Interested candidates should send an e-mail with the subject line 'International Consultant, Terrestrial Conservation Program' and attach their CV and a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for this position to the WCS Bangladesh Country Director (e-mail: wcsbangladesh@wcs.org). Please submit your application by 20 April 2024.
Background
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.
WCS has been actively engaged in Bangladesh since 2004, aiming to save wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. We currently have Terrestrial and Marine Conservation Programs that are supported through Educational Outreach and Finance Programs. WCS Bangladesh works closely with government and community partners to advance science-based and locally-informed conservation solutions that improve protected area (PA) management and reduce wildlife trafficking, thereby optimizing the protection of threatened wildlife and priority habitats, and sustaining natural resources and livelihoods.
Job Summary:
WCS is seeking an experienced individual with a strong technical background in conservation to provide support to the WCS Bangladesh Terrestrial Conservation Program. This position will provide direct technical support and build local capacity in project development, implementation and reporting to advance scientifically-informed conservation in Bangladesh.
Major Responsibilities:
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In coordination with the Country Director, help develop the conservation vision and strategic plan for WCS’ terrestrial conservation work in Bangladesh, identifying goals, objectives and programs of work.
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Assist in identifying conservation priorities and technical needs within WCS Bangladesh, review and refine program priorities, strategy and approaches, and overall monitoring and evaluation systems.
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Support staff in the implementation of sound, science-based field activities and interventions, including both research and conservation initiatives.
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Ensure and oversee the appropriate and efficient design, collection, analysis, dissemination and publication of field data.
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Provide technical input and editing support for donor reports and other technical outputs (e.g., training curriculums, identification guides, posters etc.), to ensure that information is presented in an accurate and logical manner.
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Support interaction with Government partners to promote WCS priorities and proposed conservation interventions, including reviewing and editing policy briefs, revisions of legislation, management recommendations, and species conservation strategies.
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Provide technical support to strengthen links with international conservation fora (e.g., CITES, IUCN SSGs, CBD, CMS), including providing technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to meet their international obligations.
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Assess the capacity development requirements of Terrestrial Conservation Program staff and along with the Country Representative develop a plan to address those needs, including internal training, workshops, and seminars (virtual and in-person).
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Identify external capacity building opportunities for staff and support them to take advantage of these opportunities including graduate scholarships, online and local short courses, and participating in international workshops and seminars.
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Work with WCS regional and global staff to support the Country Representative to identify funding opportunities and translate ideas into practical funding proposals.
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Assist in building new partnerships with donors, NGOs and the private sector in Bangladesh and beyond to promote WCS priorities and meet funding needs.
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Lead grant development, engaging donors and partners, and interacting with regional and global WCS focal points for review and submission of proposals in a timely fashion.
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Support staff in the communication of scientific results and conservation achievements through the publication of scientific papers, popular articles, blogs, press releases etc.
Minimum Requirements:
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Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience in conservation, natural resource management or related field.
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Minimum of five years professional experience relevant to on-the-ground conservation in tropical developing countries, preferably in Bangladesh.
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Knowledge of species conservation, protected area (PA) management, and illegal wildlife trade issues related to Bangladesh and the region.
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Experience related to capacity building and training material development for conservation.
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Proven grant management skills with successful experience in supporting fund raising, grant reporting and monitoring and evaluation related to international donor agencies such as USAID, UK DEFRA, UNDP, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, USFWS etc.
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Experience in building partnerships with civil society, private sector, donor agencies and international institutions.
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Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultures, value systems, perspectives and levels of education, and mediate and resolve complex issues.
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Excellent English language verbal and written communication skills.
Status: Consultant (International)
Job Location: Remote and/or in-country (Bangladesh)
Number of Days: 96 days over a year
Starting Date: 1 May 2024
Daily Rate: US$ 350.00
Duration: 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025