Leadership

Jean Paul Hirwa (“JP”) joined the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in 2009 as a research assistant. He progressed into management and leadership positions, and now serves as senior manager of program operations in Rwanda. He is responsible for more than 100 Fossey Fund staff and for liaising with local Fossey Fund partners, including local communities, government officials and NGOs.

JP completed his master’s degree in an Erasmus Mundus master’s program on tropical biodiversity and ecosystems, which offered him opportunities to attend universities and research institutions in France, Cameroon, Belgium and Panama.

He is proud to focus on ensuring high-quality program implementation and reporting for the Fossey Fund and is grateful to devote his career to daily gorilla protection as well as making a positive impact on people’s lives.