DRC: Program Coordinator, Forest Governance and Sustainable Agriculture

Nov 13, 2021 | Wildlife Conservation Society
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The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking a motivated and highly-organized full-time Project Coordinator to lead implementation of a growing program portfolio focused on forest governance and sustainable agriculture in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Programs are highly complementary and engage a number of private, technical and government stakeholders. They include:

  • a USAID-funded program to develop a business case for sustainable cocoa production in Ituri Province,
  • a technical support program to facilitate attribution, governance and operations of Local Community Forest Concessions (CFCLs) in the OWR buffer zone (multiple funding sources);
  • a pre-feasibility REDD program and climate investment plan for the OWR landscape (private donor funding), and iv) a WCS-led technical consortium of partners implementing forest governance, institutional capacity building and sustainable agriculture activities (including cocoa and food crops) as part of the Integrated REDD program in Ituri (funded through CAFI/UNDP).

Working under the direct supervision of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve Head of Programs, and the Country Management and Finance Office in Kinshasa, and liaising closely with the OWR Departmental teams, and the WCS Regional and Forest & Climate team in Kigali, the Project Coordinator has the specific responsibility for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of WCS activities under programs above, and for ensuring good coordination and complementarity with the WCS Consortium Lead for the Ituri CAFI program under iv). The Project Coordinator will be based in Bunia with regular travel to the OWR HQ in Epulu, and regular travel to Goma, and Kinshasa as needed for project administration and coordination activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Updating and finalisation of program documents including workplans, communication plans, staffing plans, other donor compliance documents and budgets
    • Liaison with WCS team members and external partners to respond to donor questions and comments and finalise project document / workplan and budget
    • Participate in on-site and virtual partner and donor meetings and organize and facilitate regular stakeholder planning meetings.
  • Coordination of implementation of site-based activities according to agreed workplan and budget
    • Technical and financial planning of activities in collaboration with OWR and Kinshasa team members and external partners in line with annual work plans
    • Overseeing staff recruitment as necessary to implement project workplans
    • Organisation of regular meetings and calls between key WCS team members and partners to discuss project implementation planning and issues
    • Supervision of activities implemented on-site including training and support to staff working on the project and field visits to supervise activities and resolve issues as they arise
    • Technical and financial monitoring of implemented activities and adoption of corrective action as needed to ensure adherence to workplan and budget
    • Support to logistical arrangements for smooth implementation of activities including mission planning for staff, and organization of visits of partners
    • Coordination of annual technical, financial and impact reporting to meet donor requirements
    • Close communication and collaboration with supervisors of staff engaged in project activities to ensure smooth and coordinated work planning
    • Regular communication to Supervisor of any problems encountered so as to agree on solutions o Ensuring compliance with all WCS administrative procedures in the accomplishment of the tasks
  • Coordination of technical reporting for site level activities.
    • Coordination and submission of technical, financial and impact reporting to meet donor requirements
    • Liaison with OWR and Kinshasa Finance and Admin team to prepare regular financial reviews track spending and contribute to financial reports
  • Leading communications activities relevant to the program
    • Preparation in consultation with country programs of content for social media or other forms of communications and visibility
    • Preparation, contribution and/or participation of communication and visibility activities at site/national/regional level
  • Liaison and coordination with local partners and stakeholders to enhance program implementation
    • Represent WCS/OWR in donor, local partner and stakeholder meetings relevant to program activities o Facilitate cross-partner and cross-program exchange to ensure good coordination and complementarity of overall program approach
    • Contribute to development of new proposals and funding opportunities related to forest governance and sustainable agriculture and forest management around the OWR

Qualification Requirements

  • Masters in Forest Governance, Sustainable Forest Management, Sustainable Agriculture or a related field.
  • At least 5 years professional experience in the management of sustainable development or sustainable forest management projects in a developing country context.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of international government donor project management; including USAID rules and reporting requirements
  • Excellent technical and project management skills and experience in managing multi-cultural project teams
  • Experience working and living in remote locations in developing and high-risk countries
  • Ability to work in a team and in a multidisciplinary setting
  • Experience in Central Africa will be an advantage
  • Excellent communication skills in in English and French; knowledge of Swahili will be an advantage

Application Process:

In order to apply for this position and if you meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, you should apply by emailing a detailed application/cover letter and CV in English together with the names and contact information of three references to: africaapplications@wcs.org. Please include “Okapi Forest Governance Coordinator” 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

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce: qualified women, people from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

EOE AA M/F/SO/Vets/Disabled

Application Deadline: 30 November 2021