Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT)

Wildlife trafficking is having a devastating effect on many species across the globe. Elephants, big cats, rhinos, pangolins, parrots, freshwater turtles and tortoises all face significant threats from trafficking due to the demand for them and their parts, fueled by other factors including weak governance and corruption. Wildlife trafficking undermines local livelihoods, promotes the spread of zoonotic diseases, weakens the rule of law, exacerbates corruption, provides revenue for violent armed groups and organized crime syndicates, and is recognized as a global security threat. Wildlife trafficking is a low risk, high profit opportunity for criminals. There is insufficient capacity among law enforcement agencies and officers, a lack of strategic, intelligence-led action against poachers and traffickers, low political commitment to address wildlife trafficking and corruption within the agencies. WCS’s approach across Asia and globally embodies a long-term institutional commitment to CWT and the protection of landscapes critical for biodiversity. We have strong government relationships and a wealth of experience striving to stop wildlife trafficking in source, transit, and consumer countries around the world and we work with our government partners to address these challenges.

In Cambodia, WCS has been working to CWT since 2014, with a nascent CWT program that focuses primarily on addressing Cambodia’s role as a global transit country for transnational illicit shipments of African wildlife destined for Asian markets (e.g. elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn and pangolin scales), and additionally as a source country for key species of conservation concern in regional markets (e.g. freshwater turtles).

The Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Project Manager reports to the Cambodia Country Director, he/she will maintain appropriate communication with Asia Regional and Global CWT staff and key donors as required. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a strategic analysis and planning process for counter wildlife trafficking in Cambodia for WCS working with country program, regional and global staff as appropriate
• Guide and support the implementation of wildlife trafficking research and analyses to understand and monitor trends and guide effective interventions 
• Provide technical assistance, advice and information to government partners related to counter-wildlife trafficking and CITES implementation, including to raise awareness of wildlife trafficking as a serious crime and promote strengthened commitments of agencies to CWT
• Provide technical support and advice on wildlife trafficking cases to government agencies as appropriate and lead on implementation of WCS’s case management system
• Develop and manage the project budgets, work plans, donor reports and fundraising opportunities and manage the CWT project team
• Oversee workshops, trainings and other events for government agencies, including coordinating Leahy vetting as required, and produce technical outputs as needed
• Recruit and manage national and international consultants to provide technical expertise for CWT functions as required (e.g. capacity building, judicial experts, policy and legal)
• Seek and explore new opportunities to counter wildlife trafficking in Cambodia based on government mandates, decisions and action plans, and potential opportunities for partnerships
• Lead on project communications in collaboration with the WCS Communications Manager
• Support the integration of CWT with anti-poaching initiatives in key WCS landscapes
• Liaise closely with WCS regional staff, CWT programs in other countries in Asia and Africa, other NGOs, development organizations and the diplomatic sector in Cambodia to coordinate on counter wildlife trafficking work as needed
• Receive training and capacity development as required to fulfill this role
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least five years’ experience working for NGOs or development agencies in a similar technical role desired, particularly in counter wildlife trafficking or similar sector of relevance (e.g. anti-trafficking in persons)
• Project management experience, preferably within Asia
• Minimum of a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject (e.g. conservation and natural sciences, law), Master’s degree preferred
• Good research, communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
• Proven experience of working with government partners
• Excellent English skills, including spoken, written, reading and listening
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as required by the work
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office
• Fundraising experience preferred

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.

Application Process:

WCS provides competitive salary and benefits packages based on educational background and work experiences. Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply by emailing an application letter and CV (by combining into single PDF file) together with salary requirements and the names and contact information of three references to cambodiahr@wcs.org.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

WCS is 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.

About WCS Cambodia contact address:

House No. 21 Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh

Phone: 023 217 205