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

Tfcaportal; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking an Expedition Leader to conduct river-based expeditions across Sub-Saharan Africa. This role involves leading research teams, managing data analysis, and ensuring the success of research objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong logistical skills, team leadership experience, and proficiency in relevant technical tools. This position requires extensive travel and fieldwork in remote areas, demanding a proactive and adaptive mindset.

Qualifications

• Leading teams in remote environments.
• Proficiency with MS Office and GIS tools.
• Strong logistics and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee river and field expeditions.
• Manage teams conducting scientific studies and research.
• Lead planning and operational execution of expeditions.

Skills

Logistical planning

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team leadership

4x4 driving experience

Education

MSc or PhD in an appropriate field (desirable)

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 by
• 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