Western Siem Pang Programme Manager

Preamble

BirdLife International is an international non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity.  In partnership with the Government of Cambodia, BirdLife has established a Cambodia Programme that implements nationwide conservation action focusing on birds, their sites and habitats.  A focus of that programme is supporting the management of Siem Pang and Siem Pang Kang Lech Wildlife Sanctuary (both call Western Siem Pang, WSPWS), which is located in Stung Treng Province. Western Siem Pang Programme is under the authority of BirdLife International Cambodia Programme and our goal is to manage a representative example of the dry forest ecosystem, which supports livelihoods and economic development, with enhanced levels of biodiversity, which could be a model for replication and to inform wider forest management policy.

BirdLife is currently seeking a suitably qualified individual to lead and manage the Western Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary Programme. The purpose of the position is to coordinate the project activities at the site. He or she will provide management support to the biodiversity monitoring team, the livelihoods team, and to the Government liaison manager. The rest of his/her time will be dedicated to ensuring thorough monitoring and evaluation and providing administrative support to the site. The jobholder will be expected to spend as much time as the job demands, based from the BirdLife office in Siem Pang town. Time allocation envisioned is: 80% of time in Siem Pang and 20% in Phnom Penh.

This is a one-year position, with the possibility of further extension subject to satisfactory performance (and funds allowing). The ideal candidate will have at least five years prior experience in project management in the conservation and development sector and be familiar with protected areas management and planning, biodiversity, and livelihoods development.  Fluency in English is required and fluency in Khmer will be a great asset.

Job title: Programme Manager, Western Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Reporting to:  BirdLife International Representative

Reporting to jobholder: All members of Western Siem Pang Programme staff.

Working relationships: BirdLife Cambodia Programme staff, locally based Department of Environment and Ministry of Environment staff, villagers and commune and district officials in Siem Pang, Strung Treng provincial officials. Donors based within Cambodia and internationally. BirdLife Secretariat staff based in Singapore and Cambridge.

Overall purpose of job:

To be responsible for the delivery of BirdLife’s conservation agenda at Western Siem Pang site.

Main duties 

1. Work with BirdLife’s Cambodia Programme senior management team to improve the Western Siem Pang implementation strategy
2. Fund raise to support the Western Siem Pang implementation strategy
3. Recruit and manage an appropriately qualified team
4. Manage the site-based BirdLife staff to ensure monthly and annual workplans are developed and implemented.
5. Manage the WSPWS monthly and annual budget, and ensure a balanced burn rate.
6. Review WSPWS monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensure projects’ outputs and outcomes are met.
7. Provide technical support to the biodiversity monitoring team, and support the improvement of the 5-year strategy.
8. Provide backstopping support to the Livelihoods team when required, and support the improvement of the 5-year strategy.
9. Become familiar with and establish working relationships with Department of Environment site managers and provincial heads with the support of the Government Liaison Manager.
10. Develop an understanding of the land use and livelihoods of local communities.
11. Support the implementation of WSPWS zoning plan in collaboration with the Government Liaison Manager and Rising Phoenix.
12. Liaison with project donors.
13. BirdLife focal point for Rising Phoenix and other partners working at WSPSP.
14. Member of BirdLife’s Senior Management team.
15. Provide training and backstopping to other staff as required.
16. Ensure the sustainability and growth of the WSPWS programme through the development of new funding proposals.
17. Use of BirdLife’s funds in line with operational practices and norms.
18. Be responsible for BirdLife’s assets at the site.
19. Reporting to donors.
20. Networking with potential donors and partners.

Limits of authority

1. Recruitment of project staff.
2. Procurement of project equipment.
3. Conduct negotiations with local communities and local authorities.
4. Disperse project funds as specified in project agreements.
5. Not to be make any statement on behalf of BirdLife unless directed by the line manager.

Special requirements:

1. At least five years’ experience in project management in the conservation and development sector
2. Proven project management and leadership skills.
3. Good understanding of protected areas management and planning, biodiversity, and livelihoods development. 
4. A higher degree in biology, development studies or geography.  
5. A good understanding of the conservation and development scene in Cambodia.
6. Very good spoken and written English.
7. Ability to work alone or leading a small team under remote conditions.
8. Shows initiative and is trustworthy.
9. Experience in proposal development and securing grants from donors.
10. Spoken Khmer (desirable).

If you are interested with this position and think you have the necessary skills, please submit your CV and cover letter in English at admin@birdlifecambodia.org by December 31^st 2018.