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

Tfcaportal; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 854 000 - 1 197 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in South Africa is looking for an Expedition Leader to conduct river expeditions across Sub-Saharan Africa. This role involves leading research teams, managing logistics, and ensuring compliance with scientific standards. Candidates should have strong leadership abilities, logistical planning skills, and be comfortable working in challenging environments. This position requires extensive travel and time away from home.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in remote environments.
• Proficient in logistical planning and organization.
• Valid driver's license with 4x4 driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee river and field expeditions.
• Manage teams and ensure compliance with research standards.
• Produce monthly reports summarizing expedition activities.

Skills

Logistical planning

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

MSc or PhD in a 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 toward 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.