Assessment of the Economic and Social Drivers of Wildlife Harvest in the Niokolo Parc in Senegal

Background
 

The harvest of wildlife for human consumption is valued at several billion dollars annually and provides an essential source of meat for hundreds of millions of rural people living in poverty. 

This harvest is also considered among the greatest threats to biodiversity throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Economic development is often proposed as an essential first step to win–win solutions for poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation by breaking rural reliance on wildlife. 

However, increases in wealth may accelerate consumption and extend the scale and efficiency of wildlife harvest, unsustainable harvest can have catastrophic consequences for ecosystems and the services and livelihoods that they provide. 

There is however is a very weak understanding of major factors that determine the scale of human reliance to wildlife, such understanding is very important to predict the species at risk and formulate appropriate strategy for their conservation and provide alternatives to the population leaving around the protected areas.
 

We therefore seeking for a expert to undertake an Assessment of the Economic and Social Drivers of Wildlife Harvest in the Niokolo Parc in Senegal, identify species at risk and propose intervention entry points for their conservation.
 

Major duties and responsibilities
 

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Animal Production Officer, the incumbents will conduct an assessment of the impact of bush meat hunting on wildlife populations at the interface of the Niokolo Complex.
 

The consultants shall then:

• Assess the quantity of bush meat harvest the Niokolo Complex by species
• Assess the economic social and geographical drivers of these harvest
• Base on previous data assess and predict the consequences of these harvest on the biodiversity of the park
• Propose intervention entry points for the sustainability of the harvest and the conservation of the biodiversity in and around the park

Qualifications
 

The incumbent will have a university degree in Animal Sciences and/or a post-graduate degree with specialization in wildlife, socio-economics or a closely related field.
 

Experience

• At least three years of working experience in socio-economics or related fields and demonstrated sound understanding of wildlife and associated issues;
• Experience in dealing with government officials, international environmental/wildlife organizations, technical experts and communities is required;
• Competency in use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analyses and internet is required.

Skills and Competencies

• Good communication skills necessary for dealing with government officials, international environmental/wildlife organizations, technical experts and communities;
• Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.

Language requirement

• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement. 
• Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage. 
• ENGLISH & FRENCH

Contract duration:
 

The contract will be for 30 working days.
 

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

Application
 

To apply, please submit the following:
 

a. A letter stating your motivation for the assignment, your understanding of the TORs and a proposed methodology;
 

b. A detailed and updated CV indicating your nationality, age and gender, experience;
 

c. Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three referees;
 

d. Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic qualifications.
 

Applications must be received not later than 27th September 2013 and should be addressed to:
E-mail: l.costa@aesagroup.eu ; and a copy to g.amolo@aesagroup.eu

Successful candidate will be notified by email.