Volunteer Conservation Science Researcher to Support Crucial Wildlife Protections in the DRC with Conserve Congo

This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. Ashoka Fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world.

This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity About The Affiliated Organization Conserv Congo is building a locally led conservation model in which communities, government institutions, and Congolese professionals become the principal actors protecting biodiversity- shifting conservation from externally driven protection toward a system rooted in local leadership, justice, opportunity, and long-term ownership.

For more information, please visit www.conservecongo.org

Job Description Conserv Congo is launching a Volunteer Skills for Conservation Initiative to strengthen the systems, tools, communications, research, and professional capacity behind our conservation work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The goal is to connect skilled professionals with practical challenges faced by a locally led conservation organizations working at the intersection of wildlife protection, wildlife-crime prevention, community engagement, education, sustainable development, and institutional strengthening. Each volunteer will work on clearly defined deliverables rather than simply providing general assistance.

As our Conservation Science Research professional support you will help with:

• Biodiversity monitoring;
• Research methodology;
• Scientific documentation;
• Conservation planning;
• GIS and data analysis.

Your expertise will contribute to strengthening the scientific foundation of our conservation programs and improving evidence-based decision-making. Your contribution is important because conservation organizations working on the frontlines often have strong field knowledge and local networks but limited access to specialized technical expertise. By contributing professional skills, you can help Conserv Congo build stronger systems, communicate its impact more effectively, improve decision-making, and develop solutions that can continue serving communities and conservation practitioners long after the volunteer assignment ends. Most importantly, you will be contributing to a broader vision: strengthening African-led conservation by helping Congolese professionals and communities develop the tools, institutions, and capacity to protect their own natural heritage.

Your support will help build a stronger institution capable of delivering long-term conservation impact. Please let us know today if you can help!

Volunteer Logistics Estimated hours required per week: 5–10 hours

The estimated duration of the project is: Ongoing

This position is Virtual (Remote)

Language Requirements English

Desired Skills And Experience Preferred engagement: Professional expertise contribution, mentorship, strategic support, and capacity building.

We believe these collaborations can create meaningful value for both the volunteers and Conserv Congo, while contributing to the protection of one of the world’s most important biodiversity regions.

Ideal Profile

• Conservation biologist;
• Wildlife researcher;
• Ecologist;
• GIS specialist;
• Environmental scientist.