Deputy Chief of Party, DRC

African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) works with the people of Africa to ensure its wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. The organization is seeking a high-performing and results-oriented Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to oversee the successful implementation of its anticipated Community Based Counter Wildlife Trade (CBCWT) program in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DCOP will be responsible for the technical, management, financial, and administrative aspects of the program. This program will be implemented in partnership with African Parks Network and Levin Resources. The successful candidate will be based in Bili and report to AWF’s Vice President for Central and West Africa with matrix reporting to Garamba General Manager. This position will also work closely with the Chief of Party.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Managerial

• Manage the central project team, with both direct and indirect matrix management reports. S/he will be responsible for and participate in the performance management of all, doing so in a manner that is open, respectful, and encourages professional development and mentoring among the team — coordinated with existing park management.
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the CBCWT activity, including the training, capacity building, safety, and security of the implementation team.
• Report to the Steering Committee, raising any concerns or issues as they arise.
• Co-facilitate start-up workshop to confirm all project team roles and responsibilities.

Technical

• Provide technical direction in identifying technical needs and confirming consultant Terms of Reference.
• Review and ensure the quality of all situational assessments, knowledge products, and learnings.
• Provide technical direction, leadership, and oversight overall, but especially on Monitoring and Evaluation plans and reporting.
• Lead annual planning process.
• Participate in quarterly Steering Committee meetings.

Administrative & Financial

• Establish CBCWT standard tools and templates, including internal communications expectations and reporting formats.
• Authorize team travel and work plans.
• Review and sign off on all financial reports, working closely with Finance Manager and Grants Finance Manager. 
• Ensure CBCWT activities are carried out in accordance with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) award rules and regulations and are consistent with African Parks’ and AWF’s policies and procedures.
• Supervise development of project reporting and briefings for submission to USAID and all stakeholders.

Qualifications 

• Masters’ degree in natural resource management, tourism, or other fields directly related to practical conservation management and development (Masters preferred).
• Experience with community-owned wildlife conservancies.
• Minimum 5+ years of managerial and field experience in conservation and development.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations for grants and contracts.
• Results focused orientation with a proven track record of delivery.
• Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.
• A solid understanding of organizational governance structures.
• Ability to develop the capacity of community groups.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to build coalitions, negotiate, and manage conflict situations.
• Strong communication skills — oral and writing.
• Experience working with different levels of government.
• Passion for community-based cOnservation and wildlife management.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and detailed CV as a single PDF document indicating daytime telephone numbers, address and names of three referees with the job title in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.