Project Manager

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC's head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC's local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes. TRAFFIC works in strategic alliance with IUCN and WWF on wildlife trade issues.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC, in collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) and Ekomaktab in Uzbekistan, will be implementing a two-year INL funded project entitled "Understanding the dynamics and trends of the illicit trade in wildlife targeted for the pet trade in Central Asia". The project aims to improve the understanding of the extent and role that wild animal species are used and traded as pets in the region, evaluate the regulatory framework to protect wildlife traded as pets, and to foster the sharing of expertise and practices that will support the regions efforts to tackle the illegal exotic pet trade. The project will be implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

The Project Manager- Central Asia will lead the successful implementation of the INL Project "Understanding the dynamics and trends of the illicit trade in wildlife targeted for the pet trade in Central Asia". The role will work in close collaboration with partner organizations ACBK and "Ekomaktab" and liaise with other organisations such as Fauna and Flora. The role will be responsible for overseeing the successful implementation of activities, effective communication and coordination with project partners, engagement with governmental stakeholders, delivery of outputs, adaptive work planning and budgeting and reporting. The Project Manager - Central Asia will work in close collaboration with other TRAFFIC staff and offices, and with external partners and organisations such as WWF and IUCN.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Lead the overall project planning and implementation and ensure effective communication within the TRAFFIC team, with partners and the donor.
• Lead and oversee the design, planning and implementation of the research aspects of the project, including a stakeholder analysis, market surveys, data analysis and reporting.
• Oversee consultants in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and work in close collaboration with project partners ensuring timely delivery of all project outputs and reports.
• Work and liaise with government stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and ensure effective communication on the project objectives and progress.
• Lead technical reporting and ensure accurate financial reporting in close collaboration with TRAFFIC´s Project Support Unit.
• Support project development, identification of suitable donors and partners, and development of project proposals that support the delivery of TRAFFIC's programme in Central Asia.
• Respond to general enquiries that are directed to TRAFFIC and represent TRAFFIC in media events as appropriate.
• Communicate the nature and results of the work that TRAFFIC undertakes and represent TRAFFIC at designated international meetings and conferences, and produce reports on these meetings.
• Maintain links and good working relationships with Fauna and Flora, ACBK, Ekomaktab, WWF, IUCN, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, and other relevant NGOs and organisations in the Central Asia Region.
• Undertake other tasks relevant to the project as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor or a university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, forestry, statistics sciences, agro-economy, forestry, biology, environment or any other relevant field).
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in project management in wildlife conservation or related field.
• Experience in wildlife conservation, preferably with government or an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Inter-governmental Organisation (IGO).
• Prior experience on data collection and managing with strong ability to synthesize information.
• Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail.
• Fluency in English with excellent English writing skills with working knowledge of any other languages an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and to set own work priorities as appropriate and a capacity to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Must have experience working in Central Asia, ideally in Kyrgyzstan.
• Knowledge of Russian (or at least one official language from the region).

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button. Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.