Research Officer – ReTTA

PROJECT BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is implementing a five-year project, Reducing Trade Threats to Africa’s wild species and ecosystems (RETTA). The project’s purpose is to strengthen actions to conserve and protect wildlife populations, areas of high biodiversity, and communities in Africa threatened by illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade, with a particular focus on trade to Asia. The project duration is 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2025. As the project enters its fourth year of implementation, TRAFFIC is seeking an experienced Project Officer to join the Southern African section of the ReTTA team.

The salary range for this position will be USD 30,000 – USD 40,000 p.a. dependent on skills and experience

JOB DESCRIPTION

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

The successful candidate will undertake research on wildlife trade, within the Southern Africa region. However, the candidate will also be expected to support the team activities in East and Central Africa where necessary. The executant will identify actions designed to reduce illegal or unsustainable trade within Africa and between Africa, Asia, other regions and major international wildlife markets. They will ensure the effective delivery of the project in Southern Africa in close collaboration with the overall RETTA Project Leader

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Develop and undertake research on wildlife trade in Southern Africa, carry our market surveys including internet surveys, field work, conduct interviews and literature reviews.
• Compile reports, briefing papers and other communication outputs.
• Develop recommendations for actions to address illegal and unsustainable trade and encourage uptake in the region.
• Develop concepts and proposals to help leverage additional funding and technical resources that will be required to ensure the successful delivery and continuation of the project;
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to strengthen regional approaches to addressing the trans-continental illegal wildlife trade, particularly to Asia;
• Provide support to other related projects in the regions, where necessary.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE ROLE

• Convene, facilitate and/or chair meetings and workshops, and consolidate relationships with potential project collaborators;
• Collaborate and maintain strong internal relationships with TRAFFIC regional teams in Africa and globally, ensuring all actions are synergistic, complementary and demonstrate value for money;
• Ensure the technical quality and timely delivery of planned activities;
• Ensure adherence to TRAFFIC’s research and data management protocols;
• Ensure data collection for the TRAFFIC Information System.

REQUIREMENTS

• A university Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline demonstrating understanding of the subject area;
• Significant professional work experience relevant to nature conservation and/or wildlife trade and transnational organised crime;
• Strong research and analytical background including research in the field;
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in English essential;
• Track record of peer reviewed publications/project outputs.