Research Officer – ReTTA
Vacancy #: 6549
Unit: TRAFFIC Southern Africa
Organization: TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location: TRAFFIC – Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
This role can be located in Pretoria, South Africa; Arusha, Tanzania or Yaounde, Cameroon
Reporting to: Project Leader
Work percentage: 100%

Grade: P1
Expected start date: 01 September 2023
Type of contract: Fixed-term (18 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 07 August 2023
BACKGROUND
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through program offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Program offices operate within a geographic area of ​​responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority program outcomes. TRAFFIC works in strategic alliance with IUCN and WWF on wildlife trade issues.

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 equivalent to USD 30,000 to USD 40,000 pa converted to local currency on appointment (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 trade, particularly to Asia;
• Provide support to other related projects in the regions, where necessary.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE ROLE

• Agree, 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 organized crime;
• Strong research and analytical background including research in the field;
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in essential English;
• Track record of peer reviewed publications/project outputs.

APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at:

https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=10587