Assistant to the Project Manager, Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, Cambodia

Münster Zoo is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated person for the role as Assistant to the Project Manager for the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) in Cambodia.

Background:

The ACCB, located on 25 hectares of land at the historical site of Kbal Spean in the Phnom Kulen National Park, 40 km north of Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, is the first Nature Conservation Centre in Cambodia. Its aim is to contribute to the preservation of wildlife and biodiversity, mainly in the northwest of the country. A rescue and breeding facility for threatened wildlife and an environmental education programme aimed at the local population as well as national and international visitors are the heart of the ACCB.

Münster Zoo and ZGAP started the project in 2001. A respective "Memorandum of Agreement" on the establishment of the nature conservation centre was signed with the Cambodian government in May 2002, and the corner stone was laid in April 2003. At the beginning of 2004, the first areas of the centre were put into operation.

The main goals of the ACCB are:

-          Rescue and rehabilitation of native Cambodian wildlife.

-          Conservation breeding (and ultimately re-introduction / re-stocking) of selected globally threatened species.

-          Environmental education and capacity building to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and development of awareness programmes for specific target groups (communities, students, tourists).

-          In situ wildlife conservation and research.

Please refer to the project's website at www.accb-cambodia.org for more information before applying. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Working with the Project Manager, the Assistant Project Manager will be responsible for supporting the Project Manager where needed and assist him to further develop the ACCB and its different project components.

Main duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

-          Supervision of the administration, accounting, and reporting to given deadlines in collaboration with the Project Manager, including support of fundraising activities and development of project proposals.

-          Assisting ACCB’s environmental education and sustainable tourism programme under the guidance of the Project Manager.

-          Day-to-day co-management under the guidance of the Project Manager in regard to administrative and operational systems, staff training opportunities, cooperation with Cambodian authorities and national and international NGOs, and official representation of the centre as required.

-          Involvement in animal care and rescue activities as required.

Requirements and skills:

-          University degree (e.g. biology, ecology, geography, natural resource management, environmental education, veterinary medicine or related field).

-          Practical experience in project and office management, including administration, budgeting and accounting, reporting and fundraising, staff management and development.

-          Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision, but also as part of the team and in close co-operation with the Project Manager and the project executing organisations.

-          Good organisational skills, reliability and ability to multi-task.

-          Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills.

-          Good command of English (oral and written) and good writing skills.

-          Ability to cope with simple living conditions in a rural and isolated area.

-          Physically fit and able to live in a hot and humid climate.

-          Practical skills and valid driver’s license.

-          Positive attitude, flexible, patient, and a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either!

Previous experience in one at least of the following fields of work is necessary: international conservation work, environmental education or sustainable tourism in tropical developing countries, ideally in Southeast-Asia.

A contract until the end of 2014 will be offered, subject to a three-month probation period. The contract will be offered on a compensatory volunteer basis, not as permanent staff of Münster Zoo. Therefore, social insurance contributions will not be covered.

Starting date:

As soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Closing date for applications:

To apply, please send a cover letter indicating your interest and detailing your suitability for this opportunity as well as the earliest start date along with a CV and the names and contact details of at least two referees via email to

dave.ware@accb-cambodia.org, copying raffel@allwetterzoo.de.

Please also mention in your cover letter where you saw the job advertised.