IWT Ploughshare Project Manager

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

JOB DESCRIPTION

IWT Ploughshare Project Manager

Position title:            Ploughshare Project Manager

Reports to:                   Head of Species Conservation and Research

Location:        Antananarivo with frequent travel to Soalala, Madagascar

Start date:        August 2014         

Duration:        3 year fixed term, 20 weeks probationary period

  

Context

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the most threatened species in the most threatened places. We focus on highly restricted species primarily on island ecosystems. Madagascar is our largest programme region, with a fulltime staff of 45 working in 8 permanent field sites.

Restoring the ploughshare tortoise was our first project in Madagascar and it has been our largest investment and most challenging project. The ploughshare tortoise, or angonoka in Malagasy, is the most threatened tortoise in the world and one of the most desired reptiles in the illegal wildlife trade. There have been notable successes over the years, but the impact of poaching for the illegal pet trade in SE Asia, has meant that this species remains highly threatened.

Durrell, together with a consortium of international partners, has secured funding from the UK government to tackle this trade, build local capacity to monitor and protect the species. The project manager will lead the implementation of this project on the ground. Interacting with Durrell field teams and our partners, the project manager will be responsible for the delivery of project activities on the ground, management of relationships with stakeholders and communication of results. This is an extremely exciting project that provides a real opportunity to tackle the main threat facing the survival of the ploughshare tortoise.

Job Purpose:

Lead the management and implementation of the DEFRA International Wildlife Trade project in Madagascar.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

a)        Lead the daily management and implementation of the IWT ploughshare project.

b)        Oversee a community based programme of monitoring within Baly Bay National Park – including interaction with Madagascar National Park staff and other partners.

c)        Facilitate and support project partners to deliver a programme of community-based research to understand drivers of illegal poaching.

d)        Facilitate and support the delivery of training to customs agents, local judiciary and community members in line with project objectives.

e)        Act as the main focal between international and national project partners.

f)        Ensure timely financial and activity reporting for the project to partners, Durrell management and the donors.

g)        Represent Durrell and the IWT project in national and international workshops and events.

h)        Support the captive breeding programmes based in Ampijoroa for our chelonian species and liaise with Durrell Wildlife Park staff.

Dimensions:

Staff

The project manager will be responsible for the field teams running current project activities within Baly Bay.

      

Job location

The position is based at Durrell’s Programme head office in Antananarivo, with significant level of travel within the country to Durrell field sites and also internationally when necessary.

Overall requirements for the post

•        A minimum MSc in a biological or socio-ecological field

•        2/3 years project management experience within an international organisation and involving multiple partners

•        Demonstrated good inter-personal skills and an ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders

•        Demonstrated experience working in field projects within challenging conditions in the developing world.

•        Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving a range of stakeholders.

•        Bilingual in French and English

•        Proficient in use of MS Office and experience with social media as a communications tool.

•        Strong written and verbal communication skills

•        Above all a passion for nature conservation.

 Desired experience 

•        An understanding of, and experience with, illegal wildlife trade issues

•        Experience with hands-on animal management with a preference given to tortoise and turtle species.

•        Experience of and appreciation for conservation challenges within Madagascar

More information and how to apply

To apply for the role, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@durrell.org.

The closing date for applications is Friday 8th August 2014.

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