Job opportunities

Mammal Working Group Vice Chair

Role Description

BIAZA Vice Chair for the Mammal Working Group (MWG)

 Context:                     
This is an unpaid post for which you must have institutional support and you or your collection should be a BIAZA member. 
The post is within the BIAZA MWG which falls under the BIAZA Species Advisory Committee (SAC).  MWG works to support SAC in achieving its strategic objectives, in relation to the care and conservation of mammals within BIAZA zoos.

Objectives of the SAC:

• To ensure high standards of animal welfare, husbandry and management in BIAZA member zoos and aquariums, and encourage such standards elsewhere. 
• To encourage the ex-situ conservation work of zoos and aquariums, and to ensure the fullest possible participation by BIAZA members.
• To liaise with and advise groups external to BIAZA on matters of animal welfare, husbandry and management affecting member zoos and aquariums. 

MWG Vice Chair Role Summary:      
The key objectives of this position are to:  

• Support the MWG Chair in leading the steering committee and subgroups in their activities, to contribute to BIAZA’s strategic objectives. 
• Support the MWG Chair in managing the operation of the MWG, ensuring that efficient and affective operational procedures are in place.
• Help develop the future direction of the MWG.

MWG Key Responsibilities:

•  Support the Chair in leading the MWG in developing and communicating good practice in respect of animal care and welfare. 
• Help lead the MWG in establishing achievable objectives and evaluating their success, annually. 
• Represent the MWG at twice yearly Species Advisory Committee meetings, when the Chair is not available.  
• Work with subgroup co-chairs to assist the subgroups in developing and meeting their objectives. 
• Liaise effectively with the BIAZA Office and the SAC Chair. 
• Liaise effectively with the MWG’s liaison officers (e.g. Research, Native Species). 
• Actively support and aid all BIAZA’s standing committees and other Working Groups as appropriate.  
• Ensure MWG administration is carried out effectively in a timely, professional and organized manner, including minutes and agendas for Steering Committee meetings, agenda for the MWG Conference, provision of delegate list and presentations for the BIAZA Office from the annual conference, completion of annual MWG Template Action Plan. 
• Remain up to date on current relevant issues at EAZA level and disseminate this information to the MWG and BIAZA Membership as appropriate.  
• Assist the Chair in managing sponsorship for MWG activities and continue good relationships with those already established.   
• Support the Chair in developing ideas and plans for future MWG work.