About Company
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961, AWF has been working tirelessly to ensure the long-term viability of Africa’s wildlife populations and ecosystems through innovative conservation solutions that deeply integrate the needs of both wildlife and people. With a robust presence across the continent, AWF’s work spans critical landscapes, focusing on holistic approaches to land and habitat protection, fostering community conservation, strengthening wildlife protection measures, and driving impactful policy advocacy. Our collaborative approach actively engages local communities, national governments, and a diverse range of partners to achieve lasting conservation impact. In Zimbabwe, AWF is deeply involved in several critical conservation initiatives, including combating wildlife crime, promoting sustainable land use practices that benefit both people and nature, and supporting protected area management, all ultimately aimed at safeguarding the country’s immensely rich biodiversity for future generations.
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Job Description
We are seeking a highly dedicated, experienced, and passionate Wildlife Biologist to join our dynamic team in Zimbabwe. This pivotal role is instrumental in leading and supporting vital conservation research, comprehensive monitoring, and strategic management activities across various significant landscapes within Zimbabwe. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the meticulous design and rigorous implementation of field surveys, the systematic collection and insightful analysis of ecological data, and significantly contributing to the scientific understanding of complex wildlife populations, critical habitat health indicators, and intricate ecosystem dynamics. This demanding yet rewarding position requires an individual with a strong scientific background, proven practical fieldwork experience, and an unwavering, deep-seated commitment to wildlife conservation in the unique and challenging African context. You will work closely and collaboratively with local communities, national park authorities, and a wide array of other conservation partners, adeptly translating complex scientific findings into clear, actionable conservation strategies and pragmatic policy recommendations. The role involves extensive and often demanding fieldwork in remote areas, frequently under challenging environmental conditions, and therefore requires excellent problem-solving capabilities, exceptional adaptability, resilience, and a proactive, results-oriented approach to conservation challenges. You will contribute significantly to AWF’s overarching mission of protecting Africa’s irreplaceable wildlife and wild lands by providing robust, evidence-based scientific insights that critically inform and guide our programs and interventions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented and driven biologist eager to make a tangible and profound difference in one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations, working on the front lines of conservation to ensure the long-term survival of iconic species and their vital habitats.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement wildlife population surveys using various methodologies (e.g., transects, camera traps, capture-recapture).
- Collect, manage, and analyze ecological data using statistical software and GIS tools.
- Monitor wildlife movement patterns, habitat use, and population trends across specified landscapes.
- Conduct thorough habitat assessments and ecological studies to inform strategic conservation planning and management.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of species-specific conservation action plans for endangered and vulnerable wildlife.
- Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
- Collaborate effectively with government agencies, local communities, and other non-governmental organizations on joint conservation projects.
- Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to field teams and community scouts.
- Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, project budgets, and comprehensive project reporting.
- Ensure strict adherence to ethical guidelines and safety protocols during all fieldwork activities.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in ecological survey techniques and advanced data collection methods.
- Strong statistical analysis skills using industry-standard software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS).
- Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and compelling scientific reports and present findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Experience with wildlife capture, handling techniques, and telemetry, where applicable.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and thrive as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Exceptional physical fitness and willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork in remote and challenging environments for extended periods.
- Valid driver's license with documented off-road driving experience.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field.
- In-depth knowledge of local Zimbabwean flora and fauna.
- Demonstrable experience working with large mammals and/or endangered species in an African context.
- Proficiency in local languages common in Zimbabwe (e.g., Shona, Ndebele).
- Prior experience in project management and grant administration within the non-profit sector.
- A track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off, including holidays and annual leave.
- Contributions to a robust retirement savings plan.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and capacity building.
- The unique opportunity to work on highly impactful conservation projects across Africa.
- A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.
- Field allowance provided for extensive fieldwork deployments.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and profound passion for wildlife conservation. Please ensure your cover letter specifically addresses how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this pivotal role and the overarching mission of the African Wildlife Foundation. All applications must be submitted exclusively through our official careers portal by clicking the link below.
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