Lilongwe Wildlife Trust
Job Description:
The Head of Biodiversity Research (HBR) is the LWT lead on ecological research of threatened species
across multiple Protected Areas and the post-release monitoring of selected species rehabilitated through LWC. The role also oversees the volunteer research placement programme based mainly at our Liwonde National Park (NP) research camp. The HBR develops new research projects and submits funding applications in collaboration with the Programmes and Development teams; manages all research projects and associated budgets and reporting, staff, volunteers and camps. The role represents LWT in appropriate research forums including liaison with national and international partners and is responsible for sharing research outputs with Protected Area managers to promote adaptive management strategies and with the wider scientific community through published articles and papers. The Head of BR reports to the Technical Director and manages four researchers. This is an exciting time to join LWT as we develop a new biodiversity research strategy and implement plans for a new research camp in Liwonde.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Research
● Develop research projects, including identifying areas of need and interest in line with LWT’s Strategy and Business Plan
● Manage all research project activities, including planning and implementation in accordance with
agreed research objectives, as well as sourcing, procuring, and managing appropriate equipment
● Oversee all data management and analysis associated with research projects, ensure appropriate
data storage in line with data sharing agreements and responsibilities Placements programme
● Work closely with the Placements team to develop and manage the delivery of the Liwonde NP
research volunteer programme and individual research projects for national and international
students, and deliver additional placement programmes such as the Biosphere Expeditions in Vwaza
Marsh Wildlife Reserve
● Work in close collaboration with the Placements team to review, improve and develop new
placements experiences and products to drive sales and maintain high levels of volunteer
satisfaction
● Work closely with the Operations team to oversee maintenance of field sites and support the
development of new research camps and facilities.
People Management and Partnerships
● Manage BR team (currently 4 research staff)
● Manage academic partnerships with Malawian and external academic institutions
Reporting, Budgeting, Fundraising and Communications
● Work with the Development team to identify funding opportunities and draft proposals
● Work with the Development team to provide compelling content for donor reports and updates
● Manage BR project budgets, including budget development, cash reconciliation and requests
● Manage and report monthly LWT research targets and activities
● Submit timely and accurate reports for all BR projects
● Support the organisation’s communications activities by providing engaging content (e.g. data,
case studies, images etc.) for social media and other channels
Operations and Logistics
● Responsible for reporting vehicle upkeep, maintenance, movements, and tracking for BR team
● Ensure the BR programme operates in line with appropriate MoUs
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
● Masters with a minimum of 5 years’ research experience and 2 years’ research/conservation project
management
● Experienced in managing staff in field research/conservation programmes
● Adaptable and flexible attitude, ability to travel within Malawi and live in basic camp facilities during
field work
● Clean driving license and able to drive a manual 4×4 vehicle
Competency is essential in the following:
● EarthRanger, QGIS
● Database development and management (preferably Excel)
● Experience interpreting satellite collar movement patterns for mortalities, dispersal etc.
Competency is desirable in the following:
● Experience with R studio
● Experience in managing international volunteers in field-based research/conservation programmes
Other notes:
Housing and flights included for international recruitments.
Method Of Application
Please send a CV (max 2 pages) and covering letter (max 2 pages) detailing your suitability for the role to [email protected] no later than 5pm on 17th May 2024. Please send both documents as attachments to the email and use the job title in the email subject line. Applications exceeding the page limits will not be considered.
LWT is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment decisions are based on
qualifications and experience, merit and organisational need and all reasonable adjustments will be made where possible.