BACKGROUND
African Parks is a non-profit organization that takes total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks, through affiliated local boards, has management responsibility for the Pendjari and Park W protected areas in Benin. Pendjari National Park and Park W form part of the transnational W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, spanning Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which is the largest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa. Covering 6 445 km², Pendjari is the last refuge for the region’s elephant and some of the remaining critically endangered West African lion population.
In 2017, recognising the link between securing protected areas and sustainable development for the country, the Government of Benin invited African Parks to sign a management agreement partnership for Pendjari and did the same in 2020 for Park W.
Since then, the landscape has improved in being a haven for stable wildlife populations; uncontrolled resource use and rampant poaching are slowly and, employment opportunities, education and health care have reached thousands of people. Despite the armed groups activities in Northern Benin, park management and a dedicated team of rangers continue to work towards achieving safety of wildlife and communities within the park. A revised security strategy to ensure protection of Pendjari, its wildlife and people has been implemented. Park management and government entities work together to ensure stability for wildlife and people.
JOB OVERVIEW
The pilot will fly and manage his / her aircraft and aerial activities in their respective park / region reporting to the Aviation Supervisor with technical supervision from the Park Managers. The pilot may be required as and when required to relocate to other parks within the African Parks portfolio as a support structure.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Safe and Professional operations as pilot of African Parks aircraft
Aircraft Management
Aircraft care
Management of and responsibility for Aviation facilities, hangars and infrastructure
Compliance with applicable legal prescripts and African Parks SOPs
Management of Aircraft, Operations and Aviation related documentation and Reporting
Communication
Logistic support functions
Management of permits, fuel, oil and parts stocks.
Active Aviation Safety and Risk Management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Commercial Pilots Licence (valid and current)
Valid Class I Aviation Medical Certificate
Rated and current on applicable type /s
CRM & DG current
Pilot Proficiency Check current
NIL accidents in the last 3 years
Minimum 1500 hours PIC total rotor wing aircraft
Minimum 500 hours on turbine rotor wing aircraft
Conservation or bush flying experience
Comfortable working and living in remote and isolated areas
ADDITIONAL / BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
UH-1 series rating and experience beneficial
Valid Instructors rating
Military background / experience in high risk areas will be beneficial
Mechanical background and experience
Survey / Surveillance experience
REMUNERATION
Compensation will be in line with the African Parks salary structure, scope of duties and pilot experience and will be discussed during the interview process.
HOW TO APPLY ?
Interested and qualified candidates shall submit the following to [email protected] Cc [email protected] by no later than May 19, 2025.
All applications should use the following reference AP Benin Conservation Pilot role_Last Name
Cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae
Copies of relevant licences, certificates and last three pages of pilot’s logbook
Career hours summary indicating types and hours flown per type
References verifying required flying hours and previous work experience
In case you do not hear from us within three weeks after the closing date, this means that your application was not successful. We thank you for your interest in working for African Parks.
African Parks
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