Site and Research Manager ; Goualougo (Nouabalé-Ndoki ,Republic of Congo)

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

Reports to: Nouabalé-Ndoki Director of Research and Biomonitoring.

Type of contract: Full-time contract.

position Summary: 

We are looking for a dynamic Site and Research Manager to implement and supervise research activities at the Goualougo research site (GLG), oversee camp management, ensure communication and reporting on all site activities, and provide scientific training, supervision, and general capacity building to Research Assistants and students. The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background, a strong interest in conservation and capacity building, and will be enthusiastic about working in remote places in tropical forest. This is a full-time position, and the ideal candidate can commit for a minimum of two years.

Main tasks: 

Management of Field Research  

• Supervise the effective implementation of the research protocols at the GTAP field site.
• Coordinate fieldwork of all GTAP’s Research Teams.
• Participate in daily follows/habituation of chimpanzees and gorillas at GTAP.
• Supervise the collection of data (e.g., behavioral observations, health symptoms using Animal Observer App, meteorology, SMART, Cybertracker) at the GTAP 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 and chimpanzees at GTAP.
• 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 GTAP, including individualized research projects to present in Bomassa and/or Brazzaville.
• Supervise data entry and backups for the GTAP site and collaborate with the Mondika Site and Research Manager to maintain standardized data collection.
• Ensure the quality of collection, storage, inventory, and transport of biological samples (i.e., fecal, insect samples) obtained at GTAP, as well as coordinated shipment to Bomassa.

Communication and Reporting  

• 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 and Site Manager.
• 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 chimpanzees and 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 GTAP.

Capacity building 

• Contribute to the professional development of the Research staff at the site, including one-on-one support of research projects to be presented to different audiences nationally and internationally.
• Schedule trainings held at GLG field station and or in Bomassa.

Human resources 

• Conduct annual staff evaluations of site Research Assistants.
• Contribute to the selection of new hires within the project.

Site management 

Work in close collaboration with the Congo-Apes Project Manager based in Bomassa, NNNP teams, and the site’s camp staff to ensure the following:

• Efficient planning of staff rotations and presence at the site.
• Effective site logistics and maintenance.
• Excellent stock management (camp and research materials).
• Effective communication and organization of all operations at the sites, including visits of researchers, communication teams, and donors.
• Ensure optimal implementation of ape/staff health protocols, research, site logistics, and overall functioning of the project, including care of field equipment.
• Assist in overseeing and maintaining site infrastructure and construction activities.

Qualifications:  

• A master’s degree in Biological Sciences or extensive relevant conservation field research experience.
• A minimum of working proficiency 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).
• They need to be physically fit enough for forest work in a tropical climate.
• Additional skills could be a plus: mechanical aptitude, construction skills, electrical skills, and problem-solving mindset.