Liberia: Protected Areas Project Manager

Oct 7, 2019 | Conservation International
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Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.  

CI is a global organization that has been active in Liberia for nearly 17 years working closely with communities, private sector, government and civil society leaders to support conservation and sustainable development.  With enormous wealth of natural resources, Liberia is at a vital point in its development history and has an opportunity to encourage investors and promote development initiatives that both support economic growth and development while maintaining Liberia’s critical natural capital for future generations. Proper stewardship of Liberia’s resources may prove to be the key to the future well-being of Liberian people.

To this end, CI Liberia has received funding from Turing Foundation and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for gazetting Marshall Wetlands as a Protected Area. CI Liberia is now seeking a Protected Area Project Manager (PAPM).

POSITION SUMMARY

The Protected Area Project Manager (PAPM) in close collaboration with the Forest Development Authority (FDA) will promote and support the gazettement of Marshall Wetlands as a Protected Area through overseeing the day-to-day management and decision-making including planning, implementation, coordination, supervision, and monitoring of all project activities to ensure efficient and timely delivery of project goals, objectives, and targets to the highest standards in terms of quality, effectiveness, impact and relevance.

Duties include technical leadership in planning, implementation and effective and efficient project management; reporting, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The PAPM ensures compliance with Turing Foundation, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and CI policies, project and funding agreements, and other local requirements.

The PAPM coordinates and represents CI at the local level and works to build alliances with community, government authorities, partners and stakeholders who are critical to the success of this project. The PAPM will play a key role in knowledge management through documenting and sharing lessons learned and success stories.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The PAPM is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the project activities in accordance with and in full compliance with the donor contract and all associated procedures, guidelines and standards, and CI Liberia procedures.

Specifically, the PAPM will:

  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans, budgets, and technical progress reports; and document best practices and lessons learned as well as share success stories with relevant audience;
  • Undertake routine monitoring and evaluation of project activities to track progress and delivery of the project and to identify any changes to the field implementation that may be necessary to achieve project objectives;
  • Effectively engage and build relationships with project stakeholders including civil society, government, private sector, NGOs, etc., maintaining communications, and effective   sustained dialogue and advocacy for gazetting Marshall as a Protected Area;
  • Promote ecotourism and other environmentally friendly enterprises within Marshall wetlands;
  • Build skills within community ecotourism groups to effectively develop ecotourism products, host tourists, and engage with the private sector, and assist in the design of community level ecotourism knowledge products and training materials;
  • Ensure compliance with Turing Foundation, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and CI policies, funding agreements and local requirements;
  • Support preparation of new funding concepts and proposals on biodiversity conservation
  • Represent CI Liberia at the local level;
  • Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time-to-time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This is Monrovia- based position.
  • Travel to the field of about 50% is needed.
  • Ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions.​

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Minimum of university degree and post-graduate (M.Sc.) is an advantage, preferentially in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Conservation, Biological Sciences, Geographical Sciences or a related discipline
  • At least 3 years’ experience in Protected Area Management specifically in Liberia. Also, demonstrated experience in the development and/or in implementation of eco-tourism projects is an added advantage
  • Demonstrated experience in managing the processes of gazettement of protected areas in collaboration with Forestry Development Authority is a very strong added advantage
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of Project Cycle Management including budget management
  • At least three years’ experience in strategic planning and proposal writing
  • Knowledge of the tourism industry - especially small-scale eco-tourism enterprises
  • Experience in working with civil society organizations and the private sector is an added advantage
  • Highly developed conceptual, analytical and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
  • Demonstrated experience with a Rights Based Approach including Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) processes
  • Strong communication and presentation skills in English, and an ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports to multiple audience
  • Strong organizational and time management skills including an ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

All applications must be received by October 11, 2019.