Species Conservation Coordinator

Vacancy Announcement

Organization Background 

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global US-based non-profit organization with almost 130 years of experience in conserving wildlife, landscapes, and natural resources. WCS’s mission is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. With long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes and seascapes, and presence in over 60 countries across the globe.

WCS Viet Nam Program Overview

WCS has been working in Viet Nam since 2006, focusing on strengthening the commitment, capacity and actions of the government of Vietnam to reduce the trafficking of wildlife, supporting partners including Ministry of Public Security, Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuracy, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the National Assembly through developing and implementing highly focused, evidence-based strategies informed by an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of trafficking and the people involved to reduce the profits of crime and strengthen the risk of capture and sanctions. WCS Viet Nam has generated a wide range of reliable data on a number of related issues on illegal wildlife trade, trained and briefed about 5,400 law enforcement and judicial officers, policy makers, journalists, researchers and managers nation-wide and distributed a number of technical handbooks and guides. It has assisted central agencies to review and propose necessary changes to national legislation, criminal intelligence analysis systems, and inter-agency cooperation.

Starting in 2015, WCS Viet Nam initiated conservation efforts for the Yangtze softshell turtle, Rafetus swinhoei, also known as the Hoan Kiem turtle. The program commenced with field surveys aimed at identifying potential rivers and lakes where this species still exists. Subsequently, in 2018, in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Program (ATP)-Indo Myanmar Conservation, WCS Viet Nam has been supporting Ha Noi Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (Ha Noi DARD) to implement the "Conservation Action Plan for R. swinhoei individuals in Dong Mo and Xuan Khanh lakes and the vision for 2030" set forth by the Ha Noi People's Committee and established a restoration program for R. swinhoei, focusing on breeding and reintroducing the species back into the wild.

In 2021, WCS Viet Nam conducted a mapping exercise to understand the issues of species conservation and develop a path to work on other species beyond Rafetus swinhoei, linked to our strategies for prevention of illegal wildlife trade in Viet Nam. We recognized the effort of national conservation programs for elephants, primates, tigers, and turtles over the last decade, and with the approval from the Prime Minister on 28th January 2022 on the national strategy for biodiversity until 2030 and vision to 2050, to specifically conserving native wildlife and birds in Viet Nam. WCS Viet Nam is now undertaking a desk review to better understand the scope and scale of wild bird trade in Viet Nam and we are considering expanding our work to address challenges and limitations in the management of avian influenza and pandemic prevention, and foster law enforcement and regulations on bird conservation.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Species Conservation Coordinator is responsible for developing species conservation activities for WCS Viet Nam. This will include formative research to understand what species are in danger and why, then figure out how WCS can support to address those issues building upon its vast experience in wildlife health and combating illegal wildlife trade. S/he is also tasked to develop and execute a workplan and budget related to species conservation activities.

This Job Description is progressive in nature and shall be reviewed and amended to meet developing needs.

Responsibilities

A. Research and development

• Guides existing species conservation commitments, such as the conservation of the Rafetus swinhoei;
• Deploys research initiatives to support new species conservation efforts in line with the WCS Viet Nam priorities, strategues and expertise, such as that involving threatened bird conservation;
• Develops budget and forecasts for new plans on species conservation concerning threats from wildlife trafficking and risks to human health;
• Interacts with other WCS technical teams, species specialists and donors to lead proposal development and reports;
• Contributes to design and deliver capacity building activities on species conservation and protection for law enforcement and judicial officers and wildlife related authorities;
• Works with the Policy and Law Enforcement Support team to ensure policies and procedures related to species conservation are kept to date;
• Oversees database on species conservation research and field surveys.

B. Networking and Partnership

• Builds strong networks and maintains relationships with relevant government agencies, private sector companies, the donor community, sub-grants, laboratories, research institutions and influential individuals in wildlife conservation.

C. Management and Supervision

• Provides technical inputs on species conservation and issues arising during WCS operation in Viet Nam; and contributes to the development of WCS Viet Nam policies and strategies;
• Inducts training properly and timely to new staff on WCS’s species conservation activities.

D. Others

• Acts as the WCS’s representative at meetings/workshops as required;
• Performs other related tasks as requested by the direct supervisor including provision of support to other areas of work and teams.

Requirements

• Degree in a relevant field such as agricultural science, environmental science, forestry, rangeland management;
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in a similar position, preferably in NGO or international organizations;
• Required knowledge about species, esp. species identification and species conservation priorities in Viet Nam, particularly relating to either turtles or birds;
• Required  research and development background/experience practical fieldwork experience in animal search;

Desired skills and experience

• Verified track record working with relevant government agencies, donors, and other partners on biodiversity conservation and/or wildlife;
• An analytical mind with an openness to new ideas and innovations;
• Strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Ability to lead, and supervise a team including consultants;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Vietnamese;
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office package, email, database management skills, internet);
• The capability to use technology (aerial and underwater drones, fish finder, camera trap, GiS etc.) in species conservation is an advantage;
• Concern for wildlife conservation & environmental issues.

Application Process

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications should apply via link https://forms.gle/FUpXnsn175zS35WE9 [1] latest by 23:59 of May 31, 2024.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.