Education and Community Coordinator

Location: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone, West AfricaPosition: Education and Community CoordinatorReports to: Conservation ManagerStart Date: ASAP (no later than 1 October 2026)Minimum Commitment: 1 yearBackgroundTacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) was established in 1995 by Mr Bala Amarasekaran to rescueand protect western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), now classified as Critically Endangered.TCS currently cares for approximately 120 resident chimpanzees.Recognising that long-term chimpanzee conservation requires addressing the causes of wildlife loss,TCS established its Community Outreach Department in 2011.

The programme now combinesbiodiversity and socio-economic research, environmental education, community engagement andconservation awareness across multiple landscapes in Sierra Leone.Education is a central component of TCS's work and includes school programmes, Roots & Shootsclubs, the Tacugama Environmental Education Programme (TKEEP), community workshops andawareness activities with rural and urban communities.The VacancyThe Education and Community Coordinator will work closely with approximately 10 outreach officersand report to the Conservation Manager. The role will lead and strengthen TCS's education andcommunity programmes, while supporting research, monitoring and evaluation, project managementand staff capacity building.Approximately 10 days per month will be spent in the field, including travel to rural communitiesand project locations where accommodation will either be in tents or local houses.Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of engaging environmental education content for schools,TKEEP, Roots & Shoots clubs, nature clubs and community groups.
• Develop educational activities and training resources for different age groups and audiences.
• Conduct and support school visits, community workshops, awareness sessions and nature clubactivities.
• Support community engagement and conservation awareness activities acrossTCS project landscapes.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with communities, local government, ParamountChiefs, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and implement appropriate Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning systems foreducation and community programmes.
• Ensure activities are culturally appropriate, inclusive and responsive to local priorities.
• Support community-led conservation and sustainable livelihood initiatives, includingbeekeeping, tree nurseries, agroforestry and sustainable farming practices.
• Manage and analyse data collected through schools, communities, nature clubs and otherinterventions.
• Support socio-economic research and the SAPA (Social Assessment for Protected andConserved Areas) where required.
• Develop activity plans, budgets, financial reports and timelines and monitor project progress.
• Coordinate field logistics, salary payments, transport, equipment and materials.
• Prepare project reports and contribute to donor and partner reporting.
• Identify training needs and provide regular capacity building for outreach officers.
• Assist the Conservation Manager as required.Person SpecificationEssential
• Master's degree in Education, Conservation, Anthropology, Socio-Economic Studies,International Development, Community Development or a related field.
• Experience developing and delivering education or community-based programmes.
• Strong organisational, project-management and communication skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• High level of adaptability and critical-thinking skills.
• Experience collecting, managing and analysing data.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office; experience with KoboToolbox and R Softwareis desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability and willingness to live and work in remote communities and travel regularly withinSierra Leone.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of one year.Desirable
• Experience working with schools or environmental education programmes.
• Experience working with rural communities and community development or livelihoodprogrammes.
• Experience conducting socio-economic research or participatory research.
• Experience with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
• Experience working with protected areas or conservation organisations.
• Experience managing or supervising a team in West Africa.
• Experience developing grant proposals and donor reports.
• Knowledge of conservation issues in Sierra Leone or West Africa.ContractThis is a full-time position, working 09:00–17:00, six days per week.If the successful applicant does not live in Sierra Leone, the contract will include: on-siteaccommodation; one African style meal per day; annual return airfare (subject to contract completion).