Head of Training of scent detection rats - APOPO Tanzania

APOPO is a Belgian NGO that has developed an innovative method using African giant pouched rats, nicknamed “HeroRATs”, to detect landmines and tuberculosis using their extraordinary sense of smell. APOPO’s Head Office is based in Morogoro, Tanzania. For more information about APOPO, please check out our website at www.apopo.org.

APOPO is currently recruiting a Head of Training for managing the training of its TB detection and landmine detection rats. The position is located at APOPO’s Head Office in Morogoro, Tanzania and involves frequent international travel. The position requires a minimum of 2 year commitment.

Key responsibilities and deliverables**

TITLE

Head of Training of scent detection rats

ROLE PURPOSE

1. Develop APOPO’s detection rat training department in accordance to the strategic goals of the organization;
2. Manage the training and the operational use of APOPO’s scent detection animals;
3. Develop leadership and capacity among the trainers team;
4. Be an active member of the management team.

EDUCATION

Studies in the domains of animal training, behavioral psychology or related sciences

EXPERIENCE

5-10 years of experience in animal training, preferably with detection animals

PROFILE

Detail oriented

Hands-on

Leadership skills

Planning ability

Knowledge of Swahili is a big plus

Willingness to travel on a frequent basis (min.25%)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1 Evaluate operational systems

• Develop and maintain systems for monitoring rat training and operational results from the field;
• Optimize operational deployment concepts to maximize output and accuracy;
• Prepare manuscripts summarizing the results of this evaluation.

2 Manage training and operational use of APOPO’s scent detection rats

• Develop organizational structure and define expected outcomes for trainers and training supervisors;
• Revise training and operational SOPs for all programs annually;
• Revise training materials for the education of new staff and ongoing refresher education for all staff annually;
• Build local capacity by providing guidance, education, and opportunities for local staff.

3 Develop leadership and capacity among the trainers team

• Build a leadership team among the current training supervisors;
• Monitor the audit results and follow up on improvement initiatives;
• Gather best practices and roll out in the other programs.

4 Be an active member of the management team

• Assist in the development of potential new applications;
• Participate in the management meetings;
• Facilitate supervisor meetings at the training center;
• Report any new and important scientific findings or research opportunities;
• Report any concerns regarding the performance of the rats.

APOPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender identity, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status or citizenship status.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please join APOPO’s dynamic international team and help us make a difference! Post your CV and motivation letter to the following URL: http://bit.ly/1UkgEqM