Expedition Leader For The Wilderness Project (Conservation) Closing Date : 15-November Pan Afri[...]

Tfcaportal; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 686 000 - 1 030 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization is seeking an Expedition Leader to conduct and oversee river-based expeditions across Sub-Saharan Africa. This role demands robust logistical planning and leadership skills, as well as the ability to work in challenging environments. Ideal candidates will have a relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent field experience, expertise in team management, and a knack for scientific data analysis. Regular travel throughout Africa is a core aspect of this position.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in remote locations.
• Strong logistical planning skills and experience.
• Ability to analyze data and write reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee river expeditions and research projects.
• Manage scientific studies ensuring compliance and quality.
• Develop proposals for future expeditions.

Skills

Logistical planning

Data analysis

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Physical fitness

Education

MSc or PhD in relevant field

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Google Workspace

Job description

Overview

Expedition Leader for The Wilderness Project

Organisation : The Wilderness Project

Sector : Conservation

Location : Pan Africa, South Africa

Closing date : 15 November

The Expedition Leader will conduct active river-based expeditions, leading research and expedition teams to fulfill TWP's science and research objectives across the major river basins of Sub-Saharan Africa—the Nile, Okavango, Congo, and Zambezi.

This role requires regular travel throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC, and South Sudan for fieldwork, expeditions, meetings, and conferences.

The position involves spending approximately half the year away from home.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee river and field expeditions aligned with TWP's mission and vision, primarily using the 21st Century River Baselines methodology
• Manage teams conducting scientific studies and research, ensuring compliance with methodologies, quality control standards, and scientific reporting requirements
• Collaborate with researchers, communications staff, and report writers to complete scientific data analysis and compile reports and publicly accessible datasets
• Plan, build, and manage river and land-based teams
• Lead reconnaissance, planning, and operational execution of expeditions
• Analyse data and write reports immediately following research expeditions
• Develop proposals and content for future expeditions
• Identify, develop, and manage boat captains, camp managers, and researchers to build expeditionary teams
• Build capacity within in-country departments and universities
• Work with management and research teams to assess and prioritise future expeditions towards the goal of completing river baselines
• Establish and maintain research permits and MOUs with relevant organisations
• Liaise with scientific collaborators regarding expedition timeframes and objectives
• Ensure field studies meet both scientific standards and TWP requirements
• Represent TWP at scientific meetings and conferences to build organisational awareness within the research community
• Produce monthly reports summarizing activities and outlining upcoming plans

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Operations Manager on operational matters related to river expeditions and other TWP activities.

Works closely with logistics and land support teams on expedition operations and field research communications.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education

MSc or PhD in an appropriate field (desirable but not essential)

Experience

Leading teams in remote and challenging environments

Strong logistical planning and organisational skills

Technical Skills

Proficiency with MS Office, GIS, and Google Workspace tools (Sheets, Docs)

Strong numerical and data analysis abilities

Valid driver's license with 4x4 driving experience

Personal Attributes

Comfortable camping and working outdoors in the wild

Physical fitness to perform work in rugged terrain

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong attention to detail and time management

Professional yet approachable demeanor when engaging with stakeholders

Proactive, enthusiastic problem-solver able to work independently and within culturally diverse teams

Hands-on and motivated to achieve personal and team goals

Research-oriented with an adaptive, forward-thinking approach

Accountable and willing to set and meet work goals

Flexible and adaptable to change