Project Executant – Pachyderm Project

Position: Project Executant – Pachyderm Project
Reports To: Ruvuma Landscape Program Coordinator
Supervises: None
Location: WWF Masasi Office (Ruvuma)
Grade: To Be Determined

Background

WWF Tanzania introduces an innovative and mission-critical initiative aimed at “Securing the African Elephant and Black Rhino in Tanzania.” This strategic project runs from FY25 to FY27, complementing the Tanzania Country Strategic Plan for FY26-30. Its primary objective is to address the challenges threatening the survival of pachyderm species—African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and black rhinos (Diceros bicornis)—through targeted conservation efforts.

Focusing on three priority landscapes—the Ruvuma, the Southern Kenya-Northern Tanzania (SOKNOT) transboundary landscape, and the Water Towers landscape—this initiative seeks to:

• Combat poaching.
• Mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
• Protect habitats while promoting connectivity.
• Advocate for integrated landscape management policies.

Recognizing challenges such as population displacements, habitat fragmentation, and poaching, WWF aims to secure a viable future for elephants and rhinos by promoting innovative, long-term solutions. These efforts also contribute to broader biodiversity conservation within shared habitats.

Major Functions

The Project Executant will play a key role in implementing field-level activities under the pachyderm project. This includes coordinating wildlife surveys, employing advanced tools like camera traps and drones, and monitoring elephant and rhino behaviors across designated areas. The role focuses on achieving both national and regional conservation goals while supporting community-driven conservation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop detailed annual project work plans and budgets to drive successful implementation and achieve project outcomes.
2. Collaborate with counterparts in SOKNOT and Water Towers landscapes for an integrated approach to conservation efforts.
3. Establish and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation to expand the project’s impact.
4. Represent WWF in wildlife policy forums at national, regional, and global levels, ensuring visibility and advocacy for pachyderm conservation.
5. Collect, analyze, and recommend actionable insights to improve habitat management for elephants and rhinos.
6. Ensure the quality and compliance of all collected data with WWF standards and regulations.
7. Develop and maintain an accessible database for monitoring and managing rhino and elephant populations.
8. Train Village Game Scouts (VGS) in ecological monitoring techniques, including SMART and MOMs tools.
9. Prepare comprehensive semi-annual and annual technical progress reports.
10. Actively engage in resource mobilization to unlock funding for wildlife conservation initiatives.
11. Collaborate with M&E and communication teams to produce technical briefs, create public awareness, and highlight project achievements.
12. Undertake additional assignments as directed by WWF Tanzania leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or related fields. A Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Experience: At least three years managing protected areas such as game reserves, national parks, or conservation areas in Tanzania.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical abilities with proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and statistical software.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Adaptability to remote field environments and cultural diversity.
• Desirable Traits: Understanding donor priorities and expectations, along with a commitment to advancing inclusivity in conservation efforts.

Working Relationships

• Internal: The Project Executant will work closely with the Ruvuma Landscape Program Coordinator and colleagues across WWF priority landscapes.
• External: Regular collaboration with key conservation stakeholders, including Nyerere National Park, TANAPA, TAWA, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and other organizations supporting wildlife conservation.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to apply via the following link: Project Executant Vacancy – Pachyderm Project.

Application Deadline: January 29, 2025
Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

Contact for Support: If you encounter any challenges during the application process, please email hresources@wwftz.org.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

WWF champions a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. By fostering diversity, we strengthen our ability to combat environmental challenges and achieve our vision of a world where people live in harmony with nature. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.