Positions available

Structure of employment:
Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa)

Date of publication: 21st of October 2022

Background: 

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary works closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) who are the government body responsible for the forests of Liberia and together we have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that all 

Structure of employment:
Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa)

Date of publication: 21st of October 2022

Background: 

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary works closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) who are the government body responsible for the forests of Liberia and together we have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that all wildlife that is confiscated or relinquished is sent to the sanctuary (apart from chimpanzees). The aim is to then care for, rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible back to the wild. Since the sanctuary opened in 2017 there have been 69 different species through the sanctuary and 622 animals have been confiscated/relinquished and 303 have been released back into the wild. The species released have included the endangered black-bellied and white-bellied pangolins, reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, monitor lizards, tortoises, terrapins, turtles and chameleons), antelopes (black-backed duiker & water chevrotain), civet, mongoose, otter, squirrel and many birds (doves, eagles, hawks, parrot, heron, kite, vulture and eagle) including the CITES 1 protected Liberian Timney parrot. The taxa that have not been re-introduced into the wild are the non-human primates and this is because they need to be in social functioning groups before release. The sanctuary is currently home to 109 primates with an average of 2.5 per month entering per month (between February 2017 and March 2022). 

In a new project entitled ‘Introduction of orphaned sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) into the forest at Lake Piso, Liberia’ funded by WABiLED (USAID) we aim to successfully introduce a group of the sooty mangabeys at the sanctuary to Wacoloh Forest, Lake Piso. We will collaborate and raise awareness nationally and locally at Lake Piso and employ Ecoguards from the local area. The project will run from September 2022 to the end of February 2024. 

Job Description:

We are seeking a reliable and committed Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Officer to support the LiWiSa team and partners in our Libassa Office in ensuring effective implementation of WABiLED project and to deliver on project objectives through efficient tracking of project results and reporting. The M&E Officer will work closely with the director and the project manager for the various activities, and will be required to facilitate the implementation of an efficient and effective results-based M&E system, consistent with the donors’ M&E result-based tracking mechanisms. Knowledge about M&E donor procedures, in particular from USAID. 

Location: Kpan’s Town, Margibi County

Responsibilities: 

The MEL Officer will be responsible for data collection, collating, analysis, and reporting. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Director and Project manager, focal points for the different activities, other field staff, and beneficiaries, to follow MEL processes, protocols and reporting mechanisms as required by the WABiLED (USAID)-funded project to track results that lead to the achievement of the Project outcomes and  goals

Specifically, the MEL Officer will: 

· Work closely with the Director and Project Manager, all focal points, field staff and beneficiaries, to collect, analyse and consolidate data as well as verify the internal consistency and validity of data submitted by field staff and implementing partners

· Support planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities, including consultation, trainings, workshops, field activities etc. 

· Track project indicators consistent with LiWiSa’s project objectives 

· Follow M&E processes, protocols, and report mechanisms as required by the donors and LiWiSa

· Build the capacity of  LiWiSa staff, interns, and all implementing partners to collect, collate, store, analyze, and disseminate information based on results

· Ensure safe storage and management of project documents and data, as well as reporting as required

• Manage surveys and assessments      and ensure outcomes and lessons learned are integrated into the project      and shared with relevant stakeholders
• Work with the Project Manager to      document lessons learned from the project and share with relevant stakeholders

· Strengthen the evidence-based decision-making processes that leads to improved accountability from the field sites to within the LiWiSa

· Track implementation of the project’s Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan as well as the Climate Risk Management Plan.

· Fully support all project activities focusing on the successful release of the orphaned sooty mangabeys, as well as other activities related to the project

· Support communication and behavior change campaigns and independent monitoring

· Support the awareness raising on relevant national conservation laws and international conventions to which Liberia is a signatory 

· Support all gender-related policies and activities as required by donors

· Perform other duties as needed for the success of LiWiSa’s  project and as instructed by the Project Coordinator, Country Director and other assigned supervisors

Qualifications:

Required:

· University degree in a development field, monitoring and evaluation in natural resource, social science, economics, Business Administration, Statistics or relevant discipline

· Strong quantitative and qualitative skills

· Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a performance monitoring and/or evaluation role, preferably with an international NGO

· Experience with USAID funded projects and related M&E procedures, or with M&E procedures from other major donors (e.g. UKAID, EU)

· Proven success in designing, implementing and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages

· Previous experience with data quality assessments and oversight

· Demonstrated ability in data analysis, monitoring and evaluation of development activities

· Experience in developing results frameworks and logical frameworks

· Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies

· Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, word processing, spreadsheet programs and data base management, as well as statistical packages and statistical programs (e.g. SPSS) 

· Good knowledge in Kobocollect Toolbox Software or other electronic data collection tools

· Ability to organize and accurately handle multiple tasks 

· Proven experience with gender and social inclusion focused projects

Preferred:

· Working experience in the Lake Piso area

· Working experience with projects focusing on conservation, bio-diversity and Wildlife

Deadline for submission: 15th November at 5 pm. 

