Technical Specialist, Terrestrial Conservation
Gross Salary Range: Fauna & Flora’s salary benchmark
The Opportunity
Fauna & Flora is seeking an experienced technical specialist to provide technical support and guidance to Fauna & Flora’s Terrestrial Conservation Programme in Cambodia, securing a future for some of the country’s most threatened wildlife and the habitats and landscapes that they rely on.
You will have a substantial proven track record in biodiversity conservation practice and be skilled in providing strategic advice and technical input to the design, development, implementation, evaluation and reporting of projects.
Biodiversity research, impeccable technical writing and excellent critical thinking skills are essential to the role to ensure that project implementation and outputs are effective, of the highest standards, and that they follow best practice, while operating in a challenging environment. The post holder will additionally provide project development and management support to Fauna & Flora’s Terrestrial Conservation Programme and experience in fundraising and project management are highly desirable. The role also requires a good communicator who is confident in developing and managing internal and external relationships and representing Fauna & Flora on technical discussions.
You will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of current conservation, biodiversity research methods and protected area management best practice. You will have an advanced degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline and/or substantial experience in a related role. Experience working in the South-East Asia region, and ideally in Cambodia, is desirable.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Fauna & Flora Cambodia Programme Office, Phnom Penh, with regular travel across Cambodia,
- Technical Guidance
- Provide technical advice and input on biodiversity and conservation issues and priorities, project design, development, implementation and monitoring.
- Provide support to the production of project reports for donors and programme reports and briefings for Fauna & Flora and Government partners, as required, ensuring a high standard.
- Provide support to the development of conservation action plan for gibbons
- Provide guidance and support with the curation, management and use to full potential of datasets, including but not limited to SMART, camera trap, and other field data; ensuring that processes are efficient and following best practice and that outputs are of the highest quality.
- Provide guidance on the design of field studies, e.g., biodiversity surveys, population monitoring, threat evaluations, livelihood assessments, etc.
- Provide technical guidance and support on the development and implementation of sustainable finance mechanisms such as REDD+.
- Assist the Terrestrial Programme team to ensure that fieldwork, data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation and reporting are all in line with international best practice and of the highest standard.
- Ensure that M&E indicators are designed and tracked correctly across projects implemented by the programme.
- Engage in relevant policy discussions with a view to influencing positively policies that impact on biodiversity, following an evidence-based approach.
- Operational Support
- Provide support to the Programme Manager and team members to ensure compliance with Fauna & Flora operating standards, policies and procedures, and that adequate project plans are in place and implemented.
- Contribute to building the capacity of the Terrestrial Programme team, including on data collection, analysis and interpretation, and on report preparation.
- Provide guidance and support on the purchase, maintenance and use of field equipment.
- Programme and Partnership Development Support
- In collaboration with the Programme Manager and Country Director, contribute to the strategic planning and development of Fauna & Flora’s terrestrial conservation portfolio, in line with Fauna & Flora’s business plan and strategy, including advising on technical aspects, opportunities, priorities and optimal use of funds.
- In collaboration with the Programme Manager, Country Director and Technical Specialists, support the development of project concepts and proposals, in line with approved strategic plans and Fauna & Flora’s project cycle.
- Provide support to the Programme Manager and Country Director in the development and nurturing of relationships with prospective and existing funders.
- Programme Representation
- Support the Programme Manager and Country Director in representing Fauna & Flora at key fora, including meetings, workshops and policy dialogues, ensuring that Fauna & Flora contributions are well-informed, timely, relevant and impactfully presented.
- Communications
- Bring to the attention of the Programme Manager and Country Director any news-worthy items arising within the country programme.
- Skills
- Essential
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills
- Statistical analysis skills
- GIS mapping skills
- Skills in organisation and coordination of field logistics and operations
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with partner organisations
- Ability to plan and think strategically and to manage complex multi-stakeholder projects to deliver to deadlines
- Excellent clear verbal and written communication skills, including technical report writing
- Fluency in English, both spoken and written
- Microsoft Office skills and experience with data management systems
- Desirable
- Project management experience
- Track record in peer- reviewed publishing
- Knowledge and experience
- Essential
- A Masters’ degree or equivalent qualification in biological sciences, natural resources management, ecology, zoology or other relevant field or equivalent experience and/or substantial experience in a related role.
- Excellent knowledge of current biodiversity conservation best practice.
- Proven experience in design, coordination and implementation of biodiversity field surveys.
- Substantial experience working on conservation projects, including species-based conservation work.
- Up-to-date knowledge of conservation technology.
- An understanding of key issues impacting conservation in Cambodia.
- An understanding of protected area management.
- Good knowledge of a range of biodiversity monitoring techniques, including camera trapping and othersurvey and population monitoring methods.
- Experience of building capacity, including training, coaching and mentoring others.
- Experience of working in an international environment.
- Desirable
- Experience of working in South-east Asia, preferably Cambodia
- Proven experience in securing funding and managing funder relationships
- Experience of implementing and reporting on grant funding
- Behavioural qualities
- Ability to work within a dynamic and often high-pressure environment, culturally sensitive and flexible and adaptable to change
- Capable of dealing with challenges in a patient, creative, positive and constructive manner
- Commitment to compliance and responsible management of donor
- funds
- Demonstrable commitment to Fauna & Flora’s mission, vision and values
- Able to work effectively and diplomatically in a geographically dispersed and international team
- Able to travel often for long periods of time in remote areas with basic living conditions
