Driver (Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and Field Responder)

Frankfurt Zoological Society 

Serengeti Ecosystem Conservation Programme 

Human-Wildlife Conflict Driver and Field Responder 

Job Profile 

FZS mission: We conserve wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding  wild places FZS Serengeti Ecosystem Conservation Programme among others it aims : To empower local communities in the Serengeti Ecosystem to engage in the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources and adopt conservation-compatible livelihoods 

Job Background 

FZS – Serengeti Ecosystem Conservation Project is implementing a project entitled “Enhancing human  elephant co-existence in Serengeti District”. This project will strengthen the Human-Wildlife Conflict monitoring and response system in 22 villages in Serengeti district to reduce the incidences of Human  wildlife conflict. FZS will be delivering this support in conjunction with Serengeti District Council,  which is responsible for managing human-wildlife conflict in the district.

Name of the position: Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Driver and Field Responder – FZS Serengeti Ecosystem  Conservation Programme.

Position in the organization 

The HWC Field Responder reports to GIS and Monitoring Officer and from there to the FZS – Serengeti Project Leader.

The HWC Field Responder will work together with Serengeti District Council – (Game Officers), with FZS Serengeti project staff, community leaders, human-wildlife conflict monitors, village elephant task force groups, and other project stakeholders to mitigate HWC incidences in the project villages.

Purpose of the job 

As part of our growing conservation efforts within the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem, FZS is looking for a candidate to fill an important role in coordinating HWC initiatives with the Serengeti District Council, Ikona Wildlife Management Area (Ikona WMA), Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and other related partners in mounting their response to human-wildlife conflict in Serengeti District. The role would suit a candidate with a first degree in wildlife management and at least one year of similar experience in this field of HWC mitigations or problem animal control strategies.

Main Outputs 

Specific Duties: 

• To operate project vehicles dedicated to HWC and do basic maintenance to ensure the  vehicles are in good working order.
• To complete a mechanical checklist prior to each trip and ensure any mechanical issues  with the vehicles are corrected by performing daily Pre-trip and post-trip vehicle  inspections.
• To transport field officers to and from required locations in response to HWC incidences. o To drive project vehicles as safely as possible to respond to HWC incidents in project  villages.
• Maintains project vehicle driving logs with daily entries and records the village’s names  responded to, travel times, mileage coverage, and service performed.
• Conduct daily and weekly vehicle checks in accordance with the instructions provided. o Wash project vehicle on a regular basis, including the interior.
• Alert your line manager when the vehicle is due for maintenance or in need of repair. o Be present and check on maintenance and repairs at the workshop.
• Complete the vehicle movement logbook and submit completed sheets to the line  manager.
• Attend Human-Wildlife Conflict Response and Monitoring trainings available through the  program.
nafasi za kazi
• Respond to DGO requests to attend the HWC incidence response in the project villages – first confirm with your line manager.
• To ensure fuels are well used for approved trips only and refuel the vehicle on a regular  basis in accordance with project procedures.
• Ensure safety by keeping the vehicle and accessories (e.g Jack, spare tire, wheel spanner,  First Aid Kit & other tools)
• Undertake defensive driving as a means of deterring problem animals. o Comply with national driving regulations.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Required 

1. Possession of a Certificate in Wildlife Management and Law Enforcement (1 or 2 years)  from Pasiansi Wildlife Training Institute or any other recognized institution. 2. Have attended Driving Training and holds a certificate from the National Institute of  Transport (NIT) or Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA).
2. Possession of driving license class D and at least 2 years of driving experience with a  clean driving record.
3. Knowledge of HWC incidence data collection using mobile applications is an added  advantage.
4. Excellent defensive driving skills and the ability to read a map and GPS. 6. Able to Read/Speak and write English (recommended) and Kiswahili (must) 7. Practical experience and interest in working with project activities including the  government, civil society organizations, and private sectors.
5. Computer literate (recommended).
6. Ability to work independently, multi-task extra hours, and be a team player.

Desired: 

• Interest in bush driving and must be willing to work occasional long, irregular hours,  early morning, evening, and weekends as needed.
• Experience working in national parks and remote areas especially in the Serengeti  ecosystem.
• A passion for wildlife conservation

Behavioural Competencies: 

• Work systematically: Structuring one’s work in an orderly and transparent manner;  carrying it out with an eye for detail and accuracy. 
• Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards both personally and professionally: being incorruptible. 
• Sensitivity: Showing consideration, concern and respect for other people’s  attitudes, feelings, or circumstances and being aware of the influence of one’s own  behaviour on them. 
• Negotiating: Obtaining maximum results in situations of different interests so that  all parties accept and agree, and the relationship is not damaged. 
• Teamwork: Cooperating and working effectively to achieve a shared goal – even  when the topic involved does not directly serve one’s interests. 

Terms

A fixed salary will be offered to a successful candidate depending on qualifications and experience. The position is based in Mugumu, Serengeti with frequent visits to the field.

Additional benefits include

Basic housing, medical insurance and 30 days paid leave per annum.

This is a fixed contract of 12 months.

Mode of application: 

Candidates should submit a letter of intent describing how they qualify for this position, a CV, and three referees including contact phone numbers, and email addresses at their earliest convenience.

Deadline: May 10th, 2024.

Submit your application to FZS at: jobs.tanzania@fzs.org 

Only qualifying shortlisted candidates will be contacted.