The Zoological Society of London Vacancy: National Project Manager - Palembang

The Zoological Society of London is an international wildlife conservation organization with a focus on science based and pragmatic solutions. ZSL has been active in Indonesia for about 10 years, with a particular focus on the overlap between industrial development and biodiversity conservation. ZSL’s Indonesia is based in Bogor, West Java, with existing field projects in Jambi and South Sumatera. We are now looking for:

National Project Manager

Terms and ConditionStart Date : September 01, 2015
Duration of Contract : One year fixed-term contract, with potential to extend
Work Area : Palembang with travel occasionally to ZSL Indonesia’s Head office in Bogor and as well as other regional offices/field sites will likely be requiredHours of Work : Monday to Friday from 09.00 am up to 05.00 pm
Reporting to : Production Landscape Theme Leader
Key Internal Relationships : Country Manager, National Government Liaison & Assistant Project Managers under the ZSL Packard Integrated Landscape Project & Assistant Project Managers of Community and Land Management

Key Purpose of the JobThe National Project Manager will lead the effective and efficient delivery of a ZSL Indonesia production landscape project funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The post-holder will lead on all aspects of project delivery including management of the Project team, and coordination of the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities.

The aim of the ZSL-Packard project is to deliver a transparency and accountability framework for the palm oil supply chain from source to market, driving a reduction in deforestation caused by the industry, and to develop a monitoring, reporting and verification system for landscape stakeholders.

Main Duties & Key Responsibilities

• The post holder will carry out project activities approved by the Packard Project Executive Board (PPEB) under the guidance and supervision of the Production Landscape Theme Leader (PLTL) and Indonesia Country Manager;
• Prepare budget-based Annual Work Plan of the project and submit this to PPEB and PLTL for approval;
• Ensure the timely mobilisation and utilisation (deployment/arrangement/recruitment) of project personnel, subcontracts, training and equipment inputs, whether these are procured by the project itself or by other agents;
• Exercise overall technical, financial and administrative oversight of the project, including supervision of national and international personnel assigned to the project;
• Manage day-to-day project implementation of field-based activities;
• Oversee project personnel to ensure that agreed work is completed on schedule, to budget and in compliance with ZSL health and safety procedures and UK/in-country laws and regulations;
• Together with the PLTL, oversee the management of local staff, planning of work schedules (including monitoring of time sheets where required and signing off on leave and illness), organisation and recording of per diems and oversight of travel logistics (including keeping of vehicle travel logs);
• Develop plans for Project implementation activities, facilitate and support the team’s development under the Community and Land Management Assistant Project Managers and consolidate all of the work plans proposed by the Assistant Project Managers and Government Liaison Officer;
• Facilitate efforts and inputs from Government, the private sector, (I)NGOs and relevant stakeholders to achieve the goals, objectives, outputs and outcomes of the Packard project;
• Facilitate, coordinate and supervise the activities of consultants/sub-contractors in carrying out their duties under the Project;
• Facilitate efforts to ensure efficient and effective project implementation through field inspections, monitoring/periodic site visits and evaluation of project performance; facilitate monitoring visits for the ZSL’s Senior Management Team, relevant donors and government institution;
• Identify potential problems and mitigate for project risks and changes, resolving problems through consultation with the PLTL. Prevent irregularities and propose appropriate alternative strategies when necessary;
• Develop and prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Project and coordinate with relevant agencies;
• Initiate and maintain good communication with the PPEB and stakeholders (Bappenas, KLHK, MoA, BPN, local government agencies, the private sector and (I)NGOs);
• Administer activities and project finance in accordance with applicable regulations;
• Participate, and encourage the participation of project staffs, in different forums that may be organised by various agencies related to sustainable landscape management subjects;
• Collect data and information relating to the progress of the project that was prepared for the development and submission of periodic reports required by the Packard Foundation, PPEB and PLTL;
• Receive and review regular updates from the Project Team Leaders and compile these into a Project progress report to be delivered to the PLTL in a monthly, quarterly and bi-annual basis;
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of required reports including technical, financial reports by adhering to the project timeline strictly;
• Provide full support in the form of data provision and information for any Project audits or inspections that take place;
• Prepare the Individual Performance Plans and Performance Appraisal Reports with all staff under his/her line management;
• Carry out other duties when required.

Other
1. Plant, machinery, equipment, materials and productsThe post-holder will ensure the security, storage and maintenance of all equipment (e.g. cars, motorcycles, computers, GPSs, cameras, materials (e.g. satellite images, hard copy maps, LIDAR), and products (e.g. reports, guidelines, SoPs) to be used or resulting from project implementation.

2. Financial resourcesIn coordination with the Production Landscapes Theme Leader and ZSL Indonesia’s Grant Management and Procurement Officer, the post-holder will coordinate and control budget expenditure for activities under this project. The post-holder will also work closely with Assistant Project Managers for Community and Science as well as the Government Liaison Officer to develop budget plans to be discussed with Production Landscapes Theme Leader for submission and approval by ZSL Indonesia Country Manager.

3. ConfidentialityThe post-holder must treat with confidentiality any data collected under this project and will be bound to relevant NDAs signed with donors and other institutions/organisations. He/she also must maintain confidentiality in accordance with internal ZSL’s Human Resources policies.

Building RelationshipsThe job requires constant internal and external interaction/communications, both in person and via phone and email - with ZSL staff colleagues in the Palembang office, and with local project partners (e.g. Government, the private sector, (I)NGOs, consultants/sub-contractors, and other relevant stakeholders) as well as with colleagues in Bogor and ZSL’s headquarters in London.

Mental DemandsThe position will require close attention to detail and therefore concentration on the work in hand, precision and accuracy being vital attributes.

FlexibilityThe position will be relatively routine in terms of day-to-day tasks during office hours – however sometimes e.g. during field trips or when a workshop is being organised the next day, some flexibility in working hours may be required.

Expectations of Job Holder

• To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the post holder’s work; 
• To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post;
• Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information;
• To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary;
• To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job;
• To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.

NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.

Person Specification
A. Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in an applied or related discipline e.g. conservation, forestry, environment management, natural resources management or related field; 
• Experience of working with government agencies, the private sector, (I)NGOs and financial institutions. Additional experience with bi-lateral and multi-lateral development agencies is a benefit;
• Experience in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of community-based projects will be an added advantage;
• Extensive working experience in both managerial positions and on conservation/sustainable landscape management projects;
• Proven experience in results-based management and in leading strategic planning;
• Solid experience in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating work plans and programmes;
• Previous work for an international NGO is desirable;
• Previous work (directly or indirectly) with Government of Indonesia institutions would also be a strong advantage.

B. Knowledge

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position; 
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

C. Skills & Abilities

• Ability to write effectively, particularly scientific reports as well as technical and policy papers; 
• Excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken in Bahasa and English is required;
• Computer literacy (excellent IT skills); competent in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and other MS tools;
• Able to work independently without supervision but also accustomed to working in a team
• Flexible and able to work under pressure and often to tight deadlines; an ability to prioritise tasks
• Demonstrates integrity and treats all people fairly without favouritism;
• Ideally a broad knowledge of Indonesia’s conservation issues;
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.

Application proceduresPlease submit your application and curriculum vitae in English, relevant experience, past salary history, two referees not later than July 31, 2015, to indonesia@zsl.org, placing the job title in the subject line and label your CV with your name. Only short listed candidates will be notified. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.