Expert on mangrove ecology and restoration
Hanoi, Vietnam
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Expert on mangrove ecology and restoration
Host Organisation
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology,
Faculty of Biology,
University of Science, Vietnam National Universities in
Ho Chi Minh City
Website of Host Organisation
www.hcmuns.edu.vn/
Duration of Assignment
18 months
Start Date
23 Sep 2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
24-26 June 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10533283
Host Organisation Overview
This University is part of one of two National Universities in Vietnam (one in Hanoi, one in Ho
Chi Minh City).
Mission of the Department: To provide education and research training at the undergraduate,
graduate, and postdoctoral levels while advancing research programs in ecology and
evolutionary biology.
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology addresses the central questions of the
origin, maintenance and organization of biodiversity. Other biology units within the University
tend to focus on sub-organismal processes, and work with a few “model” organisms.
In addition to the research facilities in the University’s laboratories, this institution collaborates
and implements field projects with national parks, experimental stations, and biological
reserves.
The Department currently has 22 staff (10 of whom have PhD) and student enrolment is
around 50 undergrads, 10 MSc and 2 PhD.
Australian Volunteers International
Page 1 of 6
Assignment Overview
In order to strengthen the Department’s capacity in implementing research projects for
international organisations as well as in publishing scientific papers in English, an
international expert is sought to train and work alongside local researchers.
Examples of recent field projects include:

Mangrove restoration project funded by the Embassy of USA in Bangkok, Thailand

Phu My project funded by International Crane Foundation

Sud Expert Plantes projects granted by French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This will be AVI’s first volunteer placement with this institution.
The Department has some ongoing relationships with

The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences - one
graduated PhD student in Tropical and Subtropical Weeds Research Unit,

The University of Queensland, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental
Management –currently one PhD student.
Assignment Objectives
Assist and contribute to programs in mangrove forest restoration program for natural disaster
mitigation and carbon stocks, including publication as well as development of international
networks.
Provide teaching assistance and advice in forest carbon measurement and disaster mitigation
through mangrove vegetation as well as support and participate in international initiatives
such as REDD+.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, Volunteers complete a work
plan in the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the
type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
•
Provide advice and perspective on methods, analysis and international publication for
the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve program on mangrove restoration as well as other
projects.
•
Help develop and support sustainable links with Australian universities and other
organisations (including grant proposals, joint projects in Vietnam, opportunities for
study in Australia, etc)..
•
Provide ongoing expertise and reports on international initiatives supported by the
Vietnamese government (e.g. REDD+), forest carbon, and disaster mitigation by
natural vegetation, with a focus on mangrove vegetation in southern Vietnam.
•
Source relevant scientific literature in English and help improve local researcher’s
skills in information gathering.
•
Edit reports and papers in English, with the aim of improving technical English sills of
Australian Volunteers International
Page 2 of 6
local colleagues.
•
Participate in seminars and other teaching opportunities for higher degree students
Assignment Information
Line Manager
Head of Department
Staff supervision
Participate as co-supervisor for students’ research activities
Other staff
The volunteer will have contact with all students and faculty of the Department.
Hours & Days of employment
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum
of 40 hours per week. Working hours are flexible within the University’s work schedule.
Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However,
as a minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 weeks leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
The Volunteer will be provided a workspace without dedicated computer, but with Internet
access.
There will be regular field visits accompanied by local staff.
Language skill and level required
Vietnamese is the main language spoken by nearly all in the country. In local areas, very few
people may speak English.
The level of language competency in Vietnamese that a Volunteer will need to carry out this
assignment is LOW, mostly for daily interactions at market, shops, taxis, etc… The Volunteer
will need basic survival Vietnamese for shopping and travel. However, the more language
skills the volunteer will acquire, the better the integration in the community.
Language support
AVI offers 2 week language training support to volunteer during an initial in-country orientation
program. Further language training is encouraged and financially supported.
Living as a Volunteer
Working in Vietnam can be challenging in terms of organisation of work and importance of
personal relationships for successful outcomes. There is also often relatively late notice for
participation in public events, speaking slots in workshops or unplanned changes in programs
Australian Volunteers International
Page 3 of 6
and work schedules. This requires flexibility and a level of comfort handling multiple priorities,
as well as working to tight deadlines with a high level of quality.
Personal boundaries are different in the Vietnamese context as the country as a whole lacks
public and personal space. In addition to the lack of privacy, the amount and level of noise
can be overwhelming for Westerners.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Vietnam in general provides a safe and welcoming living environment. Crime levels are low –
with petty street crime increasing, although at levels far below most Western capital cities.
Tropical storms and floods commonly occur between June and December. The standard of
primary health care is sufficient in major cities, but more complicated treatments may require
evacuation to a third country, usually Thailand. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, there
are international medical clinics.
Dengue Fever is endemic to Vietnam and can occur throughout the year. Outbreaks of Avian
Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have led to 50 reported human fatalities. The last fatality was
in March 2009. Malaria occurs in certain parts of Vietnam, but only in remote forested and
mountainous areas.
Traffic accidents cause thousands of deaths each year.
TRANSPORT
In the city, buses, moto-taxis and taxis are the preferred mean of transportation for volunteers.
For inter-city travels, there is a well organised network of public buses.
Many volunteers have found it helpful to buy a bicycle. The average cost of a brand-new
between AUD $50 to $100
COMMUNICATIONS
Vietnam has a very modern, reliable and extensive Internet and mobile phone coverage.
Internet service is easy to get in the volunteer’s accommodation with a cost of about AUD 1520 per month for unlimited access.
Internet cafes are found everywhere except the most remote locations and costs are much
lower than in Australia.
Most volunteers use Skype for overseas calls: computer-to-computer (free) or computer-tophone (about 3.5 cents/minute to land lines and 31 cents/min to mobiles). Phone cards are
also available for even lower rates.
Preparing your Application
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document
headed - Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in
my life? (up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a
useful colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
Australian Volunteers International
Page 4 of 6
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most
relevant experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential
Skills & Experience section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/application-process/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please
visit: http://australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/have-you-got-what-it-takes/
Personal Circumstances Constraints
•
Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants must secure their own visa
outside the AVID program.
•
Partners of applicants to whom they are not legally married may face issues in
applying for and being issued a visa.
•
This assignment is not suitable for couples with school age children due to the
extremely high cost of international education institutions, unless one of the partners
does home schooling.
Qualifications
Master degree or preferably PhD in biology, ecology or a related field.
Essential Skills & Experience
•
Demonstrated practical experience in applied ecology of mangrove and other forests,
including coastal protection and biomass/carbon measurement.
•
Proven track record of publication and communication in the relevant field.
•
Ability to synthesise, integrate and communicate (both verbally and in writing)
information from multidisciplinary projects.
•
Ability to work independently as well as within a team in an collaborative advisory
capacity.
•
Established links to relevant individuals and organisations in Australia with the aim of
fostering collaboration.
•
Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through
formal and/or informal training and coaching.
Desirable Skills & Experience
•
Knowledge of Vietnamese government programs and policies on coastal forest
protection and disaster mitigation and REDD+ programs and initiatives.
•
Experience in advising and teaching at University level.
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed
periodically and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to
the allowance level.
Australian Volunteers International
Page 5 of 6
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 900 per month
AUD 500 per month
Housing
The Volunteer will be responsible for finding and securing his/her own accommodation. This is
done with the help of work colleagues, Internet sites and local housing agents. Housing for
couples or families is readily available.
Most housing is rented with all furnishings included and obtaining telephone and home-based
Internet access is quick and inexpensive.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry Support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
Australian Volunteers International
Page 6 of 6