Information
Bulletin board
For the latest conservation news and opportunities in Africa
This bulletin is designed to provide you with a one-stop shop for your career development needs by posting the most recent news, opportunities and announcements as they come in. In particular, it focuses on information ranging from available scholarships to details of conservation and biology- related jobs that may suit your qualifications. It supplements the TBA Funding database which details numerous funding sources for your project or research work. Alumni who wish to update their details with the TBA can fill in the updates form and send it to alumni@tropical-biology.org.
If you have any contributions, we would be grateful if you sent them to alumni@tropical-biology.org.
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TBA deadlines and events
DRECA Workshop: Designing Research projects in the field: 28 Feb - 2 Mar 2012, KenyaWorkshop will train active Kenyan conservation scientists and researchers working for universities, research institutes, NGOs with a research component in their work, research and monitoring units of protected areas and government departments that are involved in research. This is a part of the Developing Research Capacity among African Environmental Scientists (DRECA) workshop series, a collaboration between TBA and four other institutions in Africa. More details here. Applications closed TBA Courses- The 2012 schedule:
Applications are still open. The closing date for 2012 applications is 20th February. Click to download posters for African and European applicants. More information on the TBA courses is available here. TBA Postgraduate Scholarships and Small Grants for alumni- Applications for the 2012 awards will be announced shortly. Follow the links above for more details. For any inquiries contact alumni@tropical-biology.org TBA Newsletter- The latest newsletter is available here. |
Short Courses
PhD Proposal Writing Workshop: 8 Mar 2012; 7 Jun 2012, DAAD, Kenya
Limited spaces are available to Kenyan applicants for this 2-day workshop that aims to help improve the quality of their research proposals prior to applying for DAAD scholarships. Details here.
Closing date: 21st February 2012
International course on Adaptive management of natural resources: 15 Oct - 2 Nov 2012, Kumasi, Ghana
A limited number of NFP scholarships are available for this course that will offer participants knowledge and skills to design and facilitate adaptive management processes built on participation, facilitation, joint learning and inter-disciplinary approaches. See details. Click here to apply.
Closing date: 1st May 2012
Sustainable Environmental Management Course: 28 Jun – 20 Jul 2012, University of California, Berkeley
Limited partial funding is available for this certificate course targeting mid-career environment and sustainable development professionals. For course brochure and to apply visit website.
Applications closed
Wageningen UR Climate change adaption course: 5th – 16th Mar 2012, East Africa
Aims to introduce the latest views on climate change and innovative practices for local adaptation as well as covers concepts such as vulnerability, uncertainty, policy making processes, conflict management and negotiation. For more information visit website
Applications closed
Graduate/ Professional courses 2012: Smithsonian- Mason Global Conservation Studies Programme, USA
A few EFN fellowships are available for undergraduates, graduates or professionals to participate in a variety of training and capacity building programs, specifically targeting individuals and institutions from developing countries and underserved communities. See courses list. For more information, visit website.
Closing dates: Various
World Forest Institute International Fellowship Program: Oregon, USA
Fellowship targets professionals in natural resources from around the world to conduct a practical research at the World Forestry Center. Applications are due two months prior to the start date. Download Fellowship brochure for more details.
Closing date: 1st February, 1st May, 1st October
Conferences, Workshops and Symposia
International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA12) conference: 27 May - 1 Jun 2012, Porto, Portugal
A limited number of stipends are available for participants from African countries working for government, industry or NGOs/civil society in the field of impact assessment or related areas. Funding is provided by AusAID and the Australian Government. Visit website for details.
Closing date: 1st February 2012
4th Wildlife Management Congress (IWMC): 9-12 Jul 2012, Durban, S. Africa
The theme of this conference is “Cooperative Wildlife Management across Borders: Learning in the Face of Change”. Subsided rates are available for students and delegates from developing countries. Visit website for more information.
Closing date: 29th February 2012 (Abstract submission); 31st March 2012 (Early Bird); 12th July 2012 (Late)
13th Student Conference on Conservation Science: 20– 22 Mar 2012, University of Cambridge
Aimed at young researchers working in university departments, conservation organisations or resource management agencies. Bursaries and Internships available for students from developing countries to attend conference and spend a month with a UK-based conservation NGO or a university department carrying out a project of mutual interest. See details here.
Applications closed
YWCB Book production project essays 2011: African women conservation leaders
Inspiring, thought-provoking essays are being solicited for a book profiling the outstanding achievements of African women conservationists from those passionate about their role as women conservationists or those who know such a woman and would like to project her to the world. Click here for details.
