Vacancy

Director (m/f/d)

of the Endangered Primate Rescue Center

at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam

Zoo Leipzig currently offers an exciting and unique opportunity for a highly dedicated and motivated person with an affinity for primate conservation to join and lead an international team of passionate conservationists at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) in Vietnam.

The EPRC, located around 115 km southwest of Hanoi, is a non-profit conservation project of Zoo Leipzig, implemented in close collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park. The center, operating on the interface between ex situ and in situ conservation, resembles a unique conservation effort for some of Vietnam’s and the world’s most endangered primate species. Zoo Leipzig has provided support to the EPRC for many years since its initial establishment in 1993 and has taken over the full management responsibility in 2013. Today, the EPRC is taking care of around 180 rare primates out of 13 species, supported by a team of around 30 employees, including one permanent Head Keeper from Zoo Leipzig.

The primary goals of the EPRC are to contribute to the conservation efforts of highly threatened primates in Vietnam and the region through

· conservation breeding programmes for selected highly threatened primate species

· rescue and rehabilitation of highly threatened primates originating from the illegal trade

· reintroduction and population reinforcement efforts for selected focus species

· targeted research activities contributing to the overall conservation efforts

· capacity building in animal husbandry, veterinary and research fields

· educating visitors, students and the general public regarding environmental issues and conservation efforts

In addition, the EPRC also works towards the protection of primate habitats with a strong focus on reintroduction and population reinforcement.

This is a challenging but rewarding role in a demanding and complex environment, suitable for an experienced person with a keen interest in contributing towards conservation efforts in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The Director of the EPRC will not only be responsible for the operation and management of the center and the implementation of its projects, but will also – alongside and in close collaboration with Zoo Leipzig – take an active role in the future development of the facilities and administration of the EPRC, the conservation and research projects, the capacity building efforts, as well as the environmental education programmes.

Main duties and responsibilities amongst others:

1. Serving as the country representative of Zoo Leipzig for the collaboration with the relevant Vietnamese authorities (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cuc Phuong National Park, PACCOM, etc).

2. Managing the annual budget and providing accurate financial reports in regular intervals

3. Developing and implementing all EPRC activities in line with the Project Management Plan

4. Providing leadership, guidance and support to EPRC’s employees and interns

5. Preparing project proposals/reports and performing other administrative tasks as required

6. Coordinating and maintaining cooperation with other conservation projects, NGOs and institutions in Vietnam and beyond

7. Obtaining third party funding for EPRC operations in cooperation with Zoo Leipzig

Requirements:

1. Relevant management experience in conservation projects (experience in Vietnam / Southeast Asia would be an advantage)

2. Relevant experience in collaborating and negotiating with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders is desired (experience in Vietnam / Southeast Asia would be an advantage)

3. Relevant leadership experience is desired

4. Excellent organization and communication skills and ability to prioritize in a demanding and complex environment

5. Good command of English (spoken and written); knowledge of Vietnamese and/or German would be an advantage

6. Degree in biology, conservation, veterinary or related fields; or proven relevant experience in comparable conservation projects

7. Good practical skills and computer literacy

8. A high level of cultural sensitivity

9. Physical fitness and ability to work in a hot and humid climate

10.Ability to live under simple and isolated conditions in a rural area

11.Experience in animal husbandry, conservation related research or veterinary care would be an advantage

12.A full clean driving licence would be an advantage

Conditions:

Zoo Leipzig would like to hire a Director with a long-term perspective. The contract will be offered on an unlimited freelance work basis, including an initial six-month probation period. The successful candidate will receive fees and bonus packages adequate to the nature and responsibilities of the role. The Director is expected to be based at the EPRC, Cuc Phuong National Park. On-site accommodation at the EPRC is provided and suitable for a family.

Starting Date: as soon as possible

Contact for the application and further inquiries:

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Zoo Leipzig for further inquiries regarding this role and are invited to apply via e-mail (including covering letter, CV, university and career certificates and the contact details of two references) to:

Michael Meyerhoff, Conservation Officer

Zoo Leipzig, Pfaffendorfer Str. 29, 04105 Leipzig, Germany

Email: conservation@zoo-leipzig.de

Closing date for the application is Friday, the 21^st of May 2021.

Please note that interviews may be held prior to the stated closing date. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

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