Deputy Director of the Endangered Primate Rescue Center at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam
Posted: 31 January 2023 | Full-Time | Vietnam
Overview
Zoo Leipzig currently offers an exciting and unique opportunity for a highly dedicated and motivated person with an affinity for primate conservation to join an international team of passionate conservationists at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) in Vietnam.
The EPRC is a non-profit conservation project of Zoo Leipzig, implemented in close collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park. The center, operating on the interface between ex situ and in situ conservation, resembles a unique conservation effort for some of Vietnam’s and the world’s most endangered primate species. Zoo Leipzig has provided support to the EPRC for many years since its initial establishment in 1993 and has taken over the full management responsibility in 2013. Today, the EPRC is taking care of around 180 rare primates out of 13 species, supported by a team of around 30 employees, including one permanent Head Keeper from Zoo Leipzig.
main duties and responsibilities
- Serving as a representative of the project and Zoo Leipzig for the collaboration with the relevant Vietnamese authorities in absence of or by delegation of the Director
- Assisting with the management of the annual budget and with the development of accurate financial reports in regular intervals
- Contributing to the development and implementation of all EPRC activities in line with the Project Management Plan
- Providing leadership, guidance, and support to EPRC’s employees and interns
- Preparing project proposals/reports and performing other administrative tasks as required and in collaboration with the Director and Zoo Leipzig when relevant
Requirements
- Relevant management experience in conservation projects (experience in Vietnam / Southeast Asia would be an advantage)
- Relevant experience in collaborating and negotiating with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders is desired (experience in Vietnam / Southeast Asia would be an advantage)
- Relevant leadership experience is desired
- Excellent organization and communication skills and ability to prioritize in a complex environment
- Good command of English; knowledge of Vietnamese and/or German would be an advantage
- Degree in biology, conservation, veterinary or related fields; or proven relevant experience in
- comparable conservation projects
- Good practical skills and computer literacy
- A high level of cultural sensitivity
- Ability to live under simple and isolated conditions in a rural area
conditions
Zoo Leipzig would like to hire a Deputy Director with a long-term perspective. The contract will be offered on two-year freelance work basis, including an initial six-month probation period, with a general intention to extend the agreements after expiration. The Deputy Director is expected to be based at the EPRC, Cuc Phuong National Park. On-site accommodation is provided.
Starting Date: as soon as possible
how to apply
Contact for the application and further inquiries:
A more detailed announcement can be found on www.zoo-leipzig.de. Interested candidates are invited to apply via e-mail (including covering letter, CV, university and career certificates, compensation expectations, and the contact details of two references) to:
Michael Meyerhoff, Conservation Officer I Zoo Leipzig, Pfaffendorfer Str. 29, 04105 Leipzig, Germany Email: conservation@zoo-leipzig.de
Closing date for the application is Sunday, the 12th of February 2023.
Please note that interviews may be held prior to the stated closing date. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.