Closing date: On-going
Cross-cutting News
Climate
change
Birdlife Africa Climate Exchange- website about climate change and its impacts on biodiversity in Africa.
Royal Forestry Society- has commissioned a series of 9 free to download, one-page Climate Change Fact Sheets about trees and the role they play in modifying the global climate as part of the celebration of the 2011 United Nations' International Year of Forests.
Conservation Blogs
Wildlife Direct- News and information on saving endangered animals in Africa, Asia and South America.
Convention on Biological Diversity- Useful headline news, current information and events concerning Biological diversity.
Scientific resources
Open access online journals
The following journals provide free online papers as well as some opportunities for you to publish peer reviewed work.
Eldis- Provides free access to a wide range of climate change research and policy resources among a large collection of editorially-selected and summarised full-text, online documents from over 7500 publishers.
NeoBiota- offers numerous innovative ways to publish and disseminate information on processes of biological invasions and consequences of alien species.
African Journal of Plant Science- Publishes peer-reviewed high-quality solicited and unsolicited articles, in all areas of plant science research.
Aluka- A digital library of scholarly resources from and about Africa affiliated with JSTOR. Offered free to non profit institutions and individuals in Africa.
Applied Ecology and Environmental Research Journal- Reviews and publishes original research papers and articles of international interest.
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society- Provides some free to download articles on plant science
Cambodian Journal of Natural History- Free to download journal, publishes original work on all aspects of Cambodian natural history
Journal of Ecology and Natural Environment- Published monthly by Academic Journals.
Journal of Horticulture and Forestry- Provides access and rapid monthly publication of articles in all areas of the subject.
Journal of Parasitology and Vector Biology- Publishes high quality peer reviewed articles in English, in all areas of the subject.
Koedoe- Promotes and contributes to the scientific and environmental conservation practices of Africa, by publishing content defining the key practices that will ensure biological diversity in Africa.
The Journal of Medicinal Plant Research- Provides rapid monthly publication of articles in all areas of research in Medicinal Plants.
Madagascar Conservation & Development Journal- Published by the Madagascar Wildlife Conservation and the Jane Goodall Institute, the journal covers work from the Madagascar region.
Oryx- The International Journal of Conservation- Provides links to free software tools for analysis and writing, guidance on submitting an article for the peer review, and ways in which readers in developing countries can access the journal for free.
Public Library of Science- Provides free access journal articles.
The Royal Society Digital Journal Archive- Dates back to 1665 and contains around 65,000 articles. Find out more at http://publishing.royalsociety.org/archive.
Scopus- Contains a large abstract and citation database of research literature and quality web sources. It is sold at an annual subscription fee to institutions.
Society for Conservation Biology- SCB publishes Conservation Biology, Conservation in Practice and Biological Conservation journals with free access for members in developing countries.
Journal of pollination ecology- Provides a forum to disseminate new ideas, novel research and manuscripts.
Open Conservation Biology Journal- Publishes original research articles, letters and review articles in all areas of conservation biology and biodiversity.
Open Ecology Journal- publishes original research articles, letters and review articles in all areas of conservation biology and biodiversity.
Directory of Open Access Journals- Lists different Journals by subject areas.
WorldWideScience.org- provides a free federated search of national and international scientific databases, portals and other open access materials.
African Journals OnLine (AJOL)- A collection of peer-reviewed, African-published scholarly journals.
INASP – Provides both open access and subscription-based journals indexed by country to registered users.
Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA)- Provides institutional access to numerous international journals in agriculture, fisheries and related biological and environmental sciences.
Online Access to Research in Environment (OARE)- Provides institutional access to multiple scientific journals in a wide range of disciplines e.g. environmental toxicology and pollution, zoology, botany and ecology.
Online books/ publications
'Climate-Smart' Agriculture Policies, Practices and Financing for Food Security, Adaptation and Mitigation- A publication of FAO is a resource of importance to those in the Climate field.
Conservation Biology for All- A free to download book edited by Dr. Navjot Sodhi of the National University of Singapore, published by Oxford University Press. Contains chapters with cutting-edge conservation knowledge written by the top names in conservation biology.
Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation- Contains a systematic review on the use of development as a conservation tool.
GOFC-GOLD REDD sourcebook- Contains methods and procedures for monitoring, measuring and reporting on REDD
Gratis books scheme- Provides free ecology and conservation books to individuals
Research registries and ideas
Guide to where to publish conservation research- A hand book of journals that publish conservation science
WWF Research Registry- Contains a list of 50-60 research projects that WWF is interested in seeing accomplished. Many of the projects are appropriate for Masters level thesis projects or graduate level course work.
Conservation Maven- Contains new conservation studies, spotlights new books and field news.
