Programs Manager, IUCN SSC Saola Working Group

BACKGROUND:

The Saola Working Group (SWG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission is a highly active, international consortium, which works to save from extinction one of the world’s rarest animals, the Saola (which is found only in Laos and Vietnam).

We seek to fill a senior position of Programs Manager, with diverse responsibilities. The successful applicant will be based at least 50% time in Vientiane, Laos (and preferably more than 50%, although working for some periods from a home base may be possible). The position includes periodic international travel elsewhere, particularly to Vietnam . The Programs Manager will report to the Saola Working Group Coordinator. Employment will be based on 1-year renewable contracts with the SWG's fiscal sponsor, Global Wildlife Conservation.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Team management: The Programs Manager (PM) will serve as the day-to-day performance monitor and support person for leaders of the SWG's seven technical task teams, and SWG staff (currently three staff).  This includes facilitating the task teams to develop annual and quarterly workplans, budgets and reports.

2.  Support to project implementation:  The PM will monitor, track, support and when necessary troubleshoot the timely implementation of SWG conservation projects by SWG task teams and staff, particularly activities in Laos and Vietnam. This will include regular communication with government partners, to help maintain productive government relationships.  It may also include occasional participation in field work.

3.  Laos coordination:  The PM will serve as the country director for all SWG Saola conservation activities in Laos, and will work toward expanding the SWG’s program in Laos.

4. Grant development and management:  The PM will on occasion work with the SWG Coordinator and SWG task teams to develop and submit project grant proposals for the SWG.  For successful grants, the PM will monitor and insure their smooth implementation, and timely reporting to the donor on technical aspects.

5.  Project fiscal management: The PM will work with members of the SWG to produce grant agreements, terms of reference and contracts, and work with the SWG’s fiscal sponsor, Global Wildlife Conservation, to track their smooth implementation.

6.  Representation of the SWG:  The PM will, when directed by the SWG Coordinator, represent the SWG in conferences, meetings or other communications with the SWG’s external partners, such as donors and the Saola range governments.  The SWG Coordinator will take the lead on this, but the PM will augment as needed and directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Both international and Lao or Vietnamese candidates are encouraged to apply.

Background in the field of biodiversity conservation will be a considerable assett, but is not absolutely necessary.

• Bright, energetic, positive attitude.
• At a minimum, a four-year undergraduate university degree in a relevant field.
• A self-starter, who can take responsibility to work toward goals and to problem-solve independently, without constant close supervision.
• Excellence in management of projects and project teams.
• Excellence in communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Good understanding of, or willingness to quickly learn, how to work with the governments of Laos and/or Vietnam to implement conservation projects.
• Excellence in spoken and written English.
• Excellence in poken Lao or Vietnamese is an asset, but not required.

APPLICATION

To apply, by March 3, 2018 please email your CV, a brief introductory letter, and contact details (including email addresses) of two professional references to: saolawg@gmail.com.  Please put “PM Application” in the email subject line.