforts and other departments to allow efficient use of data in making informed management decisions.
• Support staff to improve on processes of field data collection, compilation, analysis, and generation of outputs to serve management decisions. This requires the candidate to have a very advanced understanding of statistical and other analytical methods, including competency in advanced analytical programs, and the ability to build capacity in these skills (see below point).
• Ensure all reports are submitted timely and correctly. Compile and summarize/analyze data.
• Support to maintain and improve monitoring of key species and protection of wildlife, including devising, formalizing, implementing, and updating of management plans.
• Instill professionalism in other members of the department and any other workmate. Always meet deadlines, uphold commitments, and support other staff members whenever possible.
• Support student interns and external researchers, both local and international, in NNP and ANP.
• Support special projects such as translocations, and other initiatives and projects in NNP and ANP in collaboration with existing partners, like RDB.
• Participate in activities that promote understanding of ecology and instill pride in conservation in the communities through sharing of findings and contributing to educational programs.
• Documenting processes, as well as backing up and archiving data; ensuring data storage is safe and secure.
• Security of all company assets.
• Visually illustrate work carried out.
• Build internal capacity and understanding of ecology, generally, Akagera and Nyungwe’s ecosystems, and analytical research skills through sharing and presentation of information to other staff and colleagues. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Minimum Education and Qualification Required

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in zoology, ecology, protected areas’ management, biodiversity conservation, or equivalent. Master’s degree or other post-graduate education preferred in zoology, ecology, or wildlife management.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in ecological monitoring, conservation research, wildlife management, or related research fields.
• Field guide or other field experience diploma preferred.
• At least 2 years experience working in other protected areas or National Parks.
• Experience in scientific writing demonstrated by at least 2 articles published in peer-reviewed journals (preferably at least one first author publication).
• Experience supervising, designing, implementing, analyzing, and writing of independent research projects.
• Experienced with elephant related research and analysis, including building of ID kits, collating and processing collar data, and devising and updating management plans.
• Proficient in data analysis using programs such as GIS (ArcGIS Pro preferred, including ArcMET tool), Distance, Presence, RStudio (including “unmarked”, “secr”, and “overlap” packages), Google Earth Engine, CameraBase, TrapTagger, OpenBUGS etc. Advanced knowledge of statistical methods, including multi-species single-season occupancy models, multi-distance spatial cluster analysis (Ripley’s K), and local bivariate analysis. Evidence of knowledge of the above will be required.
• Proven experience and advanced knowledge in density, occupancy, and spatial movement analysis.
• Fluent in English and/or French/Kinyarwanda.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and be flexible.
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
• Experience with using camera traps, VHF telemetry, handheld GPS units, and other related conservation technologies.
• Outstanding and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Clean record of conduct (no convictions).
• Physically fit and able to be in field for extended periods (to undergo fitness and medical annually).
• Must be able to swim.
• Between 20 and 40 years of age.
• Must have a driver’s license and >5 years of driving experience, including in wilderness areas and off-road.

NB: Applications that are not meeting the above criteria will not be considered.

Interested candidates should forward their application letter together with all relevant documents to the email address provided below no later than   The required documents should be submitted in scanned soft copies in pdf format as a single document to nmc.recruit@africanparks.org. 

Applications must include the following documents: 

• Application cover letter addressed to the Park Manager, stating where you heard about the position and why you should be considered
• Curriculum vitae including your personal details, education level, and any relevant experience.
• Name, address, and telephone numbers of three (3) references.
• All the documents should be in one pdf document, and named after your name and position, for example: Name_NyungweAkagera_ResearchSupport_2023.

Please note that only candidates with the needed qualifications and relevant experience will be shortlisted, if you don’t hear from us within one week after submission deadline, know that you have not been shortlisted.

Done in Nyungwe National Park on 9th October 2023

NIYIGABA Protais

Park Manager/CEO,

Nyungwe Management Company