Purpose:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a dynamic, experienced and motivated Program Manager to provide technical, administrative and program implementation support to a large and complex protected area; the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Province of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The successful candidate will provide programmatic support across all departments of protected area management with a particular focus on timely project reporting and new project development for a diverse array of grants and funding sources, tracking grant implementation, project onboarding, and staff capacity building.
Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and skills to work within a challenging, dynamic and complex program in a remote location. They will need to demonstrate that they are able to grasp the complexities of situations as they arise, adapt work accordingly and manage their time well. They will have to work within a culturally diverse and challenging work environment. Finally, they will have demonstrated experience in at least one of the four primary pillars of the OWR implementation strategy: 1) improved security and reduced criminality; 2) improved management effectiveness through capacity development and systems building; 3) improved well-being of rights-holding communities in and around the OWR, and 4) sustainable financing. S/he will report directly to the OWR Director and provide regular updates to the OWR Management Unit that is the executive body in charge of all day-to-day management activities and personnel in the OWR.
The Program Manager is based full time on-site at the OWR headquarters in Epulu, Ituri Province.
Internal Qualification Requirements
WCS is looking for a candidate who has:
Either an advanced degree (Masters) in the fields of natural resource management, conservation, development, social sciences or similar, or a first degree (Bachelor’s) with demonstrated and appropriate experience.
Demonstrated on-the-ground experience (>4 years) within one of the four pillars of the OWR implementation strategy (security and combatting criminality, protected area management systems and operations, development and wellbeing of local communities, sustainable financing of protected areas)
Experience working in the project/programme cycles of design, implementation, M&E, reporting, workplanning and budgeting, with knowledge of USAID or other bilateral donors a distinct advantage
Experience working, coordinating and collaborating with diverse sets of stakeholders – such as local NGOs, government officials, donor representatives and the private sector
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, professional working capabilities in French; knowledge of Swahili an advantage
Demonstrated experience of working in remote areas under challenging conditions and as an effective member of a multi-cultural team, with experience of working in Central Africa or DRC a distinct advantage
Energetic, flexible, adaptable, creative and ambitious, with a drive to get things done
Interest in conservation and committed to the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society
