National Wildlife Poisoning Response Protocol Consultant

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BirdWatch Zambia (BWZ) formerly Zambian Ornithological Society (ZOS), holds a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism and Arts (MoTA) through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to stimulate the research and conservation of birds in Zambia. BWZ is a membership-based environmental NGO established in 1969. BWZ is a member of a global environmental and conservation partnership through its membership of BirdLife International. Our objective is to promote the study, conservation, and general interest in birds and their habitats in Zambia. Zambia has 42 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) on which BWZ acts through its four thematic areas.
Our programmes are focused on habitat monitoring and restoration, research, species protection and development, education, advocacy and policy engagement as well as climate change.
BWZ’s species and protection programme uses Zambia’s flagship species as indicators of the health of various ecosystems in which they occur. Vultures stand out as a flagship species because of their global significance which relates to their unique and irreplaceable nature of feeding on carcasses and other natural waste, thereby keeping ecosystems healthy. Despite this vital natural function, vultures are considered to be one of the most threatened functional groups of birds around the world. Across their vast ranges in Africa, vultures are declining at devastating rates of between 70% and 97% (92% or worse in 5 species) over a period of three generations, with seven formerly abundant species now globally threatened with extinction. Zambia hosts 7 species of vultures, 4 of which are confirmed breeding in Zambia, namely; the White-backed vulture (critically endangered), Hooded vulture (critically endangered), Lappet-faced vulture (endangered) and White-headed vulture (critically endangered).

To address this, BWZ invests in efforts that focus on education and awareness, research, policy and advocacy, and monitoring to ensure that informed decisions are made to conserve vultures.
BirdWatch Zambia is implementing a project titled “Building multi-sectoral capacity to tackle illegal wildlife poisoning: poaching and conflict in the world’s largest Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA)” supported by EuropeanAid and OACPS Secretariat through BIOPAMA. The project is aimed at reducing poison related vulture deaths (and consequently other wildlife species deaths) in three African poisoning ‘hotspot’ countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana). This is in an effort to contribute towards the halting and long-term reversal of vulture declines in Africa stemming from wildlife poisoning across the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Wildlife poisoning cases must be treated as an emergency that requires multidisciplinary response to:
1. Prevent further poisoning and wildlife losses.
2. Save the affected species by treatment or rescue.
3. Minimize environmental contamination.
4. Assist to systematically collate information to support prosecution and other necessary interventions.
This consultancy seeks to develop a National Poisoning Response Protocol document in line with best practices in dealing with wildlife poisoning, and in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the above-mentioned project. The response protocol will streamline responses from multiple stakeholders, providing guidelines to ensure; orderly, thorough and procedurally lawful handling of wildlife poisoning incidents in order to inform other appropriate actions.

Consultancy Objective
The objective of the consultancy is to compile and develop national protocols for collecting evidence, managing/decontaminating and monitoring wildlife poisoning incidents, i.e., handling of contaminated carcasses and surroundings, collection of samples in order to facilitate toxicology tests to identify substances used in to poison wildlife, to obtain suitable evidence upon which offenders will be convicted, and to inform further action by relevant authorities.

Scope of Work
The consultancy is to steer and compile National Poisoning Response Protocols for correct management of a wildlife poisoning crime to obtain suitable evidence upon which to convict offenders, as well as provide a system for data gathering to inform decision making.
This is to be done through a multi-stakeholder engagement process and review of sector best practices from other countries around the region. The consultant will review Poison Response Protocols and frameworks used in partner countries (through lesson sharing) as a basis for consultations with key stakeholders to ensure the developed guidelines address wildlife poisoning incidents in Zambia.

Duration – 3 months
Specific tasks
Working closely with the Species Conservation Officer and Programme Manager, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks within a period of 3 months;
1. Reviewing response protocols and frameworks used in partner countries in order to develop a National Poisoning Response Protocol document in line with requirements for the above-mentioned project for all handlers of poisoning incidents to follow proper procedures.
2. Engage stakeholders from various institutions through physical meetings and workshops to elicit input for the National Poisoning Response Protocol.
3. Organize and undertake stakeholder analysis to bring out the roles and responsibilities of key players and institutions that play a vital role in responding to wildlife poisoning.
4. In consultation with the Project Team, prepare a comprehensive draft of national rapid response protocols, incorporating all the inputs from stakeholder with contents to include;
– Preventing further poisoning and wildlife losses
– Saving the affected species by treatment or rescue
– Collecting samples for laboratory tests
– Minimizing environmental contamination and
– Assisting to systematically collate information to support prosecution where necessary
5. Facilitate working group consultations (organized by BirdWatch Zambia) for the purpose of presenting progress and adoption of the draft by key stakeholders.
6. Engage stakeholders from key institutions to implement components of response protocol.
Key Deliverables
1. A well-written and comprehensive report at the end of the contract.
2. Minutes for every workshop/meeting with stakeholders.
3. A National Wildlife Poisoning Response Protocol document.

Required Technical Qualifications and Experience
• A Master’s Degree or PhD in Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Ornithology, Zoology or any related field.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in conservation.
• Stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation experience required.
• Demonstrated experience in compiling or inputting in national documents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated oral, writing and presentation skills in English Language are a must.
• A good understanding of birds and their habitats. A good understanding of vultures is an added advantage.
• An understanding of the scope of wildlife poisoning issues in Zambia.
• A proven track record on sustainable biodiversity conservation, strategic planning, program and project development and management of conservation projects, preferably at international level.

Desired Skills and Competencies
• Independent, pro-active in thinking and innovative.
• Strong interest in nature conservation and the mission of BirdWatch Zambia.
• Adherence to BirdWatch values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
• Detail-oriented.
• Have the ability to work at a fast pace and meet deadlines.
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent writing skills.

Line Management
The incumbent will report to the Programme Manager. He/she will also work in close partnership with the species conservation officer for a period of 3 months.
Application: Applications should include a cover letter summarizing why the applicant is suitable for the position, a detailed CV and contact details of two referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity. Applications should be sent by email to: bwz.vultures@gmail.com marking your application with “National Wildlife Poisoning Response Protocol Developer Consultant” in the subject line.
The consultant is to be based full-time in Lusaka.
Applications will be received until the 18th March 2022 COB.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.