Zoo Jobs: Regional Veterinary Programme Manager

Regional Veterinary Programme Manager

Free the Bears

Start Date: 1^st November 2021, or as soon after as possible.

Contract: Full-time two-year contract with potential to extend

Salary: Competitive salary, based on qualifications and experience

Location: Based at Free the Bears’ Cambodia Bear Sanctuary, ~1hour from Phnom Penh City. Occasional travel to work at Free the Bears’ sanctuaries in Vietnam and Laos.

Closing date for applications: 19^th September 2021

Applications are sought from suitable individuals to fill the role of Regional Veterinary Programme Manager with Free the Bears in Southeast Asia. The work of Free the Bears is currently centred on three focal countries where we have created the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary (in Cambodia), Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, in Laos, and Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary in Vietnam. Currently, across these sanctuaries we provide life-long care to 250 bears, in addition to a variety of other rescued wildlife species in Laos.

The primary role of the Regional Veterinary Programme Manager is to oversee the growth and development of the Veterinary Programme to ensure the provision of optimal veterinary care for all animals within Free the Bears-supported facilities. This will be achieved through advancing the skill set of local teams while developing the programme’s capacity in preventative medicine, diagnostics, and disease surveillance. The role includes providing management and oversight of veterinary teams and veterinary volunteers in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, with regular travel to ensure consistency across the three country programmes.

Given the nature of our work, which is often unpredictable due to rescues occurring often at short notice, a high degree of flexibility and excellent time management skills are required.

Essential Experience:

Qualified veterinarian
At least 3 - 5 years’ clinical experience
Excellent clinical skills
Highly motivated, hardworking, and compassionate
Excellent attention to detail
Strong organization, management and leadership skills
Awareness and respect for cultural values in a diverse team setting
Excellent command of written and spoken English language
Effective contribution to building and leading a positive team environment
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work autonomously, assess tasks and set priorities
Flexibility and the ability to cope with changes in work priorities at short notice
Ability to work weekends and public holidays as required