Volunteers for International Development (VIDA) Assignment Proposal
Form
December 2005 Mobilisation
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Assignment Position Title:
Animal Care Co-ordinator – Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
rehabilitation
Name of Host Organisation:
Yayasan Orangutan International Kalimantan (OFI Kalimantan) –
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Location:
Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Duration of assignment:
3 years
Description of the Host Organisation:
OFI, Kalimantan is an Indonesian non-profit organisation that
aims to protect the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). Its projects include
the Orangutan Care & Quarantine Centre (OCCQ) in Pangkalan Bun, school-level
educational programs, and habitat protection for local forest. OFI Kalimantan
works both at a grass roots level, employing and educating local people, and
with the government to produce real results in habitat and orangutan protection.
OCCQ: The orangutan care & quarantine centre is a venture in conjunction
with the Indonesian government that provides essential rehabilitation facilities
for injured, orphaned & displaced orangutans. These orangutans often require
24 hour care to recover from their injuries and trauma and may need to stay
for 5-7 years to be successfully released. The care centre is staffed by Indonesian
vets, managers and local employees. Due to a huge influx of infants over June/July
2005, the OCCQ is currently housing more than 250 orangutans.
Education: OFI Kalimantan in conjunction with sister organisations
has developed a comprehensive educational program to deliver important messages
about sustainability, illegal logging & biodiversity to the local area.
Almost 10,000 children & adults were visited during 2004, at schools and
through organised community visits. These visits are conducted by Indonesian
experts in primate conservation & biology. This program is reinforced by
the distribution of educational materials, the opening of a library and resource
unit in Pangkalan Bun, newsletters, & on-going and end term project evaluations.
Habitat: In conjunction with partner organisations, OFI Kalimantan
has developed key habitat protection strategies for the local environment. These
strategies include illegal logging patrols, habitat restoration through re-planting
and delivering education to the local people.
Assignment description:
- In conjunction with their Indonesian counterparts, the VIDA volunteer will
work to develop the policies and procedures of the OCCQ so as to maximize
the rehabilitation of the orangutans that are admitted into the centre. The
key policy areas they will be expected to develop are in quarantine, rehabilitation,
release training and enrichment.
- The VIDA volunteer will assist in developing staff education through workshops,
consultation and documents. Focus will be on staff development in their area
of expertise, including infant care, enrichment and training, health monitoring
and rescue.
- To increase the ability of the OCCQ to attract funding for future developments,
the VIDA volunteer will assist in reporting to the appropriate funding bodies
on relevant developments and requirements. This includes update requirements
on infants involved in overseas ‘sponsorship’ programs.
Assignment outcomes to be achieved:
- Develop, implement & document comprehensive enrichment
and management procedures in conjunction with the Indonesian veterinarians
and managers. Key areas for development include life stage based infant care,
enrichment, and release training.
- Develop, implement & document comprehensive staff training initiatives.
Key areas include procedure & policy training, work & safety regulations
& staff interest and motivational development.
- Develop implement and document staff educational workshops. Key areas include
Orangutan protection and welfare, physical health monitoring, psychological
and emotional health monitoring, enrichment, and recording of information.
Assist with implementation of appropriate reporting procedures to the relevant
funding bodies, including compliance with the requirements of funding bodies.
- Develop & record funding application procedures for ongoing funding
of the OCCQ.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent in a relevant field
(eg. Biology, Anthropology, Veterinary Science)
- Higher degree in a relevant field (desirable)
Required experience:
- Min. 5 years experience in animal rehabilitation or biology
- Min. 5 years experience in staff or volunteer management
- Experience in project management with emphasis on achieving project goals
- Experience with foreign culture/s (desirable)
- Ability to document and report appropriately and reliably
Personal qualities:
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a remote environment sometimes under uncomfortable and
physically difficult conditions.
- Excellent communication within a culturally sensitive environment
- Ability to self motivate and encourage staff
- Flexibility and creativity
- Friendly, helpful and approachable manner
- Non-judgmental
Description of assignment location:
The VIDA volunteer will be based in the small town of Pasir Panjang,
a suburb of Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan. Close to an airport & a
seaport, it is easily accessible. This is a small but safe village where many
of the locals are employed by the host organisation. However, typical western
amenities are not always available such as air conditioning or running water.
Description of the workplace:
The physical work environment of the OCCQ consists of several buildings, including
an office, surgery, medicine room, radiology, quarantine, laboratory and pondoks
(outside huts). The office is equipped with desks, computers and a printer.
Information on the supervisor and co-workers:
The head supervisor: Professor Birute Galdikas speaks English and Indonesian
fluently. She has 30 years experience with orangutans and has a large network
in the local area. She is the founder of OFI Kalimantan. She is Canadian born
but is an Indonesian citizen.
Alternative supervisors: Mr Tamel, has a Honours Bachelor degree in
Social Sciences. He has been employed at the OCCQ since 1999, and is the current
manager for the centre. He is fluent in English and Indonesian.
Alternative supervisors: Dr Andri is the senior veterinarian. He has
been employed at the OCCQ since 2001. In 2003 he spent several months in Northern
America, upgrading his training. He is fluent in Indonesian and English.
Other co-workers: Many of the staff at the OCCQ have some level of
English. Most of the managers and some local workers have a high level of English
with others having a basic to no command of English. Some English-speaking international
volunteers travel to the centre frequently f or research or to complete volunteer
programs through Orangutan Foundation International (OFI). From October 2005
– April 2006, an APO representative will be conducting research at the
care centre and will be able to provide assistance if needed. Staff at the centre
have varying degrees of experience in this field with most recruited locally.
Information on any resources the Volunteer should bring with them:
Recommended resources: Personal protective equipment including insect
repellent and mosquito net, Closed in boots, Sunscreen, Hat, appropriate medications
for personal use.
Desirable resources which can be gathered in conjunction with the Australian
Orangutan Project prior to departure:
Educational resources such as appropriate manuals, journal articles, activity
booklets, procedure manuals from other organisations.
How To Apply:
This assignment will be advertised on the VIDA website by Friday the 14th of
October. Once this is available for viewing on the website, register as a volunteer
and submit an application for this assignment. Australian Orangutan Project
will not accept applications although you are encouraged to contact us for more
information on the assignment. Application deadlines will also be advertised
on the VIDA website.
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For more information, please contact Kris Descovich, Australian
Orangutan Project on membership@orangutan.org.au
or after hours on 0415 670 491
Or visit www.vidavolunteers.com.au
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