Vacancies and volunteering

Job Description  

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is a Liberian registered non-profit sanctuary that was established in 2017 in Margibi County, Liberia. It is the only sanctuary in Liberia that takes all animals apart from chimpanzees (they go to LCRP). The aim is to care for, rehabilitate and release back into protected areas the wildlif

Job Description  

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is a Liberian registered non-profit sanctuary that was established in 2017 in Margibi County, Liberia. It is the only sanctuary in Liberia that takes all animals apart from chimpanzees (they go to LCRP). The aim is to care for, rehabilitate and release back into protected areas the wildlife of Liberia. Since 2017 over 820 animals have come through the sanctuary consisting of 70 different species of birds, mammals and reptiles and we have released over 380 back into their natural habitat. 

The organisation is small but has a high impact currently employing 8 full-time team members and we are mentoring two year interns please look at our website https://libassawildlifesanctuary.org/our-team. The director will head up this small, dynamic team and report to the Board of Directors.  

Required qualifications, skills and experience

· A degree, preferably in a conservation/wildlife/project management/business management related subject and/or a wealth of experience in sanctuary management

· Practical experience in wild animal husbandry, care and rehabilitation

· Skills in animal management, preferably with several years’ experience working in Africa and running an NGO.

· Experience in developing and managing projects, people, teams, finance, budgets and administration

· A huge passion for wildlife conservation

· Be able to inspire and lead by example and have the ability to empower the team by encouraging them to progress, prosper & lead

· Ability to communicate and adapt to a wide variety of audiences and circumstances

· Fluent in verbal and written English

· Excellent organisational skills

· Excellent problem solving skills

· Capable of working long hours as the position requires

· Driving licence an advantage

Key responsibilities

Administration 

· Provide day-to-day leadership and administrative management in the support of the implementation of Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary programmes. 

· Be responsible for and aid the manager in team management, development, discipline, welfare and motivation.

· Be responsible for managing key relationships with the Liberian government, NGO’s, donors and other stakeholders on a national and international level.

· Produce monthly, quarterly and yearly reports dependant on the board and other donor requirements. 

· Ensure the social media is current and up-to-date.

· Write grant and funding proposals to support the sanctuary and ensure continuous funding.

· Attend meetings both national and international to ensure the sanctuary is represented and up-to-date at all times. 

Finances

· Maintain the finances of the sanctuary on a monthly basis

· Authorise the expenditure of the sanctuary and maintain records on a daily basis

· Authorise and manage the funding 

· Authorise and monitor the finances of major and minor works and renovations at the sanctuary

· Ensure all finances of funds and grants are completed to donor requirements

Wildlife 

· Liaise with the government in confiscations to ensure the wellbeing of animals from seizure to arrival at the sanctuary 

· Along with the vet and manager ensure the welfare of all animals at the sanctuary is the priority at all times. 

· Liaise with the government when animals are ready to be released to get permission and their assistance in the process.

· Facilitate and participate in donor/supporters visits to the sanctuary and project sites in conjunction with all participating parties

· Raise awareness in the many different facets of Liberian wildlife including: The Law, zoonotic diseases, conservation, wildlife trafficking, conservation, biodiversity etc. 

What the sanctuary will provide:

· Salary will be commensurate with experience

· Food and accommodation on site

· Entry and working visa

· Internet

· Free access to Libassa Eco Lodge www.libassa.com

What you will need to provide:

· Flight (reimbursed after 12 months)

· Vaccinations and covid certificate

· Health Insurance

Application Process

Applicants should email their letter of motivation, current CV and two referees to contact to Susan Wiper via susanwiperliwisa@gmail.com

Earliest possible start date is 1 October 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview 

“Something challenging, something unique, no two days are the same”

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 130 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary officially opened in 2017 after the government passed an act in October 2016 making it ill

“Something challenging, something unique, no two days are the same”

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 130 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary officially opened in 2017 after the government passed an act in October 2016 making it illegal to hunt, buy, sell, capture, eat or have as a pet any wildlife. From critically endangered pangolins to different monkey species, duikers and reptiles; every animal species confiscated by the government is brought to this sanctuary (excluding chimpanzees). Working at Libassa wildlife sanctuary will give you a real hands-on glimpse into the life of an African sanctuary.

Volunteering positions at the sanctuary are not for the faint-hearted: hard work, lack of first-world luxuries, a tough environment/climate, etc., long hours and unpredictability makes the position tough but exciting for the right people. We are looking for people who can handle and enjoy it at the same time. 

What Libassa is looking for: 

- Be a hardworking, flexible individual who enjoy a challenge

- Good at working in a team and also on your own

- Hygiene and attention to detail are paramount when working with animals

- You have the team spirit to ensure animal welfare with our local team

- The English language isn’t a problem for you

- You won’t sit down if there is a day without tasks, you always seek work to be done

- You will be an ambassador to the sanctuary and be positive and enthusiastic at all times

A little more information about the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary: www.libassawildlifesanctuary.org 

- Home to more than 130 animals (We have had 70 different species at the sanctuary since 2017. 

- Main goal: restore their health - rehabilitation - release

- Most animals brought to the sanctuary are either very young (taken from their mothers to be sold as a pet) and/or require wound care (caught in traps for bushmeat or in the wrong hands for too long)

- Since our goal is to release animals we have as limited human-animal interaction as possible - except for the youngest monkeys who need a surrogate mother/father

What Libassa will provide for you:

- Accommodation and food (3 meals a day)

- Transfer to and from the airport

- Limited internet (depends on service)

- Weekly visit to supermarket

- Access to Libassa Eco Lodge https://www.libassa.com/ 

What you will need to provide for yourself:

- Flight ticket

- Visa

- Vaccinations and covid tests

- Health insurance

Cost for volunteers payable to Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary: 2 weeks - $900 US, 3 weeks - $ 1,100,  4 weeks - $1,300, 8 weeks - $ 2,000

For further information please contact Susan Wiper, Director, email: susanwiperliwisa@gmail.