The Encyclopedia of the Earth- A free, fully searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators, and experts about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society.
INFOWETLAND- A bulletin published in Spanish and English every three months for those interested in wetlands subject.
Species Red lists
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species- Updated annually
National Red Lists- A new focal point for national red lists and action plans. This worldwide red list is not part of the IUCN Red List of threatened species
back
to topScholarships, Fellowships and Awards
Call for applications: African Climate Change Fellowship Programme (ACCFP)
Applications are invited from African graduate students, early to mid-career professionals, scientific researchers and university educators for this 4-8 months fellowship that will provide experiential learning, education, research and training opportunities. Download application here.
Closing date: 6th February 2012
ITTO Fellowship Programme
Fellowship aims to promote the sustainable management of tropical forests, the efficient use and processing of tropical timber, and better economic information about the international trade in tropical timber. Visit website for details on eligibility and selection criteria.
Closing date: 9th March 2012
Joint World Bank/Japan scholarship
Applications are currently open for this scholarship that will provide full tuition, living expenses, and air tickets for mid-career professionals to earn Master's Degrees from world-class institutions in development related subjects. The program is primarily targeted to people in the public sector, but others working in development related fields are encouraged to apply. More details are available here.
Closing date: 31st March 2012
Quick opportunities: MSc in pollination work
2 positions are available, one each in Kenya and in Tanzania. Inquiries should immediately be sent to Dr. Mary Gikungu based at the National Museums of Kenya through the emails to mgikungu@museums.or.ke and copied to mgikungu@yahoo.com
PhD in Forest Modeling Complexity: University of Quebec a Montreal
A motivated PhD student is sought to work on a modeling project that investigates the potential tradeoffs between managing forests for efficient provision of goods and services and adaptability in relation to global change factors and in the context of complex adaptive system theory. View details here. Visit website for scholarship information.
Closing date: 17th February 2012 (for scholarship applications)
MSc in Environmental Governance: UN University (UNU-IAS)
Online applications are being accepted for this MSc whose main specialization is biodiversity. Scholarships are available for the 2012 academic year. For more information visit website.
Closing date: 28th February 2012 (with funding); 30th May 2012 (all applications)
Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development: Forum for the Future
Applications are now open for the September 2012 intake. For more details and to download the application form visit website.
Closing date: 14th March 2012
2012 Young Researchers Award: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Proposals are invited from graduate students in a master’s or doctoral programme at a participant country for this prize that intends to foster innovative research and discovery in biodiversity informatics. View call for proposals here. For more details visit website
Closing date: 15th March 2012
Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund Scholarships: The Ocean Foundation
Applications are invited from Masters and PhD. level students that work and/or research in an area consistent with the Fund’s mission to support field research projects that further the knowledge of sea turtle behavior and habitat use in the marine environment, as well as those projects that promote their management and conservation in coastal ecosystems. Click here for details.
Closing date: 15th March 2012
MPhil in Conservation Leadership: University of Cambridge
Scholarships are available for students from developing countries to attend this course aimed at graduates of leadership potential with at least three to five years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation. For further details visit website.
Closing date: 30th March 2012
Postdoctoral Fellow: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Tanzania
A qualified candidate with a PhD in Crop Agronomy or related disciplines is sought to help develop and oversee the adoption of sustainable crop management systems for rice cultivation in East and Southern Africa (ESA). See more details here. To view more vacancies visit http://www.irri.org.
Closing date: Until a suitable candidate is found
IRENA Scholarship Programme: MASDAR Institute for Science and Technology
Applications are invited from students from developing countries that are severely affected by today’s challenges such as energy access, energy security, and climate change intending to pursue various Master of Science degrees. More details here
Masters bursary: Molecular systematics and population genetics of the Balloon vine genus, Cardiospermum (Sapindaceae)
An enthusiastic and motivated student interested in the field of plant systematics and molecular ecology is sought to take part in this project available at Stellenbosch University’s Center for Invasion Biology in the Department of Botany and Zoology. Email jleroux@sun.ac.za for more information. More details here.
ICE WaRM MSc Scholarships: Water Resources Management
Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to high quality international students that are currently working or are recent graduates planning to undertake postgraduate studies leading to a career in the water industry. For details see website
Closing date: February and August every year
Rave Scholarships: Germany
Aimed at furthering practical training in arranging and realizing exhibitions, scholarships are awarded to young curators, restorers, museum technicians and culture managers from countries in transition and developing countries to. For more information visit http://www.ifa.de
Application open: 15th September each year
Graduate Study Scholarships: MASDAR Institute, Abu Dhabi
Full Scholarships are available for MSc programs. Details of faculty profiles, current research, programs offered, course description, scholarships, and other information including an online application module is available at website.
