DRC: Chief of Party, Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Oct 7, 2019 | Wildlife Conservation Society
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Wildlife Conservation Society is a New York City-based organization that currently works to conserve more than two million square miles of wild places around the world. WCS is seeking candidates for a Chief of Party (CoP) for the anticipated 5-year USAID-funded program entitled “Building effective management and sustainable financing of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve through a Public-Private Partnership” (the ‘USAID Okapi project’). The goal of this project is to secure and restore the unique biodiversity and forests of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, through: 

  • Strengthening protected area management practises;
  • Enhancing the social well-being of its resident communities; and
  • The creation of conservation-led income generating activities that will contribute to the sustainable financing of future Reserve activities.
 Responsibilities
The CoP will deliver on the following principal responsibilities in full coordination with, and supported by, the WCS DRC and OWR management teams, and the WCS Central Africa Regional team:
1)    Serve as the primary WCS point of contact and authorized representative with USAID in regard to all communications on the USAID Okapi project. 
  • Maintain good working relationships with all project participants, stakeholders, beneficiaries and other relevant organizations both in the DRC and in the wider Central Africa region.
  • Maintain a strong and responsive relationship with the USAID CARPE (Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment) Director, USAID Agreements Officer and other relevant USAID staff.
  • Maintain close working relationships with the WCS DRC and OWR management teams.
  • Ensure that USAID and internal WCS stakeholders are kept regularly up to date on project activities, deliverables and events.
  • Be the point of contact for any new USAID initiatives and collaborations concerning the Okapi Wildlife Reserve

2)    Coordinate the implementation, management and administration of the USAID Okapi project: 
  • Coordinate with WCS DRC and OWR management teams to ensure that project objectives are achieved to a high standard and on schedule.
  • Oversee and, in some cases, carry out the delivery of the project's technical activities in accordance with the project work plan.
  • Ensure that adequate technical assistance is provided to the OWR management team, supervising the recruitment and engagement of technical experts, partners and project staff, as appropriate, to help achieve the project objectives.
  • In liaison with the OWR Director, engage with the DRC Government, civil society and business groups, and other organisations as needed to coordinate activities and achieve the project objectives.
  • In liaison with the WCS finance team in OWR and Kinshasa, ensure financial planning and execution of approved budgets is in compliance with financial and administrative policies and procedures of USAID and WCS.
  • In liaison with the WCS Regional Grants Manager, ensure contractual and procurement procedures are executed in a timely manner in compliance with administrative policies and procedures of USAID and WCS.

3)    Through the development of robust monitoring and evaluation systems, ensure that all USAID reporting requirements are met to a high standard and on schedule. 
  • Preparation, submission for internal review and final submission of all contractually required technical project documentation (work plans, budgets, annual reports etc.).
  • In liaison with the WCS Finance team in Kinshasa and OWR, ensure all financial reporting is prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

4)    Ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with: 
  • WCS policies and procedures.
  • The requirements set out in the EPP award contractual agreement.
  • USAID and relevant U.S. Government rules and regulations.
  • The national law of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 Qualification Requirements Requirements The experience and capabilities of the CoP should include: a)    Significant experience of project management. 
  • Experience working in inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams and managing several major activities simultaneously.
  • Experience managing multilateral/bilateral donor-funded projects, with multiple project partners and diverse project elements. Experience of managing USAID-funded projects preferred.
  • Proven ability to achieve project targets and objectives, delivering quality work on tight deadlines.
  • Experience of designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
b)    Knowledge of African conservation issues. 
  • A Masters or PhD degree in conservation, natural resource management, or other relevant field experience in African conservation.
  • Experience working on conservation projects in field settings preferred.
  • Experience working in Central Africa region would be an advantage.

c)    Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Demonstrated representational skills, with an ability to maintain favourable public relations.
  • Experience of developing and maintaining professional working relationships in a multi-stakeholder environment.
  • Demonstrated high-level competency in writing and editing of professional technical reports and other written products.
  • Fluency in English and professional competency in French, with Swahili a distinct advantage.
  • Highly computer and internet literate.
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 “Chief of Party 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.