Applications (CV and Cover letter with two references) should be sent electronically with the subject line “Application M&E Officer”to susanwiperliwisa@gmail.com.

LiWiSa is an equal opportunity organization and especially encourages women to apply. 

Structure of employment:
Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa)

Date of publication: 21st of October 2022

Background: 

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary works closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) who are the government body responsible for the forests of Liberia and together we have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that all wi

Structure of employment:
Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa)

Date of publication: 21st of October 2022

Background: 

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary works closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) who are the government body responsible for the forests of Liberia and together we have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that all wildlife that is confiscated or relinquished is sent to the sanctuary (apart from chimpanzees). The aim is to then care for, rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible back to the wild. Since the sanctuary opened in 2017 there have been 69 different species through the sanctuary and 622 animals have been confiscated/relinquished and 303 have been released back into the wild. The species released have included the endangered black-bellied and white-bellied pangolins, reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, monitor lizards, tortoises, terrapins, turtles and chameleons), antelopes (black-backed duiker & water chevrotain), civet, mongoose, otter, squirrel and many birds (doves, eagles, hawks, parrot, heron, kite, vulture and eagle) including the CITES 1 protected Liberian Timney parrot. The taxa that have not been re-introduced into the wild are the non-human primates and this is because they need to be in social functioning groups before release. The sanctuary is currently home to 109 primates with an average of 2.5 per month entering per month (between February 2017 and March 2022). 

In a new project entitled ‘Introduction of orphaned sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) into the forest at Lake Piso, Liberia’ funded by WABiLED (USAID) we aim to successfully introduce a group of the sooty mangabeys at the sanctuary to Wacoloh Forest, Lake Piso. We will collaborate and raise awareness nationally and locally at Lake Piso and employ Ecoguards from the local area. The project will run from September 2022 to the end of February 2024. 

General Job Description:

We are seeking an honest and committed Administrative and Finance Officer to support the LiWiSa team in Kpan’s Town, Margibi County. The incumbent  will be required to work closely with the Country Director and the MEL officer. The s/he will be required to ensure that administration and accounting procedures are done in accordance with the project and LiWiSa procedures, as well as Liberian law and regulations. Knowledge about donor procedures, in particular from USAID and EU, is preferred.

Location:Libassa, K’pans Town, Margibi CountResponsibilities: 

ADMINISTRATION

- Ensure all administrative tasks for LiWiSa projects are completed

- Ensure the office supplies and running of office is efficient

- Support the procurement of goods and services

- Organize national and international travel for staff

- Take the lead in maintaining office inventory and monitor field office inventory

- Maintain records of leave and attendence of staff 

- Monitor vehicle log books

- Ensure all vehicles and motorbikes of LiWiSa are fully insured annually

- Develop and maintain updated service agreements data with vendors and partners

- Develop and maintain updated vendors listing

- Ensure good maintenance, care and cleanliness of the LiWiSa office

- Communicate with schools and educators that visit the sanctuary

- Liase with people who will come on sanctuary tours

FINANCIAL

- Prepare payment document and ensure all payments are done

- Weekly cash box control 

- Control monthly accounting

- Assist with the preparation of draft monthly accounting reports for LiWiSa activities 

- Prepare and support the performance of project audits

- Maintain filing of all receipts and accounting documents 

- Ensure all receipts and payments made are in accordance with LiWiSa regulation and project regulations

- Ensure all expenses made have adequate documentation

- Support project financial report preparation

- Maintain an up to date and acurate filing (both soft and hard) of all financial records in a lmited access aea

- Ensure timely and accurate reports to WABiLED

GENERAL

- Perform other duties as may be required by Management

Qualifications:

Required:

· Bachelor degree in Business Administration (Accounting option)or its equivalent

· Minimum of 4 years of experience in a similar position, preferably with an NGO

· Experience with administrative and financial donor procedures, in particular with USAID and EU

· Excellent computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

· Good communication and facilitation skills

· Good administration and interpersonal skills

· Fluency in English (oral and written)

· Very good knowledge of Liberian Labor law and procedures

· Hardworking, honest, detailed oriented, and able to multi-task effectively

· Ability to work well under pressure

Preferable

· Knowledge in M&E procedures

· Experience working with government partners

Deadline for submission: 

Applications (CV and Cover letter with two references) should be sent electronically with the subject line “Application Administrative & Finance Officer” to susanwiperliwisa@gmail.com by 5pm on the 15th November 2022.

LiWiSa is an equal opportunity organization and especially encourages women to apply. 

“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 140 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 140 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.