Posted on June, 26 2013
World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Chief of Party (CoP) candidate for the USAID-funded Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation (CAFEC) of the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE), Phase III; the position will be based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Chief of Party will plan, coordinate and oversee program activities related to the contract between WWF and USAID’s Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation (CAFEC) of the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE), Phase III, to support the goal of CAFEC which is to maintain the ecological integrity of the humid forest ecosystems of the Congo Basin through sustainable management of forests and reduction of threats to biodiversity, mainly in four landscapes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). CAFEC will run for five years as of the project start date and in part will be implemented by WWF in partnership with various national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and agencies. The CoP will be responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the WWF portion of CAFEC.Major Duties & Responsibilities
The Chief of Party will direct staff, oversee grants, sub-grants and consulting contracts as needed, coordinate with staff from WWF and partner organization in the region on a daily basis, and collaborate with a range of government and partner organizations across the region in accordance with USAID and WWF field operation regulations.
•CAFEC program oversight: Plans, directs and oversees the management of program activities in accordance with WWF field operations policies and procedures, the program description, approved work plans and budgets, and contractual agreements. In collaboration with each Principal Technical Advisor for each Landscape, the CoP develops annual work plans and budgets for approval by WWF-US before submission to USAID. Ensures that the program is making progress towards its objectives. Assures integration of CAFEC activities within the overall WWF-DRC conservation program.
•Program implementation: Manages the CAFEC program and team using a participatory, adaptive management approach. Ensures that management systems are established and administers the program, and ensures that all program activities under CAFEC are coordinated effectively and are well integrated with other relevant USG or other donor-supported funded initiatives within each landscape. With support from WWF, the CoP ensures that the program is in compliance with donor policies and regulations. He/she is responsible for overseeing contractual agreements with program participants. With the support of the financial/grant manager, the CoP ensures establishment of sub-grant facility and its effective management. Provides technical leadership in major program components.
•Financial management: With the direct support of the financial manager and the landscape teams, develops project field budgets for each landscape, for approval by WWF-US, and monitors expenditures against budgets. Ensures establishment of financial management systems for the program to adequately meet financial management needs and donor regulations and policies. Monitors accounting, administrative and operational procedures, standards and policies for the CAFEC program, including sub-grants. In collaboration with the financial manager, prepares and submits quarterly financial reports to WWF-US in accordance with procedures established by WWF-US.
•Human resources: Determines the personnel requirements of the program and participates in the recruitment, selection and hiring of personnel. Participates in evaluating performance.
•Material needs: Determines the material needs of the program; develops/updates procurement plans with each Principal Technical Advisor for approval by WWF-US; and in collaboration with the program’s logisticians, arranges for procurement of equipment. Assures proper maintenance of the CAFEC program equipment inventory.
•Provision of technical assistance: Provides technical assistance in areas of expertise. Indentifies needs for short-term technical assistance. Develops terms of reference, prepares consulting agreements for consultants, facilitates work, and provides oversight of short-term consultancies.
•Monitoring and evaluation: In collaboration with WWF staff and each Principal Technical Advisor, develops and oversees the monitoring and evaluation system for the program. Monitors program implementation and identifies and plans for evaluation needs.
•Relationships: Establishes and maintains efficient working relationships with the CARPE director and other relevant USG staff, other program participants, stakeholders, beneficiaries and other relevant organizations in the DRC and the Congo Basin region including government partners.
Minimum Requirements
Education/Experience: At least a master’s-level degree in forestry, conservation biology, natural resource management, international development or related field of study. At least 8 years of field experience managing large, complex conservation and/or natural resource management projects is required.
Skills and Abilities
•Strong background in natural resource management, including species conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation (REDD+), land-use planning, and/or related topics.
•Strong knowledge base on the policies and environmental regulation issues of Central Africa that affect sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation is preferred.
•Experience building good working relationships with local and international partners, including government authorities, NGOs, technical partners, and bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors is highly desirable. Must be a team player with very strong diplomatic skills.
•Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage large aid agency-funded projects. USAID project management experience highly desirable.
•Program management skills must include i) program planning, ii) technical direction and oversight and iii) program administration and financial management.
•Position requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and institution strengthening and training skills.
•Fluency in written and verbal English and French is essential.