Centre for African Resources: Animals, Communities and Land Use CARACAL

Current vacancies​

1. Wildlife Veterinarian and One Health Coordinator

Position Overview

CARACAL is seeking a mid-career wildlife veterinarian and One Health professional to serve as One Health Coordinator, integrating wildlife veterinary medicine, research, education, and outreach into our conservation initiatives in the Chobe region of Botswana. This unique position spans veterinary medicine, applied research, data management, capacity building, and field conservation, offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems.

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The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific and clinical background, bridging wildlife health, ecological research, and conservation action. Responsibilities include providing veterinary field support to CARACAL’s partners, including the Government of Botswana, and contributing to collaborative conservation initiatives at both local and national levels.

A core feature of the role is human resource development, including mentoring and training Batswana staff and students to build national expertise in wildlife health, research, and conservation.

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We are seeking candidates interested in long-term engagement and programmatic growth, contributing to the development of sustainable One Health and conservation capacity in Botswana.

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Living and Working in Kasane

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The position is based in Kasane, northern Botswana, a remote but vibrant town uniquely situated at the confluence of four countries and surrounded by forest reserves and Chobe National Park. This location provides unparalleled opportunities to work in a landscape where wildlife, communities, and ecosystems intersect in dynamic ways. Kasane serves as a regional hub for conservation, tourism, and research, offering a unique setting for applied One Health initiatives.

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The town has core amenities including shops, schools, medical facilities, and an international airport with regular connections to Johannesburg and other regional centres.

CARACAL operates a well-established research and conservation centre in Kasane, with on-site laboratory and animal care facilities, field vehicles, and administrative infrastructure to support veterinary, ecological, and interdisciplinary research activities. The organization works closely with local communities, government agencies, and international research partners to advance wildlife health and One Health science in southern Africa.

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 Key Responsibilities

·       Provide wildlife veterinary care, including treatment of rescued wildlife and veterinary              oversight of CARACAL’s educational animal collection.​

·       Deliver veterinary field support to CARACAL partners, including the Government of                    Botswana.​

·       Manage laboratory operations, including diagnostics, biosafety, and data quality.​

·       Oversee research protocols, data management, and reporting, and lead or contribute              to  applied research aligned with CARACAL’s strategic priorities while pursuing areas of          personal research interest.​

·       Mentor and train Batswana staff, students, and interns to build local capacity.​

·       Collaborate with international researchers across disciplines to advance One Health                research and training.​

·       Contribute to publications, proposals, and presentations advancing wildlife health and            conservation science.

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Essential Qualifications

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·       Veterinary degree (DVM, BVSc, or equivalent).

·       Minimum four years post-qualification experience in wildlife veterinary medicine,                        wildlife health, conservation medicine, or a related field, demonstrating a high level of            clinical competence.

·       Proven ability to integrate clinical practice with research and data management, ideally          within wildlife or One Health systems.

·       Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments and applying clinical                insights to ecological and epidemiological questions is strongly preferred.

·       Experience in wildlife disease outbreak investigations, field diagnostics, or forensic                  post-mortem examinations, including sample collection and data documentation, is                strongly preferred.

·       Proven experience in applied research, capacity building, and mentoring.

·       Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work in remote,                                            interdisciplinary settings.

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Desirable Qualifications

·       Master’s or PhD degree in a related field (e.g., wildlife health, ecology, One Health, or                  conservation science).

·       A strong publication record demonstrating applied research and scientific                                      communication skills.

·       Experience leading research projects or contributing to multi-institutional                                      collaborations.

·       Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising for conservation or research initiatives.

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   What We Offer

·       A unique opportunity to advance your career in wildlife veterinary medicine, research,              and conservation leadership.

·       Scope to pursue independent research interests within CARACAL’s strategic programs.

·       Engagement with international One Health research and training networks.

·       Structured opportunities for research mentoring, statistical training, and                                         interdisciplinary collaboration.

·       A meaningful role in building national capacity through mentoring and training.

·       Significant opportunities for long-term professional growth, including leadership                        development within CARACAL’s One Health programs and integration into international          research networks.

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Salary

Salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience and aligned with competitive rates in the regional conservation and research sector.

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Application Process

Please provide a single PDF including your CV, cover letter, and contact details for two referees to admin@caracal.info. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.