Graduate Scholarships: Australian National University
Tenable at the Crawford School of Economics and Government, these scholarships focus on Masters level studies in the areas of Environmental Management and Development and Climate Change. Click here for more information.
Future Conservationist Awards
Offers funding of up to $12,500 to high potential teams who aim to develop their skills through practical conservation projects. See details here.
Blue Ventures Conservation Malagasy Scholarship
The scholarship is to build Madagascar's capacity for coastal management and marine conservation. For more information please click here
World Scholars Program: University of Sydney
Up to 20 competitive full tuition PhD scholarships are available per annum for international students. More details here.
Closing date: 31st July; 31st Dec each year
Women’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowships: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through one of ICRAF's five Regional Coordinators or six Global Research Project Leaders identified in the application form. Applications can also be made via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. Read more.
Applications are considered throughout the year.
NTNU PhD Fellowships in Natural Sciences and Technology, Norway
Applications are invited for 39 PhD positions and 3 Post doc positions awarded on a competitive basis. The fellowships are open to applicants in all areas of research covered by the faculty. See more. Further information on the faculty is available at Website.
Jobs, volunteerships and internships
Project Officer, Wildlife Clubs of Africa: BirdLife International Africa Partnership, Accra-Ghana
A dynamic, self-starting individual with qualifications in environmental education is sought to assist in the management of a project that will combine biodiversity conservation with education and sustainable development initiatives. For details visit website.
Closing date: 3rd February 2012
Senior Climate Change specialist- Energy, environment and climate change: Africa Development Bank
Qualified persons with at least a Master’s degree in disciplines related to climate change are sought for this position. To apply visit website.
Closing date: 5th February 2012
Senior Environmental Specialist- Energy, Environment and climate change
Qualified persons with at least a Master’s Degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management, Environmental Policy and Economics or equivalent environment-related discipline are sought for this position. To apply visit website.
Closing date: 5th February 2012
Project Coordinator: Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI), Nairobi
Position will involve linking environmental NGOs worldwide, allowing them to make a common position and forge strong cases for the environment and sustainable development in local (Kenya) and international negotiations. Ideal candidate should have a relevant degree and at least 4 years experience in NRM. More details here.
Closing date: 6th February 2012
Senior Programme Officer: ICRAF, Nairobi
Position seeks a qualified individual with a Master’s degree in forestry, environment, natural resources management or related area and a minimum of 10 years post-masters experience. To apply view more details here.
Closing date: 10th February 2012
Program Officer: The African Academy of Sciences
To be based in Nairobi, Kenya, position requires a qualified individual
with a PhD degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 2 years experience
in program management, planning, monitoring and
coordination. More details here.
Closing date: 15th February 2012
Research Officer: African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
A dynamic trans-disciplinary individual with a relevant Doctorate degree including natural sciences is sought to fill this position to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Key duties include undertaking research work and providing research support to the Research team. For more details visit website.
Closing date: 15th February 2012
Local Empowerment Programme Intern: BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat
Applications are invited for a 12 month internship (June 2012- May 2013) to be based at the BirdLife Africa sub-regional office in Accra, Ghana, with possible visits to the BirdLife offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Cambridge, UK as the need arises. See details here.
Closing date: 17th February 2012
Laikipia Wildlife Forum Forest Officer
A qualified individual with a BSc degree and at least three years direct experience in Participatory Forest Management is sought to oversee the implementation of the LWF Forest Programme and provide technical support to the programme. See details.
Closing date: Unspecified
Research & Monitoring Officer: Northern Rangelands Trust
A qualified individual is sought to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Research & Monitoring Programme to help develop and support conservancy-managed monitoring systems that guide and inform adaptive management of natural resources in NRT member community conservancies. More details here.
Centre director: School for Field Studies, Tanzania
Position seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual with a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification to lead resident staff in the delivery of high quality, field-based academic programs to undergraduate students from American colleges and universities. See link for more details.
Closing date: Unspecified
Wildlife Quest Kenya- Conservation Volunteerships
Two and four week field opportunities that offer the chance to experience living in the bush, studying wildlife, and working to develop understanding of the relationship between wildlife and the human populations are available. Click here for more information on how to apply.
Conservation Internships: Community Centred Conservation (C3)
Limited places are available for an opportunity to gain a well-rounded and practical experience into the reality of coastal and marine biodiversity management in two contrasting developing island nations; Northern Madagascar and Comoros. More details here.
Closing date: Applications open year-round
Internships: Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
Offers exciting learning opportunities on a wide range of projects relating to conservation biology including current topics in conservation, research, communication skills and management and administration of conservation programs. More details here.
