Allwetterzoo Münster and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), Germany, are working closely with the Government Agencies in Vietnam and partners in the implementation of a primate conservation project on Cat Ba Island (Northern Vietnam).
We are now seeking qualified candidates as Conservation Program Manager for the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
To manage the ‘Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project’ that seeks to prevent the extinction of the world’s last remaining Cat Ba Langurs (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus) and to contribute to the conservation of the overall biodiversity on Cat Ba Island, in particular by providing support to governmental conservation agencies and for community-based conservation initiatives.
Please refer to the project's website at www.catbalangur.org and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/catbalangur before applying.
Effectively manage the implementation of the various project activities in the framework of the conservation strategy for the Cat Ba Langur, which include the maintenance of core features and optimization of protection measures, population management, habitat management, strengthening of local conservation management capacity and education / awareness raising activities:
- Cooperate with local bodies (Cat Ba National Park, Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve) as well as local population.
- Ensure the provision of quality advice and training to the local government and protected area managers, and community counterparts.
- Provide organization and consultancy in all conservation management relevant aspects, including survey and monitoring techniques, data management, and law enforcement.
- Develop directions within the framework of the overall conservation strategy.
- Implement and monitor a CO2 compensation project.
- Further training in nature and wildlife conservation.
- Supervise education program for grade 6 and 7 on Cat Ba Island.
- Lecture regularly at the national universities.
- Plan and supervise langur research.
- Manage staff and finances.
- Reporting.
- Support with fundraising activities.
- Representation of the project on official occasions.
The post holder has responsibility for the delivery of the areas listed as main responsibilities. This will require the post holder to meet the following job specifications:
- Onsite presence at the Project’s office at Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island.
- Independent working, using own initiative and judgement, within the guidelines set by Münster Zoo and the conservation strategy for the Cat Ba Langur. Effective planning and implementation of work is essential. The post holder will contribute to discussion of plans, policies and projects for conservation.
- Represent the Project as well as the lead organisations at formal and informal meetings including community groups. Communicate effectively internally and externally with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
- Undertake a broad range of activities, assimilating a wide range of mainly complex information, and keeping up to date on conservation matters, particularly those relating to areas of special responsibility. Effective evaluation of courses of action and informed decision making are required.
- Undertake and supervise biological field work.
- Take responsibility for project staff, volunteers and students.
In order to work effectively, the post holder will be required to work alongside the current Project Manager for a given period to obtain a comprehensive introduction into his/ her work.
Living conditions in the National Park and particularly field work requests the capability to deal with very basic living and working conditions as well as social isolation.
EXPERIENCE
The post holder will be expected to hold a relevant degree in biology, conservation or related fields. Previous experience in conservation work and project management is required:
- Experience in supervising staff and leading a team.
- Experience of working with governmental agencies and counterparts in a developing country.
- Working with community groups.
- Project management.
- Experience in biological field work.
KNOWLEDGE
The post holder is expected to have an understanding of:
- The wildlife conservation framework of IUCN.
- Biological survey and monitoring techniques.
- Data recording and data management.
- At least some knowledge in primatology, ecology and behavioural science.
- Development of annual budgets, work plans and proposals.
SKILLS
- Good written and spoken communication skills.
- Good gift for organizing and ability to keep to timescales and to meet deadlines.
- Flexibility and diplomatic skills in dealings with authorities and in representing the project to the different stakeholders.
- Good computer literacy (MS Office).
- Fluent in English.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Enthusiasm and self motivation
- Flexibility
- Tact, diplomacy and integrity
- Talent for communication and public speech and inspiring of the audience
- Self-discipline
- Patience
- Capable to cope with very simple and isolated living conditions
- Physical fitness for field work in very difficult terrain
- Assertiveness
- Tolerance to stress
The contract will be offered on a compensatory volunteer basis, not as permanent staff of Münster Zoo or ZGAP. Therefore, social insurance contributions will not be covered.
As soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To apply, please send a cover letter indicating your interest and detailing your suitability along with a CV and the names of at least two referees via email to:
Dr. Martina Raffel, raffel@allwetterzoo.de (postal address: Allwetterzoo Münster, Sentruper
Str. 315, Münster 48161, Germany)
Please mention in your cover letter where you saw the job advertised.
Closing date for application: 24.12.2013
