Call For Applications: Women in Conservation Technology Program 2024

Are you an emerging conservationist looking to leverage new technologies in your conservation practice and to become part of an empowering network of female conservation leaders? Apply now for the Women in Conservation Technology Programme 2024! They are seeking ten early-career Tanzanian women to participate in a six-month program that includes two in-person workshops and virtual training courses. These sessions will equip you with foundational skills in technological solutions to overcome pressing wildlife conservation challenges.

Details

Participants will attend two in-person workshops at the RISE field institute in the Serengeti. During the five-month interim between workshops, the organizers will facilitate virtual skills-building and professional development training. After completing the program, participants will have ongoing opportunities to engage with their cohort, the Women in Conservation Technology alumni community, and broader networks of women and conservational professionals across East Africa.

The first workshop, scheduled for June 3-7, 2024 (arrive June 2 and depart June 8), will offer a hands-on introduction to hardware and software tools currently used for wildlife monitoring, wildlife protection, and human-wildlife mitigation. Led by field experts, this workshop will also include leadership training and networking sessions where participants can connect with established female leaders in the East African conservation technology sector.

Over the subsequent five months, the program will support the participants as they apply and integrate technological tools into their conservation practice. Participants will take part in virtual training on WILDLABS to further develop their conservation tech skill sets while maintaining active connections with their cohort and mentors.

The cohort will reconvene for a three-day workshop on December 4-6, 2024 (arrive Dec 3 and depart Dec 7) on innovation and impact, exploring emerging tools and the future of the conservation technology sector. Participants will share their experiences on applying conservation technology tools in their work, highlighting their challenges, and successes, and defining their future goals as conservation technology leaders.

And after the program’s conclusion, WILDLABS will serve as a vital hub for continued support, connection, and collaboration. Through dedicated virtual groups, our alumni network can sustain connections and access a global audience of fellow conservation technology practitioners. This platform offers opportunities to share conservation journeys, form new collaborations, and highlight the positive impacts of technology in the field that will reach the worldwide WILDLABS community.

Benefits:

• Up to ten participants will be funded for in-country travel and on-site accommodation during the two in-person workshops. Contributions to childcare costs during these sessions are possible. Participants are required to attend the complete range of program dates (workshop 1: June 2-8; workshop 2: December 3-7) and must submit a letter of support from their current supervisor acknowledging that the applicant has secured permission to attend both in-person and virtual training.
• A certificate will be issued upon completion.

Eligibility Criteria:

This program is designed for early-career women in the conservation field. Applicants must:

• Be a Tanzanian national and identify as a woman.
• Be at least 18 years old and have completed a Diploma or B.Sc. in Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Environmental Science, Zoology or a related area.
• Have less than three years of professional experience in the conservation field (not including time spent on education).
• Be passionate about conservation and curious about technology. Individuals with a demonstrated interest in securing a position as a research assistant, field program staff, or pursuing an advanced degree related to conservation science are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Individuals already employed with a conservation organization are encouraged to apply, with the support of their supervisor.
• Be able to commit to both in-person workshops and participate in virtual programming.

Application Process

Applicants must apply using the application form and attach the following supplementary materials:

• WILDLABS account username. If you don’t have an account yet, take the time to create one here https://wildlabs.net/user/register 
• Scanned copy of Diploma/B.Sc./M.Sc. certificates.
• Copy of National Identification Card, Passport or valid Driver’s License.
• CV/Resume (max 2 pages).
• One letter of reference from a lecturer, employer, or mentor that can speak to your career aspirations and interests.
  • Guidance for reference letters – Referrees should clarify their relationship with the applicant in their letter and comment upon the applicant’s suitability for this position and how it would benefit their career goals. Address the letter to RISE at Grumeti Fund. 
• Signed permission from your current supervisor explicitly acknowledging permission to attend both in-person workshops (June 2-8 2024; Dec 3-7 2024) and to participate in virtual programming. Letters that do not include acknowledgment of specific dates will not be accepted.

Deadline: April 19, 2024

Click HERE to Apply