DRC: Chief of Party Advancing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ARIP)

Apr 5, 2022 | Wildlife Conservation Society
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The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USAID on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with all donor, WCS, and project-specific policies.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, international donors, and other USAID projects.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Liaise closely with WCS DRC’s management and finance team, and the WCS regional team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent with WCS’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with the Finance/Grants Directors to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and project resources.
• Ensure a responsive and innovative approach to developing the capacity of government and civil society actors.
• Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s sub-award portfolio. 
• Manage a team and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure that the project meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and WCS’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.

• Masters Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible management experience, including administering donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous Communities in DRC.
• Experience developing capacity for civil society and local organizations in DRC.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements, including knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, navigate sensitive issues, and develop and maintain relationships with different stakeholders, including civil society and local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading) and working ability in French.
• Ability to travel within DRC and occasionally internationally.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Deep knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of DRC.
• DRC nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and environmental issues

Application process

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply by emailing an application letter and CV containing the names and contact information of 3 referees to: africaapplications@wcs.org by 01 April 2022 as the deadline. Indicate “ARIP Chief of Party” on the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

In addition, please note that all candidates must also apply online via the WCS career portal at: http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value WCS provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. WCS does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations