We are seeking candidates for the position of Director of Science for a new 
Russian NGO “ANO Wildlife Conservation Society” to expand and continue 
implementing the mission of 
WCS in Russia. We are looking for a knowledgeable, passionate scientist whom we 
expect to lead WCS scientific work in the field of wildlife conservation in 
Russia. The Director will 
initially work in close association with the Director of the WCS Russia Program 
(Dr. Dale Miquelle) and Director of ANO WCS (Sergie Bereznyuk) but will quickly 
assume full 
responsibility for management of scientific activities of WCS in Russia. The 
Director will be based in Terney, Primorsky krai, Russia.
Candidates should have an excellent track record of conducting 
conservation-based scientific research (preferably on wildlife), evidence of an 
ability to publish results, and prior 
experience (preferably 3-5 years) managing (wildlife) conservation biology 
programs in Russia.  Good communication skills and the aptitude to forge 
effective impact-driven 
collaborative initiatives within Russia are required. Ability to work in the 
international conservation community (including English language skills) will 
be considered a major asset.

ANO WCS Science Director 

The Wildlife Conservation Society is a well‐respected non‐profit 
organization whose mission is to save wildlife and wild places in Russia 
through science, conservation action, 
education, and inspiring people to value nature. “WCS” achieves this mission 
through a three-pronged strategy:
1.      to explore and understand wildlife and wild places of Russia through 
science;
2.      to protect priority wildlife and wild places of Russia through 
conservation action;
3.      to inspire people to care about wildlife and wild places of Russia 
through education.

WCS is well-known for its ground-breaking research into the ecology of large 
carnivores in Russia, including the Amur tiger, the Far Eastern Leopard, and 
both brown and Himalayan 
black bear. However, research is intended to provide the foundation for 
informed conservation actions, and therefore WCS focuses as well on 
conservation initiatives that can 
demonstrate change and improve conditions for endangered and threatened species 
of Russia.

WCS is looking for a passionate, creative and knowledgeable individual to work 
closely with the Representative Office Director Dale Miquelle and WCS staff to 
expand the 
organization’s capacity for world‐class conservation, research and 
education awareness. We are looking for a person with proven conservation 
experience and credentials, excellent 
communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively forging consensus 
grassroots programs involving stakeholders from diverse cultural and economic 
backgrounds. He or 
she should be willing to travel and endure challenging conditions. 

Key Responsibilities:  

Responsibilities will include scientific program development, administration 
and monitoring, training and mentoring students, and fundraising.   

More specifically, these responsibilities are:
•       Develop a full understanding of WCS’s international mission, and assist 
in defining that mission and developing a strategy for prioritizing scientific 
work specifically for Russia.
•       Lead and inspire WCS staff for implementation of scientific 
projects/programs to fulfill WCS’s mission in Russia.
•       Oversee daily management of research projects.
•       Evaluate, monitor and improve the performance of WCS’s staff, 
partnerships and field‐based scientific programs. 
•       Identify, support, train, and mentor young biologists/conservationists 
to become leaders in the field of wildlife conservation. 
•       Assume significant responsibility related to programmatic reporting, 
fundraising, and grant writing. 
•       Represent and build support for WCS in public venues, with government 
agencies and at scientific conferences and workshops, both within Russia and 
internationally.  

Qualifications: The successful candidate should have the following 
qualifications:
•       Russian citizen or full-time resident.
•       Equivalent of a Master’s for Ph.D. in biology/ecology.
•       At least 5 years of full‐time experience in scientific research, 
with links to conservation implications clearly defined.  
•       A clear track record of scientific publications.
•       Ability to train and mentor students.
•       Passionate concern about WCS’s mission: ability to promote and 
communicate WCS’s philosophy and values, including the skills for inspiring and 
exciting donors or prospective 
supporters.  
•       Experience with conservation projects and project evaluation methods.  
•       Prior experience liaising or working with government, 
multi‐national and non‐governmental organizations is desirable.  
•       Proven experience in project management, reporting and grant writing 
skills.  
•       Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including respect for 
other cultures. 
•       Entrepreneurial and self‐directed working style, with track 
record of creating and implementing effective programs.  Prior experience 
working in a start‐up or entrepreneurial 
environment is an asset. 
•       Excellent spoken and written Russian and intermediate to excellent 
English language skills. 

Salary & Benefits:  Full‐time position. Salary based on experience and 
qualifications. Full benefits as delineated by Russian labor laws. 

To Apply:  WCS is an equal opportunity employer.  Interested candidates should 
email their resume, three references, and a cover letter outlining their 
interest in applying for the 
post, along with pertinent experience, qualifications and the skills they would 
bring to the position:   
Send to: [email protected] 
Deadline: 30 November, 2017

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