Site and Research Manager -Mondika

Location: Mondika (Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park), Republic of Congo.

Reports to: Nouabalé-Ndoki Director of Research and Principal Investigators of Mondika.

Type of contract: 1-year full-time contract, renewable.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a dynamic Site and Research Manager to manage Mondika research and monitoring activities, and liaise with the Tourist Manager to coordinate tourism activities. The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background, a strong interest in conservation, and in working in remote places in tropical forests. This is a full-time position. In 2023, the Mondika Gorilla Project research station was included in the NNNP along with the entire region known as the Djéké Triangle. The research station and activities are collaboratively conducted in partnership with the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project (GTAP) and its Co-Directors.

Main tasks:

Management of Field Research at MDK

• Supervise the effective implementation of the research protocols at the MDK field site.
• Coordinate fieldwork of all MDK’s Research Teams.
• Participate in daily follows/habituation of gorillas at MDK.
• Supervise the collection of data (e.g., behavioral observations, health symptoms using Animal Observer App, meteorology, SMART, Cybertracker) at the MDK site.
• Implement tests of reliability measures to ensure that research team members are collecting data accurately and in a standardized manner.
• Oversee the implementation of the direct observational health program for gorillas at MDK.
• Train Congolese Research staff in reduced impact protocols for daily ape follows, behavioral monitoring techniques, use of portable data collection devices, data management, and reporting.
• Contribute to the professional development of the Congolese Research staff at MDK, including individualized research projects to present in Bomassa and/or Brazzaville.
• Supervise data entry and backups for the MDK site and collaborate with the Goualougo Triangle Site and Research Manager to ensure standardization of data collection is maintained.
• Ensure the quality of collection, storage, inventory, and transport of biological samples (i.e., fecal, insect samples) obtained at MDK, as well as coordinated shipment to Bomassa.

Communication and Personnel Management

• Organize staff schedules and movement logistics.
• Compile monthly site reports summarizing data collection, field efforts, staff participation, and research highlights, which are submitted to the NNNP Director of Research and Ecological Monitoring and the Congo-Apes Project Co-Directors, Site Manager, and Tourism team.
• Work with the Congo-Apes Project Co-Directors, Principal Investigators of MDK, and the NNNP Director of Research and Ecological Monitoring to provide transparent, timely supervision of the gorillas, site, and personnel.
• Represent the research team during tourist visits and actively engage with visiting tourists to enhance their overall experience.
• Communicate and collaborate as necessary with the NNNP/WCS Tourism manager and team on all aspects of tourist activities taking place at MDK.

Management of MDK Camp, Food Stocks, and Facilities

• Oversee the submission, preparation, and arrival of food orders for the MDK site.
• Ensure MDK camp facilities are properly maintained.
• Ensure MDK Research staff maintain proper use and care of field equipment.
• Work with WCS/GTAP/Tourism and Logistics Departments to minimize the impact of the tourist site construction and footprint on MDK, including wildlife, staff, camp, and operations.

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Biological Sciences or extensive relevant conservation field research experience.
• Fluency in French and English, both oral and written.
• Good knowledge of animal behavior and ecology is crucial for a successful application, as well as experience in managing a remote field site.
• Previous experience in project management (staff supervision, work-planning and reporting, etc.).
• Knowledge of Excel/Word is mandatory, with working knowledge of GIS, SMART and R also preferable.
• Field tracking and navigation skills (with GPS and compass) are essential, with previous training in wilderness first aid also preferred.
• Previous experience using camera traps for research is also preferred.
• Excellent social and communication skills with local staff and all cooperation partners; s/he should be able to work in a multicultural and multinational environment while living in isolated field camps (solar power, limited satellite internet and no running water).
• S/he needs to be physically fit, enough for forest work in tropical climate.
• Additional skills could be a plus: mechanical aptitude, construction skills, electrical skills and problem-solving mindset.