Job Description
Join African Bat Conservation (ABC) as a Research Assistant in Malawi!
African Bat Conservation (ABC) is a dynamic non-profit conservation research project based in Malawi, operating under the UK Charity Conservation Research Africa (CRA) and in partnership with the University of Bath, UK. We are dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats through applied research, education and awareness, and capacity building.
We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Research Assistant to join our team and contribute to our long-term conservation efforts across Malawi. This post offers an incredible opportunity for career development for a researcher who is interested in applied conservation biology, bats, and human-wildlife conflict.
ABC conducts research on bats across Malawi, from rural field sites to urban areas of Lilongwe, as part of our long-term applied conservation research project. Our work includes bat monitoring through trapping and roost surveys, bat box programs, and, at certain times of the year, radio-tracking bats. We also engage in community outreach, providing advice and practical solutions to mitigate human-bat conflicts.
About the Role
As a Research Assistant, you will play a key role in conducting field research, community outreach, and data management across multiple sites in Malawi. Your work will directly contribute to the conservation of bats and the ecosystems they support.
Key Responsibilities
The post-holder will work under the supervision of our Research Manager and alongside our ABC Community Outreach team. They will conduct field work at night and in the day, including:
- Bat harp trapping, mist netting, and acoustic surveys.
- Roost surveys.
- Community outreach visits to educate local communities on bat conservation and implement conflict mitigation strategies.
- Tagging and radio-tracking bats (at certain times of year).
- Bat box surveys.
- Vegetation surveys.
- Manage and maintain data using Microsoft Access.
- Create and edit habitat and roost maps in QGIS.
- Manage volunteers and volunteer schedules.
- Work closely and co-operatively with other team members and partner organisations.
- Fulfil all administrative and budget requirements on time and accurately.
- Maintain accurate records of work activities and data entry.
- Contribute to project reports, newsletters, bulletins etc. as required.
Essential Qualifications
- A BSc in conservation biology, zoology, biology, or related field.
- Experience of working and living in field-based environments, preferably in Africa.
- Experience in field research, particularly with bats.
- A valid driving license.
- Strong data collection and management skills, with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
For the full list of qualifications and requirements, please refer to the application pack on our website.
Conditions
- Contract period: 8 months, starting March / April 2025 (or later if not filled sooner).
- Hours: Full-time, flexible working hours, 5 days per week, with additional days and night work as required.
- Location: The location is flexible based on project needs, with you potentially being based at our camp in Lilongwe, Kuti Wildlife Reserve, or other sites as required. Much of the upcoming work is likely to involve extended periods in the south of Malawi.
- Support Provided: Accommodation, meals, and limited personal use of a project vehicle during your contract. Please note that this is an unpaid position.
How to Apply
For more information about the role and to apply, please visit our website: https://www.africanbatconservation.org/vacancies