Northern Plains Biodiversity Monitoring & SMART Patrol Technical Advisor

 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia

Northern Plains Biodiversity Monitoring & SMART Patrol Technical Advisor

BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a world leader in on-the-ground wildlife conservation. Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, WCS is an international organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the Earth’s wildlife and ecosystems. WCS has been working in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia since 1999, providing technical advice and support for the conservation of key habitats and species across the country. Within the Northern Plains Landscape our collaborative projects with the Ministry of Environment focus on law enforcement, eco-tourism, biodiversity monitoring and community land use planning which are funded by a wide range of bilateral, multi-lateral and foundation donors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary objective of the position is to advise the Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) and Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) Project Managers on the implementation and monitoring of project initiatives. The position is an advisory not line-management position that will work closely with the project managers and reports to Senior Technical Advisors and the WCS Country Director.

Responsibilities:

-          Support project managers to develop strategic plans for protected areas, including SMART patrolling and community engagement, and biological monitoring

-          Support project managers on development and management of budgets, while ensuring proper financial and reporting procedures are followed

-          Provide technical support and supervision to Team leaders, and project staff to develop work plans and implement, biological monitoring activities and Community engagement

-          Support project managers with the implementation of SMART (a law enforcement monitoring and management tool), assisting with the analysis of monthly, quarterly and annual SMART reports for both biodiversity monitoring and patrol teams in both protected areas, and the implementation of an adaptive, intelligence led enforcement strategy across the landscape

-          Help identify staff training needs, and where possible, deliver or solicit appropriate training, including improving planning, implementation and reporting skills of field teams.

-          Conducting research activities and provide support to researchers and students as needed.

-          Support Biodiversity monitoring SMART data (see www.smartconservationsoftware.org) collection, reporting and interpretation to ensure it informs responses.

-          Work with local NGO partners to support the expansion of conservation incentive schemes, whilst ensuring that they are implemented to a high standard and benefit biodiversity and people

-          Maintain and develop good donor relations, through high-quality, timely reporting and coordinating visits

-          Support the development of funding proposals in the Northern Plains landscape

-          Ensure project implementation is in line with donor and WCS policies and procedures

-          Any other duties as directed by your supervisor

-          As well any and all other work assignments, duties, and/or functions as WCS or its management may designate or instruct in the course of its operation, which may include assignments, duties, and/or functions that vary from the above

The position is based in the Tbeng Meanchey, Preah Vihear, with occasional visits to Phnom Penh (5-6 hours away).  The candidate will be required to travel in the Northern Plains landscape by car, motorbike and on foot.

Reports to: WCS Senior TAs

                 MoE/WCS Project Managers (CWS & KPWS)

                 WCS Country Director

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a minimum of three years’ experience in Biodiversity monitoring and wildlife conservation project management in Cambodia, including project team and budgetary management, project design, donor report writing and fund raising. With a university degree or equivalent level qualification in a conservation related field, you will have proven experience of working with government agencies and NGOs and their employees, and have excellent communication (Proficiency in written and spoken English required and Cambodian preferred) and diplomatic skills. A genuine understanding of and mature approach to the needs of forest communities is essential, as the job requires a rigorous approach to preventing organized forest crime, combined with a positive approach to promoting community involvement in protection and sustainable management.

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The position comes with WCS’s standard employment benefits and a salary range dependent on experience. Interested candidates are invited to send by email a CV and cover letter to cambodiahr@wcs.org. Closing date for applications: 2nd August 2017. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.