Cambodia: Biodiversity Conservation Specialist

May 9, 2016 | Winrock International
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Winrock International is recruiting a Biodiversity Conservation Specialist for an anticipated USAID-funded project. This position will be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The anticipated project will build on previous experiences and work from other USAID and donor investments with a focus on improving the overall management of the Prey Lang and Cardamoms Landscapes. Activities will target the sub-national level but will also include strategic investments at the national level with various ministries and institutions. This comprehensive activity will focus on biodiversity conservation, strengthening the governance and polices related to the two landscapes, and increase sustainable economic growth within each landscape as well as into the extended landscape area toward the lake. The Biodiversity Conservation Specialist is expected to guide technical program activities in Prey Land and the Cardamoms Landscapes by working in close partnership with relevant stakeholders involved in land use in these landscapes to conserve biodiversity.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Contribute to program technical direction and activity implementation in areas agreed upon with the COP;
  • Build on and identify successful practices in the Prey Lang and Cardamoms Landscapes in achieving biodiversity conservation and play an active role in policy advice, strategic thinking, and knowledge sharing to promote their use and institutionalization nationally;
  • Facilitate relationship building with relevant government agencies and other local stakeholders;
  • Organize and track meetings with stakeholders;
  • Represent the project team at meetings and conferences as needed;
  • Communicate and coordinate with program staff on technical questions related to biodiversity conservation, work planning and program implementation;
  • Provide management oversight to a range of program staff focused on biodiversity conservation;
  • Work closely with local NGO partners, providing technical oversight;
  • Visit project areas regularly to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals;
  • Support annual work plan and progress report preparation, and monitor implementation;
  • Closely follow the implementation plan and monitor each deliverable;
  • Address and proactively identify problems and challenges, and adapt to evolving institutional, financial, and political realities on the ground.
  • Carry out other tasks as assigned by the COP and Winrock.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:

Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field.

Experience:

  • 5 years of relevant experience working on biodiversity conservation.
  • Strong understanding of Cambodia’s political practices, knowledge of Cambodia’s existing body of laws, regulations, and procedures governing land use, and appreciation for existing issues and initiatives to address these issues.
  • Experience working with relevant GOC Ministries and Government Officials.
  • Demonstrated experience on multi-disciplinary teams and in various international settings is a plus

Skills:

  • Ability to build and maintain strong and effective relationships with multiple stakeholders.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including writing.
  • Fluent in English and Khmer strongly preferred.