Project Coordinator for the Mindoro Warty Pig Conservation Project

PRIMARY ROLE:

To Coordinate between the major stakeholders in the Mindoro Warty Pig Conservation Program (MWPCP), maintaining cross sector communication and supporting the activity plan and timeline of the project.

RATIONALE:

The Mindoro Warty Pig is a threatened endemic species to Mindoro island. There are many threats facing the MWP, including human conflict and persecution, habitat degradation, hybridisation and disease from domestic pigs, and population fragmentation. These threats are compounded by the lack of knowledge and data in the species ecology, life history, and population distribution. The wild populations of this species are under a new acute threat from the arrival of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus on the island in 2023. Given the lack of captive populations for this species, there is a potential for the species imminent extinction, and hence the need for the Mindoro Warty Pig Conservation Program.

The primary activities of the MWPCP are to 1) establish a biosecure captive conservation center for the proliferation and long-term maintenance of an insurance population for the species, and 2) increased monitoring, surveillance and data gathering on the wild populations of MWP regarding the impact of ASF, population distribution, and understanding of the species ecology and life history.

RESPONSIBILITIES of PROJECT COORDINATOR:

• Maintain communication between major stakeholders through regular emails, Technical Working Group WhatsApp messages, in-person meetings and monthly video conferencing.
• Collect and collate data from the various departments of the MWPCP including Captive Conservation Center(s), Field Monitoring Team, and program management personnel.
• Assist with the transfer of funds and instructions from the program management to the Captive and Field teams.
• Coordinate with the relevant governments and agencies to acquire all necessary permits, permissions, agreements and licences for the program.
• Including but not limited to National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Regional, Provincial and Local DENR/ENRO offices, relevant Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB), Provincial Veterinary Offices, and local site stakeholders.
• Make executive decisions on the operations of the MWPCP during localised challenges or need for immediate action.

MINIMUM CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• More than 3 years experience working in the environmental or conservation field.
• Experience in communicating with government organisations, DENR, veterinary authorities and/or environment groups.
• Understanding of the threats facing the Mindoro Warty Pig and urgency for conservation activities.
• Fluent in Tagalog and English for verbal and written communication.
• Experience and competency in report writing and project organisation.

PREFERED CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience living on Mindoro island for more than 3 years continuously.
• Advanced degree in environmental, conservation, biology, or similar discipline.
• Experience managing project finances, administration, organisation structure and personnel.
• Experience communicating with diverse stakeholders, including funding agencies, government agencies, and/or collaborators.
• Determined and unafraid to meet with government and other major stakeholders, and push for necessary documents/agreements.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and recovery.