Research Programme Officer

Research Programme Officer

Start Date: 15th July 2026, or as soon after as possible

Contract: Full-time one-year contract with potential to extend

Salary: Competitive starting net salary of 550 - 750 USD/month, depending on qualifications and experience

Location: Based at Free the Bears’ Phnom Penh Office, with frequent work at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Takeo Province, Cambodia; and fieldwork at project sites throughout Cambodia.

Closing date for applications: 8th July 2026

Applications are sought from suitable individuals to fill the role of Research Programme Officer with Free the Bears Cambodia. The work of Free the Bears is currently centred on three focal countries where we have created the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary (in Cambodia), Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, in Laos, and Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary in Vietnam. Currently, across these sanctuaries we provide life-long care to over 340 bears, in addition to a variety of other rescued wildlife species in Laos.

Free the Bears’ Research Programme was created to improve our understanding of wild bear populations and the threats they face, as well as assess and improve the welfare of the bears in our care. We partner with governments, universities, and other institutions around the world in order to end the exploitation of bears. To improve the protection of bears in the wild, we must first determine the current status of bear populations and habitat, as well as understand the threats facing bears. This work also helps us assess the suitability of potential release sites by identifying areas where habitat quality, existing bear populations, threat levels, and local community support could allow rescued bears to be safely returned to the wild in the future.

The
Research Programme Officer will work as part of a small team to deliver research activities, building towards successful release of rescued bears and the advancement of bear conservation in Cambodia and beyond.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct behavioural observations of bears in ex-situ pre-release facilities at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary;
• Proactively identify and engage potential release site partners, including protected area managers, government partners, local communities, and affiliated NGOs, and assist in organizing site surveys;
• Assist in conducting assessments of potential release sites, including bear population status and threat assessments;
• Assist in the delivery of community outreach activities, community workshops and social science research;
• Conduct post-release monitoring of bears when applicable;
• Assist in maintenance of equipment systems at pre-release enclosures, including downloading data, changing batteries, and recharging/replacing dehumidifiers;
• Conduct inventory and maintenance of research and field equipment, and keep up-to-date;
• Identify research opportunities and independently design and conduct bear research projects, in coordination with the Research Programme Manager;
• Assist with other research, data collection, data management and report writing for Free the Bears as required;

Job Skills and Qualifications

• At least Bachelor, preferably Master’s, degree in Biodiversity Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or similar;
• At least 1 year of field research experience implementing wildlife research, supervising teams, and ensuring high quality data collection and adhering to strict research protocols;
• Ability to work responsibly and independently with limited supervision;
• Fluency in spoken and written Khmer, and good English communication skills;
• Good computer literacy including familiarity with Excel and similar spreadsheet programs;
• The capacity to operate in field environments with minimal amenities;
• Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities, particularly abilities to work with diverse groups of people/multi-cultural team;
• Experienced in the use of fieldwork equipment, such as camera traps and GPS, is desirable;
• Previous experience with data entry and report writing will be advantageous;
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis and/or proficiency with GIS would be advantageous;
• Willingness to work on weekends and National Holidays when required, with time off in-lieu.

Contract:

• One Year contract, extendable depending on funding and outcomes achieved;
• 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with some weekend work required;
• 3-month probation period;

Benefits include:

• Competitive starting salary, depending on experience;
• Local taxes and social insurance and health insurance paid by Free the Bears;
• 13th month salary, paid annually after at least one year of full-time employment;
• Salary is reviewed annually based on performance;
• Fieldwork and travel expenses paid by Free the Bears;
• Opportunities for international travel following probationary period;
• Opportunities for professional advancement within the organization.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and cover letter, in English, to BambooHR by Wednesday 8th July 2026.

As a global organization that works with partners and communities across a wide range of countries, Free the Bears values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applicants of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply regardless of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status or disability to help us build an inclusive environment across all areas of our work.