Lao People's Democratic Republic (the): Technical Advisor – Counter-Wildlife Trafficking

Job Title: Technical Advisor – Counter-Wildlife Trafficking

Job Type: Global Conservation Full-Time

Based: Vientiane Capital City, Lao PDR, approximately 30% time travelling to other provinces of Lao PDR

Background

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks a Technical Advisor to lead its Counter-Wildlife Trafficking Program in Lao PDR. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US-based, nonprofit global conservation organization that saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. WCS strives to stop wildlife trafficking in source, transit, and consumer countries, with a focus on Latin America, Africa and Asia and is uniquely placed to respond to the challenge with strong government relationships and extensive field knowledge in key nations along major trafficking routes. WCS’s approach is centered on increasing the risk of conviction for a wildlife criminal. Broadly, we achieve this by strengthening the commitment and capacity of key government agencies through a close partnership. In Lao PDR we work with a number of Government agencies (e.g. Department of Forest Inspection, Customs, police) to strengthen their capacity to conduct enforcement operations and build cooperation and coordination mechanisms with other relevant countries. WCS also provides technical assistance on intelligence analysis, legal reform, and institutionalizing capacity building programs.

Reporting Obligations

This position reports to the WCS Lao PDR Country Director and will coordinate as needed with the Director, Counter-Wildlife Trafficking, Asia.

Job Purpose Summary

The objective of this position is to support the long-term conservation and protection of WCS priority species through strengthening our response in Lao PDR to the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. The Technical Advisor will be responsible for providing day-to-day technical support, leadership, and coordination of WCS activities to combat wildlife trafficking in Lao PDR.

Key Responsibilities

• In coordination with the WCS Lao Country Program Director and the Director, Counter-Wildlife Trafficking, Asia, further develop a vision and strategic plan for WCS Lao’s counter-wildlife-trafficking efforts that reviews and refines program priorities, strategy and approaches, and overall monitoring and evaluation.
• Strategic oversight, coordination and guidance of wildlife trafficking projects, staff and activities implemented by WCS Lao PDR in collaboration with the government.
• Oversee local deployment of the i2-powered WCS global Wildlife Trafficking Intelligence System and the gathering of information, analysis, development and sharing of Strategic Intelligence Products that catalyze enforcement action.
• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic capacity-building program with key partner agencies for enhancing wildlife trafficking responses.
• Maintain relationships with local government agencies (e.g. Department of Forest Inspection, Customs, CITES Management Authority, and Environment Police), local donor relationships (including regular meetings and production of reports ensuring quality control and timely submission) diplomatic missions and international organisations working on wildlife trafficking issues in Lao PDR.
• Maintain regular communication with other WCS country programs in the region to identify opportunities for collaboration and information sharing.
• Manage project budgets, expenditures and support financial reporting by both local government partners and WCS staff.
• Advise WCS Lao Country Program Director in determining personnel and technical needs to ensure implementation of an efficient, effective, and technically capable counter-wildlife trafficking program. As needed, oversee the recruitment of new staff, including temporary local and overseas experts.
• Assist with fund-raising efforts for WCS’s programs on wildlife trade in Lao PDR, identifying and enhancing support from existing and new sources, assisting in development of proposals and reports, building relationships with funders, in collaboration with Global Resources, Program Development and other Asia Program staff.
• Serve as the focal point for the WCS Lao PDR Programs counter-wildlife trafficking efforts to WCS Asia Counter-Wildlife Trafficking Program.

Requirements

• A university degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. law enforcement, criminal law and policy, conservation biology, natural resource management)
• A minimum of three years professional experience relevant to the responsibilities listed above, with experience in Asia or Lao PDR preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of wildlife trafficking related issues, particularly in Asia
• Knowledge of law enforcement methods for preventing, detecting, and suppressing illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking
• Experience in building partnerships with government agencies, civil society, and international institutions.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Good attention to detail and demonstrated experience managing budgets and producing deliverables on time
• Fluency in English language, and any knowledge of the Lao language a strong advantage
• A willingness to travel both regionally, and nationally to remote areas and work in the field as needed
• Good knowledge of MS Office required with experience using i2 or other intelligence management software preferred
• Patience and flexibility a must

Application Deadline: 15 November 2017

Please apply through the WCS Careers page: https://www.wcs.org/about-us/careersand also send a cover letter and CV to WCS Lao HR at psouliyadeth@wcs.org.