Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Coordinator, Cambodia

Start Date:  As soon as possible

Duration of Contract:  Two-year fixed-term contract               

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest-established international conservation organisation.  Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it.  We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We operate primarily in developing countries where there is little capacity to conserve endangered and threatened habitats and species.  We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation.  Today FFI is active in over 40 countries.

Since 2006, FFI has been exploring ways in which emerging Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) projects, can be harnessed for the benefit of conservation and local communities.  Building on over 100 years’ experience of working in collaboration with developing country governments, civil society and the corporate sector, we have been developing conservation projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst improving local livelihoods and conserving biodiversity by securing financing from PES linked markets.

The Sustainable Provision of Ecosystem Services in the Cardamom Mountains Landscape Project is a three year project funded by the European Commission.  The project will focus upon developing PES schemes at two hydroelectricity sites located within strategically vital protected areas (PAs) of the Cardamom Mountains Landscape (CML).  The Royal Government of Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) emphasises the importance of the private sector, good governance and macro economic development in achieving poverty reduction.  This project will therefore address the challenges mentioned in the NSDP by strengthening awareness and capacity at all levels to design, implement and effectively monitor PES projects.  It will also substantially strengthen support for biodiversity conservation whilst ensuring that pro-poor and multi-stakeholder benefit-sharing and consultation mechanisms are integrated throughout the conceptualization, design and implementation of PES projects.

FFI proposes to bring together three sectors (Government, corporate and NGOs) to pilot PES approaches in the CML.  The CML, which contains the second largest continuous rainforest in mainland SE Asia with global significance for biodiversity and carbon storage, is threatened by deforestation and biodiversity loss.  The main causes are: illegal logging due to weak rule of law, the lack of appropriate conservation incentives, and more recently, newly proposed hydroelectricity projects within the CML.  The provision of ecosystem services is essential for sustainable livelihood development in the CML where poverty levels are amongst the highest in the country but should not be developed without due regard for the environmental services provided by watershed forest that will service these hydroelectricity projects as well as providing essential environmental services to the livelihoods of numerous surrounding communities.

FFI is seeking an experienced conservation specialist with proven conservation field competence, technical expertise and management skills, to act as a coordinator for the Sustainable Provision of Ecosystem Services in the Cardamom Mountains Landscape Project in Cambodia.   The successful applicant will have strong practical experience in managing projects that utilize existing and emerging tools and technology to protect ecosystem services required by hydropower projects.  S/he must be able to work with local Cambodian NGOs, University partners and FFI Cambodia Programme staff to ensure project deliverables are met.  S/he will have an advanced degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline and substantial experience in a related role. 

For further details and to apply please visit: http://www.fauna-flora.org/about/jobs/

The closing date for applications is Friday 16^th September 2011.  No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity