Science Specialist

Position: Science Specialist
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

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife is a national Non-Profit organization in Vietnam that was established
in 2014.

Mission

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife works to stop the extinction and champion the recovery of threatened
species in Vietnam.

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.

POSITION INTRODUCTION

As a Science Specialist 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
• Strategic thinker

Opportunities & Benefit

• Working 5 days/week, off work Saturday and Sunday, National Holidays
• 26 holidays/year (12 working days’ annual holiday, plus 14 national holiday days);
• Be provided an airfare to Hanoi, and airfare to home country after completion of contract
  or, if extending, at end of position.
• Be covered the cost of the position visa while in Vietnam.
• Travel for work and food in the field will be paid.

DEADLINE

Candidates should send their recent CV and a cover letter in an email with title “Apply for Science Specialist” to email: [email protected].

Acknowledgements will be sent to short-listed applicants only.

Phone contact: (+84) 02293848053

Application Deadline: 27 April 2024