Project Manager Biodiversity Action Planning Central Africa

WCS signed a contract with a major international oil and gas company to implement the Company’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for their on-shore historical and on-going operations in coastal Congo. The implementation of this BAP offers an important opportunity to advance biodiversity conservation in the region. The area holds a large range of very diverse habitats (coastal savannas, lagoons, rainforest, etc) and is important for great apes and forest elephants - but is also under great threats with the proximity of the growing city of Pointe-Noire nearby.

Role and responsibilities

The WCS Project Manager will lead on-site field operations and will oversee the implementation of the key BAP components which include the assessment of direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity, the identification of additional relevant and feasible mitigation measures to address these impacts, as well as some support to the Company to implement some urgent mitigation. The work is to be undertaken jointly with the environment team of the Company and will therefore be conducted in an educational / capacity building spirit. Another key role will be to maintain an effective working relationship with the Company to facilitate the adoption and implementation of the BAP.

The Project Manager will ensure the effective and efficient implementation of all the components of the BAP including the following:

• In coordination with the WCS country office and the Company in-country biodiversity manager, develop detailed work plans and associated budgets to meet the contract expectations and keep the BAP on track to meet deliverables and timelines;
• Mobilize in a timely manner the required technical resources and equipment in accordance with the BAP design submitted to the Company by WCS;
• Identify, contract, support, supervise and control the technical work of the WCS technical and field staff, and any external consultants and contractors involved in the implementation of activities;
• With the support of the WCS team involved, complete all reports on a timely basis and develop recommendations to the Company to mitigate their business risks associated with biodiversity and maximize the conservation outcomes of the BAP;
• Provide advice and support to the Company biodiversity manager and the social department for the on-going implementation of urgent mitigation;
• In coordination with the Company biodiversity manager maintain effective communication with the Company managers in Congo, and as appropriate with Company headquarters;
• Organize monthly update calls with the WCS Business and Conservation Director in the US to discuss progress and address issues that arise;
• In conjunction with WCS Congo office and WCS NY, review and as necessary revise HSE compliance documents and work with the field staff to ensure final compliance. 

Profile and experience

The successful candidate will be an individual with at least 5 years of professional experience in environmental consultancy, biodiversity conservation or natural resources management. He/she will have field experience in Africa, experience in project management / coordination, and with stakeholders engagement.

The selected individual will be familiar with the process of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and have some experience in the design or the implementation of biodiversity surveys, qualitative and quantitative impact assessments, Biodiversity Action Plans.

Prior experience in project management and with large multinational extractive corporations will also be essential skills required of the selected individual. Prior experience working with and applying the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards, and particularly PS6, and the interpretation of No Net Loss and Net Gain of biodiversity is also be desirable. 

The Project Manager will be based in the Republic of Congo in the Pointe-Noire office and will have the responsibility for the project implementation with small team of permanent staff and consultants. He/she will maintain communication and coordinate as appropriate with the WCS Congo office in Brazzaville and with WCS headquarters in the US to ensure timely application of technical assistance and deployment of resources.  

The Project Manager will be proficient in English and French and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. The selected individual will hold a minimum of a Masters degree in ecology, biology, conservation, or relevant discipline.