Northeastern CAR Protected Areas Director/Country Director

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

The Sudano-Sahel Region presents unparalleled opportunities for WCS to play a direct role in saving some of the last remaining intact wildernesses on the planet and to contribute significantly to the security of people and wildlife. The savannas, forests, and wetlands of the region support key populations of endangered elephant, northern giraffe, lion, eland, chimpanzee, gorilla, bongo, and the second largest antelope migration on the planet. Hundreds of bird species occur in the area, including shoebill and crowned crane. Communities also depend on the land for their livelihoods through pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, and hunting. WCS has a significant presence in the Sudano-Sahel region, with a strong conservation history and proven success in protected area management. WCS currently has conservation initiatives in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, CAR, South Sudan, with new program activities developing in Ethiopia. We work actively to support protected area management and wildlife law enforcement, local livelihoods, develop conservation-security partnerships, enhance anti-trafficking activities, and to implement our policy and scientific programs. 

CAR Program Overview:

WCS has recently launched a new CAR program in partnership with the government of CAR with a focus on the  management of the Bamingui Bangoran and Manovo Gounda St Floris National Parks in north eastern CAR.  This is a multi-faceted long-term robust program including park management, law enforcement, land-use planning, applied research, conflict mitigation and community engagement.

WCS is now seeking a dynamic and highly motivated professional for the Northeastern CAR protected areas Director position, this position includes the role of acting as Country Director for WCS CAR program overall. The position will be based at Bamingui National Park with frequent travel throughout the landscape and CAR.  

Job Summary:

The WCS CAR Northeastern Protected Areas Director/Country Director will be responsible for managing all WCS program activities in CAR in alignment with the landscape, CAR, and Sudano sahel Region strategies. The CAR Northeastern Protected Areas/ Country Director will be responsible for planning and supporting implementation of conservation projects and activities; managing and overseeing staff and program finances; fundraising and grant oversight; coordination with government and non-government partners; and providing vision and leadership for the WCS Program in CAR overall with a focus on the Northeastern Protected Areas.
Specific responsibilities include the following:

WCS CAR Program Strategic Development

• Act as legal representative of WCS in CAR.

• Ensure WCS's day to day protected area management and conservation activities.

• Develop and update the Northeastern CAR and Country Program Strategic Plan in a manner that addresses WCS Sudano-Sahel Region objectives, while adapting to the social, political and ecological context within CAR.

• Provide input to the ongoing evolution of the Sudano-Sahel regional strategic plan and ensure alignment of the CAR initiative with the Sudano-Sahel region strategy. 

• Foster and maintain an ongoing dialogue and partnership with donors, Government development agencies, foundations and private individuals to mobilize financial resources for WCS Northeastern CAR Protected Areas program development.

•Ensure appropriate and effective communications reflecting WCS Sudano-Sahel Region positions, including representing WCS in meetings with Government of CAR and other partners and ensure continued development of conservation initiatives and partnerships.

WCS CAR Program Technical Planning and Management

• Ensure that the WCS CAR Northeastern Protected Areas program is developed and implemented to address the Sudano-Sahel regional and country strategic orientations. Ensure that they are in harmony with stated Sudano-Sahel Region conservation goals, donor policies and requirements for financial and administrative management WCS CAR Human Resources and Financial administration.

• Develop and manage the WCS CAR Country Program budgets.

• Prepare and implement annual WCS CAR Country Program work plans and associated budgets, and approve related project work plans and budgets.

• Hire, coordinate and mentor CAR-based WCS technical, management, financial and administrative staff to ensure the development and functioning of a high-performing interdisciplinary team.

• Provide oversight on project security, logistics and operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher (or equivalent in training and experience) in a discipline related to protected area management, natural resources management, law enforcement and security, or wildlife / conservation biology. 
• Minimum of ten years progressively increasing responsibility for protected areas or natural resources management, in developing countries in Africa; proven ability to build capacity and direct initiatives in Park management natural resources management, wildlife law enforcement, conservation biology, conservation advocacy and project management. 
• Proven knowledge and experience with government agencies and management of large agency grants (in particular EU, France, and US Government).
• Substantial experience in partner Government relations and knowledge of international conservation policy issues; proven ability to develop and maintain a network of   high-level
  contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral technical and financial partners.
• French and English language fluency required, familiarity with languages and culture of CAR and neighbouring countries will be an advantage. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated experience effectively managing staff and team building.
• Proven ability and comfortable with living and working in a multicultural environment in isolated areas, under difficult field conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant work experience in CAR and neighbouring countries, knowledge of Central Africa and Sudano-Sahel region environmental and political issues.

Application Process:

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications should apply by emailing an application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three references to: cgropp@wcs.org   by 31^st August 2019 deadline. Please include “CAR Protected Areas/Country Director” in the subject line of your email.

In addition, please note that all candidates must also apply online via the WCS career portal at: http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview.