WWF-DR Congo

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position title:                         Eastern DRC Programme Director, Democratic Republic of Congo

Report to:                              Director of Conservation, WWF DRC

Supervises:                            Eastern DRC WWF programme staff and partners as designated

Location:                                Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Date:                                      April 18, 2011

Deadline for applications:   May 07, 2011

Project description:

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has embarked on ambitious, field-based conservation programs across the Congo Basin.  In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), WWF has been active in the eastern DRC for nearly 50 years, with conservation programs beginning in Virunga National Park in 1987 and expanding into south Kivu in early 2000.  Since then, WWF has operated continuous programs in the Eastern DRC (with current offices in Goma, Bukavu and Uvira), to protect species of special conservation interest such as the mountain gorilla, Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and African Elephant. This area, known as the Albertine Rift, is one of exceptional endemism and biologically rich montane and submontane forest habitats as well as critical freshwater resources. Established programs focus around the national parks of Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, as well as the Itombwe Massif.

These Eastern programs take an integrated, trans-frontier, basin-wide conservation approach. Key conservation strategies include: participatory land use planning (with a focus on PA establishment, including boundary delineation and conflict resolution); protected area management and species conservation; community-based natural resource management and livelihood improvement; environmental education; reduction of charcoal use (through agroforestry plantations and energy efficient stoves); and promotion of sustainable financing mechanisms based on REDD+. 

These programs are currently managed out of WWF’s East and Southern African Program Office (ESARPO) in Kenya, but will have been transitioned to WWF DRC Kinshasa-based (Central African Program Office – CARPO) management in July 2011 to consolidate programmatic and administrative approaches at a country program level.

The Eastern DRC Program Director will oversee the implementation of multiple active programmes in the Greater Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega/ Itombwe landscapes within a regional context; line-manage E-DRC programme managers and F&A and HR managers, assure liaison between the E-DRC programmes and the Kinshasa office, and develop strategic partnerships with development aid and other partners. The position will be based in Goma, DRC, for an initial period of 2 years.

Key responsibilities include:   

• Project oversight and coordination:  Reporting directly to the Conservation Director, support overall management for WWF’s Eastern programs.  Provide leadership in design and development of new programs and projects to advance strategic direction. Support managers in directing project activities in accordance with the project description, work plan, budget and contractual agreements.  Ensure development of work plans and budgets for approval by WWF, project partners, the project steering committee, and other participating agencies.  Coordinate with regional partners, national-level government officials/technical ministries, donors, and other stakeholders (e.g., Uganda, Rwanda) to work towards a common vision on landscape and basin-wide management.  Ensure that appropriate management systems are established and that the program is making progress towards its objectives.

• Provides technical leadership in major project components in close association with the Conservation Director, including protected area management; community-based natural resource management; institutional strengthening and training; REDD+; development of natural resource management plans, strategies, policies and legislation; regional networking; and project monitoring. Support capacity building of project management and technical skills within the team.

• Financial management and fundraising:  With the direct support of the finance, administration and human resources departments, ensure establishment of financial and human resources management systems in the Goma office for the project(s) to adequately meet financial management needs. Ensure project budgets are approved and expenditures monitored against budgets.

• Partnership building: Develops strategic partnerships with development aid, rural development, land tenure and conflict resolution partners active in the region with the aim to downscale current rural development oriented activities and upscale these through partner development.  Builds and entertains a strong institutional relationship with key organizations for strong management of Virunga NP.

Undertake other duties in support of WWF’s programme in the DRC as requested by the Conservation Director and play an active role in the successful operation of WWF DRC’s conservation work

Minimum Work Requirements:

The ideal Programme Director will have: a broad conservation vision; leadership skills, knowledge of forest and natural resource management and protected area planning and management; rural development and/or community-based natural resource management experience; familiarity with organizations supporting conservation and international development.

The Programme Director should have the following skills and experience:

• A minimum of 5-6 years of experience working in conservation or development organizations.
• A minimum of an M. Sc. in natural resource management or a related field, or the equivalent in working experience.
• Strong working knowledge of natural resource management principles, PA management, community-based natural resource management, and development issues.
• Strong administrative and financial management skills and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent people and project management skills to handle complex, multi-faceted projects.
• Experience with fundraising and project funding agencies, especially Government agencies preferred
• Strong written and verbal skills, particularly in writing and editing technical reports and proposals.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity to develop innovative solutions to challenging situations. Experience with change and transitions preferred.
• Experience in partnership building, especially between conservation and development related organizations
• Strong communication skills, in French and English
• Knowledge of the E-DRC is a plus
• Familiarity with WWF
• Commitment to the mission  of WWF and adherence to WWF’s values

To apply, submit CV and cover letter to:

By mail:

Human Resource Manager

WWF-DRC

14, Avenue Sergent Moke

Kinshasa, Commune de Ngaliema

Or by e-mail: recrutement_wwfrdc@wwf.panda.org