We are looking for a

Project assignment for a Nature Conservation Consultant - Born to be Wild (temporary contract or freelance agreement)

An interesting and unique opportunity for a nature conservation consultant to work together with AAP!

AAP is committed to many exotic animals in Europe. One of the specific species we have been committed to for many years is the barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) This started with taking in dozens of animals at our shelters in the Netherlands and Spain for years. Because we strive for sustainable solutions, in recent years we have invested in a comprehensive approach to stop the illegal trade in these animals once and for all and save the species from extinction. In doing so, much progress has been made, but we have unfortunately had to conclude that we are not there yet. To secure the progression and build towards a sustainable solution where AAP's efforts are no longer needed, we are looking for a conservation consultant who can help us make this project a success.

This project concerns the ' odd duck', a special activity for AAP, as we are an animal welfare organization. With this project, we find that there are strong interfaces with conservation. Not least because the population of barbary macaques in their natural habitat has declined drastically. But also, because the activities we have deployed in Morocco (including education and habitat restoration) are important components of the National Action Plan drawn up by the Moroccan government. If you are excited by the same objectives, please read on!

What is the brief?

We are looking for someone to evaluate the ongoing project and give us advice on how to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves in the future. The focus is on sustainable protection of the Barbary ape in the wild and stopping illegal trade in this primate species. Preferably, we work towards a future where responsibility is placed with local partners and AAP's role needs to be minimal.

To do so, we ask you to:

• evaluate the " Born to Be Wild project" in a qualitive way
• provide an analysis of the current state of affairs
• establish an integrated plan for the follow-up

What is your profile?

You have:

• by experience in species conservation ex-situ including human wildlife conflict and illegal wildlife trade.
• extensive knowledge and experience with similar projects
• extensive knowledge and experience in project management with a focus on evaluation
• extensive knowledge and experience in working with and in (North) African culture
• preferably French or Arabic-speaking

In addition, you are:

• accessible, you know how to connect internal and external stakeholders through your accessibility and motivate them to contribute to AAP's goal from their perspective
• dedicated, you are intrinsically motivated to bring this project to a successful conclusion from A to Z
• decisive, you combine planned thinking with a bold approach, you present opportunities to realise breakthroughs for decision-making.

Place in the organization

• Given the special nature of the project, you will initially be placed directly under the management of AAP. Depending on the development of the plans, the place in the organization may be reconsidered and placed elsewhere in the organization.

What do we offer?

• Given the nature and duration of the assignment, a temporary (part-time) contract. Based on further analysis and availability, hours and duration can be determined by mutual agreement. We estimate the assignment may take a period of approximately 2 months.
• The assignment can be done as an employee or in a freelance construction.
• An inspiring workplace in the green heart of Almere, a short travel distance from Amsterdam and Utrecht. You are able to travel to Morocco several times as well.
• A position with social relevance in an international working environment.
• A professional working environment that encourages and supports dedication, accessibility and decisiveness.
• If employed, the profile would fall within scale 8 involving a salary range of approximately EUR 3834 to EUR 4600 gross (based on 40 hours per week), depending on experience. This does not include holiday allowance of 8%. And 24 holidays per year on a full-time basis (pro rata for part-time contracts). AAP has a sustainable pension scheme.
• A good travel allowance, with also the possibility to work partly from home, and travel and accommodation costs of business trips are of course also reimbursed within the AAP guidelines.

More information

For more information about AAP and the project, please visit the Born to be Wild project information on our website or contact Erik Peeters, Statutory Director of AAP (erik.peeters@aap.nl) for questions about the procedure. Until 11 July you can also reach Eva Schippers for questions about the assignment or the project (email: eva.schipper@aap.nl). Feel free to reach out to AAP in Almere via telephone on the number 036-5238787. You can apply by using the application button on this page and uploading your resume and motivation. The closing date is 12 July 2024. 

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.