Tiger Trade Leader

TRAFFIC/WWF VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

TITLE:                                   Tiger Trade Leader

LOCATION:                          Malaysia

REPORTS TO:                      Tigers Alive Initiative Leader of WWF and the Asia Director of TRAFFIC

DURATION:                          2 year fixed term contract (possibility of extension subject to funding)

SALARY RANGE:                 USD 50,000 to 60,000 (dependent on experience) 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  6^th February 2012

TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF and IUCN working to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC actively monitors and investigates wildlife trade, including specific work on Tigers, and provides its information to diverse audiences worldwide as a basis for effective conservation policies and programmes.

The Tigers Alive Initiative (TAI) is one of a portfolio of 13 Global Initiatives within the WWF network conservation programme. Global Initiatives represent the highest priority joint network-wide actions to accelerate conservation for a critical conservation issue. The TAI was established in 2009 and is hosted by WWF Malaysia.

The overarching goal of the TAI is to double the number of tigers in the wild by 2022. The Initiative is further divided into three goals one of which is focused on eliminating the trade in tigers.

The Tiger Trade Leader (TTL) will lead and coordinate the trade-related efforts of the TAI as part of the core team of the TAI. The TTL will thereby coordinate TRAFFIC's and WWF global efforts aimed to achieve the objectives and results under this strategic goal of the TAI. The post holder will be based in the WWF Malaysia office together with the rest of the TAI core team. The post will be jointly managed by the TAI Leader and the Asia Director of TRAFFIC (under agreed institutional arrangements).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• To lead, motivate, mobilise and coordinate the efforts of WWF and TRAFFIC towards the achievement of the strategic goal designed to accelerate efforts to halt the trade in tigers (Goal Two of WWF’s Tigers Alive Initiative and mirrored in TRAFFIC’s global programme).

SPECIFIC DUTIES

a)      Lead and coordinate WWF/TRAFFIC work on eliminating trade in tiger parts and products, as spelled out in the TAI Strategic Plan and mirrored in TRAFFIC’s global programme;

b)      Coordinate and further develop TRAFFIC and WWF’s internal expertise on Tiger trade and policy work in relation to inter-governmental fora (e.g., CITES, GTI, GTF);

c)      Represent TRAFFIC and WWF, as appropriate, on tiger trade issues and provide strategic input into significant regional and international meetings on Tiger trade issues;

d)      Develop and maintain a network of internal and external contacts and partners to facilitate better coordinated efforts to tackle tiger trade;

e)      Provide advice and expertise in advocacy planning and implementation on Tiger trade issues to the TAI and the WWF and TRAFFIC network;

f)       Advise the TAI, WWF and TRAFFIC network strategically of emerging issues and opportunities for involvement related to tiger trade;

g)      Act as primary liaison, as appropriate, for the TAI, WWF and TRAFFIC on Tiger trade issues with the media, IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, the IUCN Species Programme and the IUCN Asia Regional Programme and other international relevant bodies such as the Global Tiger Initiative and the Global Tiger Forum;

h)      Write targeted reports and articles for publication, respond to media inquiries and assist with internal review and final clearance of TAI and TRAFFIC outputs and other documents related to tiger trade;

i)        Manage the workplan, budgeting, M&E and reporting processes related to Goal 2 of the TAI strategy and TRAFFIC’s global programme as it relates to trade in Tigers;

j)        Collaborate with WWF and TRAFFIC network staff to design and implement tiger trade related campaigns or communication activities;

k)      Coordinate and link the tiger trade work of the WWF landscape teams, relevant WWF and TRAFFIC national counterparts and other individuals and teams within the WWF and TRAFFIC networks working on related topics.

l)        Support fundraising efforts for projects and activities including concept, promotional material and proposal writing related to the delivery of Goal 2 of the TAI strategy.

REQUIREMENTS

• A university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. wildlife management, forestry, rural development, law, biology, international relations or economics).
• Significant professional work experience relevant to nature conservation, familiarity with major trends in biodiversity conservation policy and its implementation, as well as issues relevant to the importance of effective law enforcement in reducing the illegal trade of wild animals and plants.
• Broad international experience and familiarity with Tiger and other Asian big cat conservation and socio-economic issues in the Asian and Russian context, preferably with several years of working experience in more than one Asian country and region;
• A good understanding of CITES and other international nature conservation laws and agreements, of  inter-governmental agendas including the Global Tiger Initiative, Global Tiger Recovery Program and the Global Tiger Forum;
• Experience working within the context of wildlife management and sustainable development issues, and of Asian policies and stakeholders regarding the conservation, use of and trade of Tiger and other Asian big cats;
• Strong skills in programme planning and management, fund-raising, and project implementation including financial and personnel management;
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to work effectively as part of a small team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches;
• Fluency in English, and excellent English writing skills – with working knowledge of any East, Southeast or South Asian languages or Russian an advantage;
• Communications skills and experience of working with the media;
• A willingness to travel widely and frequently and work under pressure;
• Familiarity with standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software, and with electronic communication technology;

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the IUCN HR Management System (which is an administrative system used by TRAFFIC), by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button at:

https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=317

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST) on 6^th February 2012.

Please note that this is a joint TRAFFIC and WWF role. This role is not employment by IUCN.