PALAU CONSERVATION SOCIETY
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

OVERALL PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To effectively coordinate and implement activities meeting the goals of the Palau Conservation Society Terrestrial Strategy 2004-2007. The position is a supervisory position and responsibilities include supervising a team of four staff and working as part of the larger PCS team to meet overall organization goals. Major activities under the Terrestrial Strategy include education and awareness activities pertaining to biodiversity and land use planning, the initiation of community visioning and conservation area and land use planning activities (including capacity building), and partnership efforts to advocate for and implement sustainable use practices. This position is supported through a major project to identify, communicate, and protect Important Bird Areas (IBA), and thus a key responsibility will be to coordinate and implement activities pertaining to birds and bird conservation. Other key responsibilities include proposal writing and reporting (with associated partnership-building with donors), educational material creation, activity coordination and implementation, partnership-building, and supervision of staff. Writing is an essential component of the position.

JOB/POSITION CONTEXT:

The Palau Conservation Society is a National community-based non-governmental organization who works through a broad range of partnerships to foster healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. Governed by Board of Directors, the staff is composed of five core teams (1. Terrestrial 2. Marine 3. Community Visioning 4. Research 5. Operations) that work interactively to implement the organization’s strategies. PCS strategies are developed collaboratively and aim towards achieving national and community biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. Terrestrial strategy goals include 1) Raised awareness of biodiversity and conservation issues, 2) Facilitation of community visioning statements and increased support and potential for land use planning, and 3) National-level acceptance of community-level plans (including sustainable land use plans). Goals of the IBA project include identification, communication, and protection of Important Bird Areas, awareness building, and capacity raising (as pertains to monitoring and conservation area management).

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelors Degree in Biological sciences or related field. Applicant must have an innate understanding of biodiversity and watershed management.

Experience: 3 years project/program implementation (preferably in a field related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development) in Palau or the Pacific Islands region.

Knowledge and Skills: Computer (PC) and IT, Communications and Media, Collaboration, Group Facilitation Candidates must have strong skills in coordination, communication, writing and project reporting.

Attributes: Collaborative spirit, works well with a range of stakeholders and team members, fluent in English, experience in Palau. Ability to conduct fieldwork in rough conditions and to participate in rural community visits (often requiring travel and overnight stays away from Koror). Applicants must be comfortable with writing under deadlines.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

Education: Masters’ Degree in Biological Sciences or related field. Land Use Planning expertise is beneficial. Applicant must have an innate understanding of biodiversity and watershed management. Knowledge of Palau’s birds is beneficial.

Experience: 5-10 years project/program management in a field related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in Palau or the Pacific Islands working closely with a range of stakeholders and partners (including researchers, decision-makers and managers). Experience with conservation area planning or land use planning is highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills: Computer (PC and Mac), Communications and Media (including social marketing), Collaboration among a broad range of stakeholders and partners, Group Facilitation and conflict resolution.

Attributes: Collaborative spirit, works well with a range of stakeholders and team members, fluent in English and Palauan. Ability to conduct fieldwork in rough conditions and to participate in rural community visits (often requiring travel and overnight stays away from Koror). Ability to write quickly and effectively under deadlines.

Please turn in your cover letter, a resume, and sample of your writing skills to PCS office located at Bai ra Maiberel or email them to pcs@palaunet.com no later than January 23, 2006.

For more information, contact Mingrang Kloulechad at 488-3993/4716 or pcs@palaunet.com.