Manager, Community Based Organization

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) of Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, USA) is a nonprofit community-based conservation program, dedicated to conservation in the YUS Local Level Government region on the Huon Peninsula, Morobe Province, PNG.

Job Title: YUS Community Based Organization Manager.

Job Placement: This position will be based in Lae City, Papua New Guinea, with extensive time in the field (YUS). Visits to remote communities and frequent travel are necessary.

Position type: Annual contract (based on grant funding).

Remuneration: Dependent on qualifications and experience.

Purpose: Under the guidance of the TKCP Manager, the Community Based Organization (CBO) Manager will carry out TKCP’s vision and objectives of capacity building the YUS Community by ensuring the functionality of the YUS CBO and to ensure that TKCP has an effective and efficient means of engaging with the YUS communities in achieving conservation and livelihood outcomes.

Location: Based in Lae, PNG. Some travel within PNG and overseas as necessary.

Background:
In April 2008, Seattle’s (USA) Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ) Tree Kangaroo Conservation program (TKCP) opened an office in Lae, Morobe Province, PNG to support the YUS Conservation Area. This office is staffed with a PNG Program Coordinator, Conservation and GIS Coordinator, Research and Monitoring Coordinator, Development Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and a YUS CBO Coordinator, as well as a number of other field staff based in YUS.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in social sciences, including sustainable development, conservation, protected areas management, or equivalent.
• Experience (3+ years) in implementing or coordinating international conservation and development projects working with small non-profits and community organizations.
• Understanding of, and experience in leading participatory planning processes and community organizing.
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively within a dynamic and multi-cultural team comprised of a variety of professionals from different disciplines.
• Understanding of the economic and environmental issues facing developing countries and the roles that indigenous communities near protected areas play in conservation.
• Experience in capacity-building staff and community members in developing countries.
• Self-directed and able to manage a wide spectrum of activities within a diverse conservation and livelihood program.
• Must be willing to spend considerable time (40 - 50%) in remote rural areas of PNG and be physically able to hike in rugged conditions
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• Commitment to the goals and philosophy of the TKCP regarding community-based conservation and development.
• A high degree of computer literacy, including; Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, email, internet, Skype.
• A Team player with well developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly proficient spoken and written English language skills required
• A demonstrated high work ethic and ability to assume a high level of responsibility.

Desired qualifications:
• Experience in Melanesia.
• Proficient or ability to become proficient in PNG Pidgin.
• Knowledge of socio-economic monitoring and evaluation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities.
To perform this job successfully, applicants must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
•
• Develop the capacity of the YUS Community Based Organization (CBO) to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes.
• Support the success and sustainability of the CBO in the YUS Conservation Area.
• Develop and implement strategies for extensive capacity building for CBO representatives and officers.
• Help CBO representatives navigate necessary legal processes required of registered associations and develop guidelines and protocols/policies to ensure CBO function and sustainability.
• Provide logistical and technical support, for the CBO’s executive, planning and general meetings.
• Ensure CBO representative participation in the YUS CA Management Committee.
• Advise and assist in the implementation of sustainable livelihood activities developed by the CBO.
• Coordinate necessary logistics for TKCP activities/projects in the field/villages
• Facilitate regular village community meetings and hold workshops/trainings when necessary
• Collaborate with TKCP Coordinators to mainstream CBO participation in other TKCP programs including land-use and development planning, and income generating projects
• Supervise and capacity build the YUS CBO Coordinator
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist with the administration of Australia/PNG TKCP operations.

Reports Directly to: The TKCP Manager.

Applications Close on the 11th of April 2011

For further information about the position please contact Zachary Wells Zachary.wells@treekangaroo.org or by phone on 472 7226 (PNG) or +61.7.4042.1856 (Australia)

To apply, please email to Zachary.wells@treekangaroo.org by 11 April 2011:
• a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your interest in the position,
• a copy of your CV,
• A list of three references.

Interviews will begin in April 2011 with an anticipated start in May/June 2011. For more information regarding the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program please go to www.zoo.org/treekangaroo.