Science Specialist (Save Vietnam’s Wildlife)

Working place: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

Report to: Conservation Research Manager

Project Duration: 02 year, with the possibility of renewal

Starting date: 1st July 2024

Duration of contract: 02 year, with the possibility of renewal

Probation period: 03 months

Aims

Delivering effective education programs to empower people to take informed action.
Working with Government to effect positive, long-lasting change for wildlife.
Rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing confiscated threatened wildlife in support of wild populations, as well as demonstrating and promoting good animal welfare.
Increasing understanding of conservation requirements of threatened wildlife through rigorous scientific research.
Ensuring the wildlife habitats is fully protected and local communities are engaged to protect wildlife.

Website: https://svw.vn/

POSITION INTRODUCTION

As a Science Advisor in Wildlife Conservation focusing on capacity development and technical support, you will play a pivotal role in providing scientific expertise and guidance to support conservation efforts aimed at preserving and restoring biodiversity within Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW). Your primary responsibility will be to empower SVW's Vietnamese team by enhancing their capacity to implement conservation activities effectively. This will involve supporting the team in grant writing, donor reporting, and technical reporting, while also providing direct technical support for conservation research initiatives.

Job Description

Research activities

- Lead the conceptualization and design of research projects in wildlife conservation, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and scientific rigor (define research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies, considering ethical guidelines and practical constraints). Research activities will focus on camera-trap survey, radio tracking, habitat assessment, behavior study, DNA analysis, social research, etc…

- Established protocols and standards, and troubleshoot any challenges encountered during field operations.

- Conduct statistical analyses and data interpretation to derive meaningful insights and conclusions relevant to wildlife conservation objectives.

Data management

- Supervise and management of research data and support other departments in managing data of the organization, including quality control measures and documentation procedures.

Capacity development

- Assess Vietnamese staff's skills, knowledge, and training needs, develop customized training programs encompassing technical and soft skills, and collaborate with internal and external experts to deliver sessions on research techniques, data analysis, report writing, and project management.

Grants and funding

- Identifying grant and fundraising opportunities.

- Offer training in grant writing and donor reporting, equipping Vietnamese staff with the necessary skills to secure funding and effectively communicate project outcomes to donors.

- Provide hands-on support and guidance during the preparation of grant proposals and donor reports, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and donor requirements.

Scientific report/Publications

- Prepare research findings for publication in scientific journals, conference presentations, and technical reports.

- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to disseminate research outcomes through various channels, contributing to knowledge sharing and informing conservation practice.

Job Requirements

Essential:

- At least a bachelor degree in biology, ecology, wildlife conservation or a related discipline

- At least 5 years experience in conservation research, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and illegal wildlife trade.

- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation, able to use R and GIS software.

- Proven track record in grant writing, donor reporting, and technical reporting, preferably within the context of conservation organizations or research institutions.

- Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to design and deliver capacity development programs for diverse audiences.

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.

- Fluency in English language.

- Commitment to SVW's mission and values, with a passion for wildlife conservation and a dedication to capacity development.

Desirable:

- Broad understanding of conservation issues in South-east Asia

- Having experience doing field trips in South-east Asia forests.

- Having knowledge of using SMART in forest patrols

Personal qualities:

- Patient, good humoured, and positive

- Dynamic and able to adapt quickly

- Pro-active and independent learner