Program Director, Orangutan, Borneo

JOB: Program Director, Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, Borneo

Background of Organization

Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program (GPOCP) is dedicated to the conservation of orangutans and biodiversity in and around Gunung Palung National Park (GPNP).  GPNP is home to one of the last remaining tracts of pristine lowland dipterocarp forest in the world and the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.  Our mission is to conserve wild orangutans through habitat and animal protection, working closely with local communities and governments. We take a multi-pronged approach to conservation, employing five main strategies: 1) Habitat protection through legal protection of community forests 2) Development of environmentally friendly and sustainable livelihoods that protect forests 3) Environmental education and conservation awareness about orangutans and habitat protection 4) Wildlife crime investigation and habitat monitoring and 5) Scientific Research. GPOCP was founded in 1999 by orangutan researchers Dr. Cheryl Knott and Dr. Elizabeth Yaap to address the conservation threats facing wild orangutans in GPNP by working with local communities.  GPOCP was legally registered as an Indonesian NGO in 2002 under the name Yayasan Palung. 

Job Description: Program and Development Director

We are currently seeking a highly-motivated and committed individual to oversee our programs in Indonesia and our fundraising efforts.  The Program Director is a senior position on the ground, reporting directly to Dr. Cheryl Knott (Executive Director). The ideal candidate will have previous experience in conservation or community development in Indonesia, and working proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia.

The Program and Development Director will be responsible for:

Fundraising and Program Development (35%)

Support the on-going development of our programs and related activities; Oversee strategic planning; work with staff and board to strategize and develop new directions for Yayasan Palung that will accomplish its ultimate goal of orangutan conservation; identify funding opportunities and develop appropriate funding proposals in close coordination with the Executive Director; produce grant reports for existing grants and new grant funding received; assist the Executive Director in liaising with and reporting to current and potential donors; organize site visits for current and potential donors; represent GPOCP in Indonesia at workshops and meetings with other NGOs and government agencies.

Staff Management (25%)

Directly oversee the 20 Indonesian staff with support of Program Managers; hold monthly meetings to maintain open communication between project teams; monitor and evaluate staff performance, including reviewing contracts; advise Executive Director on personnel decisions.

Communications (10%)

Create monthly newsletters on program activities; make regular Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram postings; update website to inform and empower individual supporters abroad.

Capacity Building (10%)

Tailor staff capacity building activities to existing and needed skills; conduct internal capacity building activities to build basic office, computer and language skills; assist staff in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating program activities through annual and monthly work plans and reports; coordinate visits and training from outside experts and volunteers; assist staff in identifying relevant external training courses they can attend to help further build capacity.   

Financial Oversight (10%)                                                                                                        

Provide oversight of financial reporting, cash management and banking; Responsible for maintaining and adherence to program and grant budgets.

Reporting and Administrative Duties (10%)

Regularly liaison with Executive Director via email and Skype; submit monthly program activity and progress reports; produce an annual report each year.

Qualifications/Experience

·       Master’s degree in biological anthropology, primatology, conservation biology, ecology, natural resource management or related field

·       Language fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia

·       Demonstrated knowledge and experience in grant writing and reporting

·       Previous fundraising experience (including with foundations, individuals, corporations and/or government is desirable)

·       Understanding of conservation and development issues in Southeast Asia

·       Experience in tropical field conservation and/or research projects (minimum 3 years)

·       Staff management and coordination experience

·       Experience managing internal capacity building

·       Ability to work productively with a multicultural staff in remote, rural areas

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·       Computer Proficiency (including Excel and other Office software)

·       Experience with data management software such as Access or Filemaker is desirable

·       Previous experience working in Indonesia is desirable

Term of Appointment

2 years (extendable upon agreement by both parties)

Closing Date                                                 

Accepting applications until position is filled

Application Instructions

Candidates are invited to apply by emailing a Cover Letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for the position, Curriculum Vitae, writing sample and three references to Executive Director, Cheryl Knott: knott@bu.edu with the job title as the subject heading. All applications should be made in English.