DRC: Head of Finance and Administration - Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Dec 28, 2020 | Wildlife Conservation Society
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The Wildlife Conservation Society is a non-governmental organization headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, that aims to conserve the world's largest wild places in 14 priority regions.

The purpose of this post is to oversee the financial and administrative aspect of the management of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR). The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been active in the OWR for more than 30 years, supporting its creation, and subsequently working closely with ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) – the government agency responsible for protected areas and wildlife - in its management. In December 2018, WCS and ICCN signed a 10-year management agreement that delegated management authority of the OWR to WCS. This mandate is implemented through the OWR Management Unit (RMU), led by the Reserve Director, that is the executive body in charge of all day-to-day management activities and personnel in the OWR. The Head of Finance and Administration is one of six Heads of Department in the RMU; s/he will report to the OWR Head of Programs and maintain close liaison with the DRC Country Director of Finance and Administration.

The Head of Finance and Administration is based permanently on-site at the OWR headquarters in Epulu, Ituri Province. Candidates will need to clearly demonstrate they have the necessary mindset, experience and skills with which to operate effectively in this complex environment.

Responsibilities

Overall, the post will ensure timely, complete and accurate financial management of an annual operating budget that is currently around $5million (and expected to grow significantly over the next 5 years), efficient budgeting and financial reporting for the Reserve both internally and externally (donors and local authorities), efficient Human Resources administration, and mentoring of staff. The post will ensure compliance with WCS and OWR financial, administrative, Human Resources policies and procedures – and, as necessary, with ICCN’s statutes, and with local laws in order to achieve OWR goals effectively whilst ensuring strict monitoring of resource allocation.

More specifically, the Head of Finance and Administration will work to:

  • Support the Reserve Director and Head of Programs in strategic decision-making on finance and administrative matters.
  • Produce and coordinate the Reserve’s annual budget, in the most accurate and realistic manner, in coherence with the annual operational plan. Update this budget throughout the budget cycle, ensure adequate resources are available to achieve program activities and deliverables while meeting donor requirements, anticipate changes and challenges and plan accordingly.
  • Monitor expenses vs budget on a regular basis, analyze variances, suggest corrective actions if necessary.
  • Produce regular and adequate indicators to Reserve Director and Head of Programs, and the DRC Country Director of Finance and Administration to monitor financial health of the reserve, produce and share relevant cost analysis.
  • Ensure proper implementation and respect of relevant policies and guidelines, design or adapt relevant local policies, procedures and tools for optimized management of the mission financial and human resources and awareness of realities of the context.
  • Train and coach all finance staff in the mission in all aspects related to accounting, finance and budget, as well as coaching OWR staff on financial and administrative procedures while sensitizing key executive staff such as Heads of Department and relevant managers on financial risks and the extent of their financial responsibilities.
  • Assess and mitigate the financial risks of the OWR, ensure that reliable internal control systems are in place, and financial ethics is respected within the mission.
  • Coordinate and supervise local audits relating to accounting, tax, and labour matters as well as promote internal audits in coordination with the Country Director of Finance and Administration, in order to determine the legality and veracity of the accounts of the Reserve • Develop budgets at proposal stage in compliance with WCS and donors’ requirements
  • Prepare financial reports to donors with submission to the Country Director of Finance and Administration for review.
  • Ensure cash flow management of the OWR
  • Ensure proper application of HR policies and associated processes (recruitment, payroll, inductions, briefing/debriefing, evaluation, professional and staff development training, capacity building, and internal communication) with the OWR’s large and growing body of staff
  • Ensure administrative procedures related to taxes and payment of social security obligations are followed, and comply with established legal procedures in the country.
  • Represent the Reserve towards other actors at national level, and support the Reserve Director and Head of Programs with representation at local level.
  • Maintain good working relationships with external partners (government officials, local suppliers, projects partners, etc.)
  • Process cash requests from departments (Research, Law Enforcement, Community Development, Logistics and Judicial) professionally and in due time. • Perform tasks delegated ad hoc by the Reserve Director and Head of Programs
  • Support the Logistics Manager in defining, monitoring, evaluating and implementing the overall supply strategies/activities in the OWR, and propose adjustments where needed.
  • Participate in reporting efforts on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Qualification Requirements

Experience and qualification

  • Bachelor degree in Business Administration, accounting major preferred. MBA or CPA a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
  • French and English language fluency. Knowledge of Swahili is an advantage.
  • Significant experience with the financial management of government and agency grants and contracts, and specifically experience with one or more of US Government, German Government/KfW and EU funding
  • At least five years’ experience managing a financial unit for an international corporation or not profit organization
  • Excellent computer and systems skills required with respect to MS Office applications (advanced skills in MS Excel required) and major financial accounting and reporting software (SAP, SAGE or equivalent).
  • Experience working in a developing country setting, with experience in Africa a distinct advantage.
  • Knowledge of the general administration framework in which International NGOs operate in DRC.
  • Working knowledge of the DRC Labor Code, related laws, policies and practices is an advantage
  • Experience working with ONEM, DGI, CNSS, etc. and other related DRC agencies in charge of taxes is an advantage
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong analytical skills.
  • Effective “roll up the sleeves” work ethic, with attention to detail.
  • Proven managerial skill and ability to work in a team setting within an organization.
  • Willingness to live in a remote site with basic amenities in a multi-cultural environment 
  • Interest in wildlife and conservation issues, with experience of protected area operations a distinct advantage

Application process

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply by emailing a detailed application/cover letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three references to: africaapplications@wcs.org. Please include “Head Finance Okapi” in the subject line of your email. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you have any queries related to this position please contact: africaapplications@wcs.org

Application Deadline: 31 December 2020

About OWR

Created in 1992, the OWR, at more than 13,000km2, is the single largest protected tract of intact lowland tropical forest remaining in the DRC. The OWR harbors one of the largest remaining population of forest elephants and the largest stronghold of okapi in the DRC and the single largest population of the eastern chimpanzee in Africa. OWR is situated in the larger Ituri landscape; comprising more than 40,000km2 of contiguous forests, in which WCS is actively building conservation constituencies and supporting sustainable agricultural practices amongst the local communities who depend upon the forest resources for their livelihoods, and on whom the future integrity of the OWR is inextricably linked. The Ituri forests also have a rich cultural heritage and are home to the indigenous Mbuti and Efé peoples.