02.06.14 Wereldnatuurfonds (WWF) zoekt manager voor activiteiten in Oost-Congo

Since then, WWF has operated continuous programmes in the Eastern DRC (with offices presently in Goma, Beni and Mwenga), to protect species of special conservation interest such as the Mountain Gorilla, Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and African Elephant. This area, known as the Albertine Rift, is one of exceptional endemism and biologically rich montane and submontane forest habitats as well as critical freshwater resources. The WWF Central Africa Programme Office (CARPO) has established programmes focusing on and around the national parks of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega, as well as the Itombwe Massif.

These Eastern DRC programmes take an integrated, trans-boundary, conservation approach. Key conservation strategies include: participatory land use planning (with a focus on protected area (PA) establishment, including boundary delineation and conflict resolution); protected area management and species conservation; community-based natural resource management and livelihood improvement; environmental education; reduction of charcoal use (through agroforestry plantations and energy efficient stoves); and promotion of sustainable financing mechanisms based on REDD+.

The Eastern DRC Programme Manager will oversee the implementation of multiple active programmes in the Greater Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega/Itombwe landscapes within a regional context; line-manage E-DRC programme managers, as well as the finance and operations manager, assure liaison between the E-DRC programmes and the Kinshasa office, and develop strategic partnerships with development aid and other partners.

Location:
The position is based in Goma, North Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Main responsibilities:
• Support overall management for WWF’s Eastern DRC programmes;
• Support managers in directing project activities in accordance with their respective project descriptions, work plans, budgets and contractual agreements;
• Ensure development of work plans and budgets for approval by WWF, project partners, project steering committees, and other participating agencies;
• Coordinate with regional partners, national-level government officials/technical ministries, donors, and other stakeholders (e.g., Uganda, Rwanda) to work towards a common vision on landscape-wide management.
• Provide technical leadership in major project components in close association with the Conservation Director;
• Support capacity building in the areas of project management, business management and technical skills within the team;
• Ensure the establishment of financial and human resources management systems at the Goma office and field offices for the projects to adequately meet financial management needs;
• Ensure project budgets are approved and expenditures monitored against budgets;
• Develop strategic partnerships with development aid, rural development, and land tenure and conflict resolution partners active in the region, with the aim to upscale rural development-oriented activities through partner development;
• Build a strong institutional relationship with key organizations for strong management of Virunga NP;
• Leads fundraising planning and proposal development efforts in collaboration with national and regional offices.

What you need: Required Qualifications
• A minimum of 10 years of experience working in conservation or development organizations, 3 to 5 of which should be in the region, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• A minimum of an M. Sc. in natural resource management or a related field, or the equivalent in working experience.
• Knowledge of forest and natural resource management and protected area planning and management; rural development and/or community-based natural resource management experience; familiarity with organizations supporting conservation and international development.

Required Skills and Competencies
• Strong administrative and financial management skills and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership abilities including people and project management skills to handle complex, multi-faceted projects.
• Experience with fundraising and project funding agencies, especially government agencies preferred, USAID in particular.
• Strong written and verbal skills, particularly in writing and editing technical reports and proposals.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity to develop innovative solutions to challenging situations
• Experience in partnership building, especially between conservation and development related organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in French and English.
• Strong negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic plans.
• Commitment to the mission of WWF and adherence to WWF’s values which are: Competence, optimism, Commitment and Determination.

How to apply?
• Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send a cover letter and a detailed CV with 2-3 references to the Human Resources Manager:
E-mail: recrutement_wwfrdc@wwfcarpo.org. The subject should read Eastern DRC Program Manager.
• Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for follow up.
• WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce
• Deadline for applications: This position will remain open until filled.