Biodiversity Conservation and/or Ecotourism Expert
Con Dao Island, 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assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.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
Biodiversity Conservation and/or Ecotourism Expert
Host Organisation
Con Dao National Park
Website of Host Organisation
http://www.condaopark.com.vn/en/main.html
Duration of Assignment
18 months
Start Date
23-Sep-2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
17 June 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10533365
Host Organisation Overview
Con Dao National Park was established in 1993 from the Con Dao Preservation Area
(established in 1984).
The Park is under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
(MARD) and the Provincial People’s Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.
Con Dao National Park covers a total area of 19,998 ha (including 14 islands and islets)
comprising 5,998 ha of forest as well as 14,000 ha of marine protected area of. The
management responsibilities also extend to 20,500 ha of marine buffer area.
Con Dao National Park is one of only six decreed protected areas in Vietnam to include both
terrestrial and marine globally important biodiversity and endangered species.
Con Dao is listed as a highest priority conservation area in Vietnam’s Biodiversity Action Plan
and the National GEF strategy. The archipelago has Vietnam’s most important sea turtle
nesting beaches as well as some of the most pristine coral reef in Vietnam. The Park is the
only area in Vietnam which has developed a comprehensive turtle management programme.
It is home to 44 endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List and Vietnam Data Red Book.
Activities
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Protection and rehabilitation of forest and marine habitats
Conservation of precious and rare land and marine endemic species
Contribute to conserve and improve the historical and cultural relics of Con Dao District
Engage in scientific research, public education as well as eco-tourism activities
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There are 112 members of staff supporting the following departments:
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The Management Board: providing operation and overall instruction to the park
activities.
Dept. of Organization and Administration: in charge of the park organization, planning,
finance and administration.
Dept. of Scientific and International Co-operation: in charge of scientific research in
forestry and conservation of natural resources.
Dept. of Tourism and Environmental Education: in charge of the development of
environmental education, eco-tour and community activities.
Dept. of Marine and Wetlands Conservation: in charge of the conservation of marine
and wetland habitats.
Dept. of Planning and Finance: in charge of planning for financial management,
economy, construction, property management, accounting and statistic.
Local forest protection department: in charge of protecting the park’s national resources
and environment. This department comprises 9 forest protection stations and 1 mobile
forest protection brigade.
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Assignment Overview
The organisation would like to further develop their expertise in project management,
research as well as advocacy activities.
The organisation has never hosted long-term international volunteers and this will therefore
be AVI’s first collaboration with them.
However, Con Dao National Park has been implementing various projects with international
donors, such as:
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A conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources project funded by
the Global Environmental Round (GEF)
The Sea Turtle conservation program funded by WWF
Assignment Objectives
Build the capacity of local staff to design and manage projects in the areas of natural
ecosystems conservation and biodiversity.
Help build the eco-tourism program of Con Dao National Park.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
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To help improve local staff skills on research methodology as well as scientific
knowledge on ecosystems conservation (mangrove swamp ecosystems, indigo forest
ecosystems...) and biodiversity.
To support the Park in developing ecotourism activities
To help improve the staff’s English proficiency through daily contacts
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Assignment Information
Line Manager
Manager of Ecotourism and Environmental Education office
Hours & Days of employment
Working hours are from 7:00 to 17:00 with 1.5 hours for lunch break
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum
of 40 hours per week.
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.
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 and the ability to
discuss with local colleagues.
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
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.
There is a district hospital on the island but more severe cases will be evacuated to Ho Chi
Minh City.
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TRANSPORT
On the island, taxis and moto-taxis are the main means of transportation.
Volunteers may find it helpful to buy a bicycle or a motorbike.
There are 6-8 flights a day between the island and Ho Chi Minh City.
COMMUNICATIONS
Vietnam has a very modern, reliable and extensive Internet and mobile phone coverage.
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)
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
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Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants must secure their own visa.
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Partners of applicants to whom they are not legally married may face issues in
applying for and being issued a visa by the Host Organisation.
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This assignment is not suitable for couples with school age children, unless one of the
partners does home schooling.
Qualifications
Master degree or preferably PhD in the field of ecology, environment, forestry, fisheries, or
eco-tourism.
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Essential Skills & Experience
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Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through
formal and/or informal training and coaching
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Proven track record of scientific research or applied projects in the environmental or
eco-tourism field
Desirable Skills & Experience
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Participation in biodiversity conservation initiatives
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Informal or formal English teaching skills
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.
Living Allowance
AVI
Accommodation allowance
AUD 900 per month
Accommodation will be provided on-site
Housing
Accommodation will be provided in the Park’s guest house in a very safe environment. The
guest house has Wi-Fi internet access.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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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.
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This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
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