Principal Research Scientist I - 3 Posts at Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI)

ADVERT REF. NO. WRTI/01/2026

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Senior Principal Research Scientist II, the job holder is responsible for undertaking a full scientific research cycle from research gap analysis to designing competitive concepts and proposals for grants and fund-raising, collecting and analysing data; translating findings into management and policy briefs that enhance wildlife management, reduce disease risks, and promote co-existence and resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate the formulation, implementation and review of wildlife research policies, strategy frameworks, standards, regulations, plans, guidelines and procedures.
• Oversee the development and implementation of wildlife research and monitoring programmes including ecological monitoring and disease surveillance, prevention and control activities.
• Coordinate and undertake continuous monitoring of wildlife and ecosystem health.
• Conduct studies on livelihoods, human-wildlife co-existence, benefit sharing schemes,
• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and community attitudes.
• Coordinate wildlife research data collation, synthesis and translation into management reports and policy briefs for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation, and disseminate to stakeholders.
• Initiate the development of research funding proposals and resource mobilization for implementation of wildlife research programs.
• Establish collaborations and partnerships with other institutions and stakeholders for information sharing, networking, innovations and technology transfer, and product development to support wildlife conservation and management.
• Coordinate the dissemination of scientific policy briefs and publications for utilization of the information.
• Identify wildlife research gaps and priorities through engagement of relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee the provision of information on early warning systems, disaster management, impacts and mitigation and adaptive strategies to climate change in wildlife conservation areas.
• Oversee the promotion of utilization and enterprise development of wildlife research findings.
• Participate in wildlife research symposia, conferences, workshops and other meetings to promote exchange of views on issues relating to wildlife research.
• Perform any other functions as may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

For appointment to this position, a candidate must have:

• Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following disciplines: Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Botany & Zoology, Veterinary Medicine, Marine Biology & Oceanography, Marine Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Master of Science in any of the following disciplines: Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Limnology, Botany & Zoology, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Marine Sciences, Biological Sciences, Forest Management, Wildlife Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been at the level of Research Scientist or in a comparable position.
• Published at least eight (8) scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters.
• Demonstrated a high degree of integrity, professional competence and capability for funds/grants mobilisation.
• Demonstrated skills in statistics and data analytics will be an added advantage.
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Membership to a professional body in good standing where applicable.
• Proficiency in computer applications.