Interested candidates should send their CVs with a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for this position addressing the Country Representative of WCS Bangladesh by email to wcsbangladesh@wcs.org before 16 December 2023.
Background
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a not-for-profit conservation and research organization actively engaged in Bangladesh since 2004 with a mission to save wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. WCS Bangladesh supported the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in establishing three Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Sundarbans to protect Asia’s last two remaining freshwater dolphin species, the country’s three marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Swatch-of-No-Ground submarine canyon and estuarine waters offshore the Sundarbans, around Nijhum Dwip at the mouth of the world’s third largest river system, and in the marine waters around Saint Martin’s Island to protect globally threatened marine megafauna, including dolphins, whales, sharks and rays, and sustain small-scale coastal fisheries vital to Bangladesh’s food security and economy.
Over the past decade, WCS has strengthened the capacity of the Bangladesh Forest Department for systematic wildlife enforcement and monitoring patrols across the Sundarbans using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), and improved collaborations and coordination through interagency trainings and policy development across government sectors and law enforcement agencies, including the Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, Customs, Police, Navy, Coast Guard, and Border Guards Bangladesh, on combatting illegal wildlife trade in line with international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The WCS Bangladesh Program is part of the global WCS network, registered with the Bangladesh NGO Affairs Bureau. To learn more please visit, https://www.wcs.org/; bangladesh.wcs.org.
WCS Bangladesh is recruiting an Officer to support its ongoing counter wildlife trafficking (CWT) activities. The CWT Officer’s primary focus will be to support the implementation of two regional projects on countering the trafficking of CITES-listed marine species and the illegal exotic pet trade in Bangladesh.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of the WCS Bangladesh CWT Officer include:
- Assist with baseline assessments of trade in CITES-listed marine species and exotic pets.
- Assist with assessments of current regulatory and monitoring frameworks in Bangladesh for trade in CITES-listed marine species and exotic pets.
- Assist in organizing national-level workshops for both projects.
- Assist in consultations with experts and government officers for both projects.
- Collaborate closely with WCS Bangladesh’s Marine and Terrestrial and Educational Outreach team members to accomplish project activities.
- Assist with the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project objectives and activities.
- Contribute to strengthening the positive public image of WCS as a key partner for addressing illegal wildlife trade and wildlife conservation and management issues.
The CWT Officer is expected to be able to independently:
- Conduct desk reviews of peer-reviewed and open-source resources.
- Draft reports on field activities including surveys, trainings, workshops and meetings.
Requirements
This position will be offered for 12 months starting immediately with a probationary period of three months and an option for extending employment, as per performance and availability of funds.
The position will be based in Dhaka with intermittent periods in Khulna and frequent in-country travel for conducting research, consultations, educational outreach and training programs. Interested candidates must be capable of working efficiently within our organizational structure, motivated to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, and take pride in the work we do. We are particularly looking for a candidate who can ‘think out of the box’, is self-directed and can “get the job done”. Candidates should have completed their MSc in biology, environmental science, law, statistics, social sciences, journalism, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities listed above. Strong English and Bengali communication (written, spoken, translation), analytical thinking, and team working capabilities are essential.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a culturally diverse staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, or gender.
Salary: Starting at US$ 400.00 equivalent BDT, but negotiable.
Other Benefits: Yearly performance-based salary increment, health insurance, mobile phone bill.
No of position: One (01)