| Description |
Background
The Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) is a small, dynamic NGO based in Kanchanaburi that is Thai in origin and outlook but works in partnership with national, regional and international partners to support wildlife conservation. Its aim is to ensure the long-term survival of wild elephants and their ecosystem in Thailand by turning human-wildlife conflict (focusing primarily on elephants and tigers) into human-wildlife co-existence through research, raising awareness, changing attitudes and effecting conservation action. ECN’s current programme of work is largely undertaken in and around the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park, and other conservation areas in Kanchanaburi province that lie within the southern part of the Western Forest Conservation Complex (WEFCOM).
ECN’s approach is collaborative and participatory. It works closely with forest rangers, villagers and local leaders as well as with government officials, NGOs and the private sector. Its aim is to facilitate and enable local action. Thus a significant number of activities focus on training and capacity building. To this end, ECN targets students, villagers, and protected area rangers. ECN team members are also encouraged to develop their own professional skills.
Responsibilities
The main tasks of the Country Director will include, but not be limited, to the following:
- Provide leadership and vision for the ongoing development and work of the organisation
- Assist with strategic planning and programme development, including evaluation of ongoing and planned project activities, and identification of emerging issues and opportunities
- Ensure that ECN’s programme of work is implemented effectively and that synergies are developed between relevant projects and activities
- Actively engage in fundraising including preparing project proposals and concepts, and support project fundraising activities by sourcing potential donors
- Help compile monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, and liaise regularly with relevant funding agencies
- Provide oversight and guide the financial management of ECN’s programme of activities and operations
- Assist the Programme Manager to monitor the performance of field staff against their current TORs and an evaluation matrix
- Support the recruitment of new staff members including the development of terms of reference, the placing of job advertisements, the organising interviews, and inductions
- Help improve the ECN’s overall governance structure by establishing clear procedures and systems for management
- Provide technical assistance and policy advice to field staff, help to initiate field research, and support data analysis as required
- Represent and speak on behalf of ECN at designated national and international meetings and conferences.
- Represent ECN in dealing with the media, and develop good working relationships with them to help raise the profile of ECN’s work at local, national, regional and international levels
- Maintain strong links and good working relationships with conservation partners, governmental and inter-governmental agencies, and donors
- Regularly update the Executive Director on project progress and other issues, as appropriate
- Ensure that promotional and educational material is regularly prepared for publications, newsletters, brochures, posters, and project information sheets
- Coordinate the regular update of ECN’s website
- Work with project staff to maintain a library of photos and videos for all projects
- Work with the Executive Director to strengthen the legal status of the organisation
Qualifications
- University qualifications at least to Master Degree Level in ecology, biology, natural history, resource management, socio-economics or one of the related sciences, and familiarity with major trends in conservation policy, especially in Thailand
- At least ten years experience in wildlife conservation, including hands-on engagement with field projects in Thailand
- A proven ability to lead and manage a programme of conservation activities, including responsibility for financial planning, staff management and the execution of work programmes and projects
- Proven competence in organising and supervising consultants, and in managing programme activities involving a variety of executants and staff members
- Proven ability to develop project funding proposals
- A good understanding of regional conservation and sustainable development issues relevant to implementing a programme of field level projects and activities
- Commitment to work as part of a strategic team, to co-operate with a broader network of key partners including local communities, and government and non-government agencies, both in Thailand and overseas
- Respect for, and sensitivity to, political and multi-cultural approaches
- Confidence in public speaking and good presentation skills, including proven ability to deal with officials at senior and local levels
- Fluency in English (oral and written) and Thai (spoken) essential
- A willingness to travel frequently between the project office in Kanchanaburi and Bangkok, as well as internationally for work-related meetings
- A proven capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Familiarity with standard word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint essential
- A valid driver’s license
NB: This is a field based position. The successful candidate will be based in Kanchanaburi at the ECN Office but will travel to Bangkok and elsewhere as necessary for work
Applications
Applicants are asked to submit their CV and a covering letter in English. The letter must specifically address the job requirements in the order presented above. Applicants should further provide the names/contact details of two referees, including one recent employer.
Applications should be submitted by email with the subject header "Job Application: Country Director – ECN”, no later than midnight 1 June 2013 to:
The Executive Director
Elephant Conservation Network
E-mail: belinda@ecn-thailand.org
For further information about ECN, please visit our website at http://www.ecn-thailand.org/
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