Grants and Project funding
International Science Foundation (ISF) Research Grant
Applications for funding are welcome from young scientists in developing countries with a minimum of Master’s degree to do research on the sustainable management, use or conservation of biological or water resources. Visit website for details.
Closing date: 29th January 2012
2012 Conservation Leadership Programme Awards
Proposals are invited for the Future Conservationist Awards and several other awards aimed at early career conservationists to implement a focused, high priority conservation project combining research and action. For more details visit website.
Applications closed
Africa Seed Grants
Applications are invited from field conservation and research initiatives in Africa that involve wildlife and their habitats, and educational or cultural activities that involve or impact wildlife and their habitats. More details available in the website
Pre-proposals closed
Rapid Response Facility small grants
Applications are invited for rapid support to UNESCO designated natural World Heritage Sites, and tentative sites facing emergency threats to their biodiversity. For application details visit the RRF website.
Applications received on a rolling-basis
World Conservation Union (IUCN) Central African Regional Program for the Environment
Small grants open to civil society for sustainable forest conservation in Central Africa. Visit website for more details.
Closing date: 31st January and 30th June
African Bird Club Small Grants
Applications are welcome for the Conservation Awards of up to £1,000 from individuals or institutions and for the annual Expedition Award of up to £1500. See details.
Closing date: end of February, June, and October.
PADI Foundation Grants for Marine Conservation
Applications are invited for funding of underwater science, environmental projects and education, mainly in tropical regions. See details here.
Closing date: 31st January 2012
Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
Applications for funding support are open from conservationists based in all parts of the world, and will potentially support projects focused on any kinds of plant and animal species. For more information visit website.
Closing date: 29th February 2012
IFS Research Grants
Applications are welcome from young scientists in developing countries
to do research on the sustainable management, use or conservation of biological
or water resources. Read more detail here.
Applications accepted all year
Google Grants Scheme
Applications are invited for the Google’s Geo Challenge Grants aimed at providing nonprofits with the impetus and resources they need to take advantage of powerful and exciting online mapping tools. More info at website
Applications accepted all year
The Opportunities Fund for urban youth-led development: UN-HABITAT
Applications are open for this grant which provides resources for projects addressing adequate shelter and secure tenure, employment, environment, security and good governance for the urban poor. For more information visit website
Young Explorers Grants Program for Young Scientists: National Geographic
Are available for individuals ages 18 to 25 to help them fund projects in the fields of science, conservation and environmental studies. For information on how to apply, visit website.
Scientists Fellowship Program: African Forest Research Network
The African Forest Research Network, a network of African
forest research scientists is operating research grants scheme with the
aim of promoting and strengthening individual scientists’ research capacity.
The call for proposal covers the following two programs:
Junior Scientists Fellowship
Programme ;Senior
Scientists Fellowship Programme
Closing date: applications- 31st March; proposals submission- 30th September each year
Research/Scientific Meeting Grants: TWAS
The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) provides Research Grants in Basic Sciences in the fields of Biology. It also offers Grants for Scientific Meetings held in developing countries. The Research Grant amounts to US$10,000 and is provided for a period of one year. Details
Closing date: 1st July and 1st December each year
Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation (RSGs)
RSG's are available to individuals and small groups yearly. Applications can be made at any time of the year, decisions are usually made within three months. They generally support projects of about a year's duration. Applications from non-first world areas are strongly encouraged. Further details>>
Funding Opportunities for Small Scale Initiatives: French GEF
Programme is designed to support civil society organisations in Africa which are actively working on biodiversity protection and climate change action to undertake field projects in West and Central Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique. See more details here.
Closing date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Other
useful links to conservation news and opportunities 
The TBA funding database has information on funding and grant opportunities. Useful website for finding job vacancies, scholarships and funding opportunities in Africa include:
The European Tropical Forest Research Network
The African Conservation Foundation
Advance Africa- Website with a wide range of jobs, undergraduate, Masters and PhD scholarship opportunities
Greenbelt-Africa- Website with a listing of scholarships, grants, jobs & internships relevant for African students
Birdlife African Partnership quarterly Newsletter- Posts news and opportunities on conservation.
Earthworks- Contains a listing of conservation and biology related jobs and scholarships
Science in Africa- An online magazine that offers information on research grant opportunities in science research.
Acknowledgement of Contributors
Some of the opportunities posted were sent in by: Kowiyou
Yessoufou, Hassan Babiker,
Carolyn Gibson, Caroline Bogezi, Josephine Nzilani, Charles Kilawe, Simon
Musila and Lucrezia Tincani.