03 Pilots

ABOUT AFRICAN PARKS

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares in: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Since 2017, Benin Government has entered into a long-term agreement with African Parks to revitalize, rehabilitate and develop both Pendjari and W National Parks. Together, these two Parks form a significant portion of the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, a globally significant transboundary landscape representing the largest intact wild ecosystem in West Africa.

African Parks is seeking three (03) full-time Pilots for Pendjari and W National Parks in Benin. These roles are to be shared between the two parks and represent an exciting opportunity to work with a unique conservation organization, dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife and remaining wild places across Africa continent.

JOB OVERVIEW

To provide surveillances, logistics and tactical flights operations in LSA for Pendjari and W, Benin National Parks in a hostile environment where conservation is being confronted to all sort of threats and illegal poaching. Ideally from military background, the pilot will have to operate flights at lower altitude taking into account the security context in the parks.

EXPECTED KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS TO ACHIEVE:

• Carry out flights as scheduled/instructed, within the prescribed legal limits and strict compliance with the African Parks SOPs, SOIs and relevant Civil Aviation Regulations and Benin aviation regulations;
• Ensure that all aircraft and operator safety requirements are met as per international standards;
• Ensure aircraft are operated within the legal and performance parameters;
• Ensure that all scheduled surveillance flights are conducted on time and data recorded;
• Ensure that all scheduled ferry flights are conducted on time and prepared for accordingly;
• Ensure that the impact of unscheduled support flights and scheduled ferry flights on surveillance flights is limited to the highest degree possible whilst maintaining general aviation standards and adhering to legislation;
• Ensure weekly joint-flight planning with LE/Conservation/Logistics and ensure that it is closely adhered to;
• Assist with or lead maintenance/servicing of aircraft as long as legally compliant;
• Take a leading role in ensuring a well-kept hangar and aviation stores;
• Report back on each week’s flight planning every Friday morning;
• Ensure that all aircraft logbooks and paperwork are filled out and kept up to date at all times;
• Provide any needed support to both parks’ Field Operations Managers and Aviation Supervisor.

KEY MEASURES AND TARGETS:

• All scheduled flights are conducted on time and data recorded
• All legal rules are followed as per aircraft performance, maintenance and safety
• All aircraft logbooks and other paperwork are filled out and kept up to date at all times
• WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN 06 MONTHS:
• Flight-planning made and adhered to
• Fully surveillance flights as planned by LE/Conservation
• Compliant administration

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Field Operations Manager(s)
• Aviation Supervisor
• Aviation Mentor
• Airstrip Assistants
• Heads of LE
• LE Mentors
• Conservation Managers
• Pilots in other Parks
• ANAC and other authorities
• Other members of the management team

CAPABILITIES, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR THIS ROLE

• Military / tactical background and experience
• CPL’s to fly both local and FAA-registered aircraft and the required type-ratings or proficiency checks
• 1000 + hours logged on any type with 500h PIC in light single engine aircraft
• Demonstrable and verifiable IFR flight experience (relevant to reduced visibility operations during dry-season)
• French fluency, English proficiency
• Willing to operate in the WAP safety and security environment
• Have a mature and professional approach to aviation
• Must have suitable / demonstrable ULM or light single aircraft experience
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, creative, highly flexible and adaptable to change
• Strong willingness to live in a rural setting and experience living in remote locations
• Adhesion to African Parks values.