Conservation Director

DRS is looking, on behalf of our client, an international NGO, for a skilled Landscape Director responsible for providing overall leadership, strategic focus, management, and accountability for the performance of its Landscape Program in the Bili Mbomu Conservation Area (BMCC). The LD will also be responsible for the implementation of the current EU NaturAfrica Programme and any other donor-funded programs in the landscape as assigned. The incumbent is required to assist in resource mobilization, build the capacity of leadership in the landscape with a specific focus on staff from NGOs and community leadership, develop management and operational plans, and facilitate coordination with stakeholders in the surrounding landscape to improve the overall management and conservation of the BMCC and its wildlife. The position will work closely with the Country Coordinator DRC and Project Managers where necessary.

Job Title: Landscape Director

Contract duration: 2-year contract, with the possibility of renewal

Location: Bili, DRC

Reporting to: Senior Vice President, Conservation Strategy, Impact and Learning

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Landscape Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for the technical and managerial aspects of all NGO projects and interventions in the BMCC Landscape and working with project managers for specific programs.
• Work closely and foster strong working relationships with the NGO Country Coordinator in Kinshasa to ensure close collaboration with the country office and national engagements with key Government departments, donors, and various stakeholders such as protected area authorities, local authorities, communities, NGOs and private sector in the region.
• Serve as the technical point of contact with key donors in DRC who are funding projects in the
• BMCC Landscape, program implementing partners, and stakeholders on all aspects of the program/grants.
• Where relevant and in collaboration with the NGO Country Coordinator, DRC, represent it at national and international events.
• Participate in the identification of opportunities, development, and design of proposals for submission to key donors for support of the program.
• Supervise all project staff, consultants, sub-grantees, and others as assigned, creating and sustaining a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence. Ensure a cohesive workplace for optimum staff retention.
• Ensure coordinated inputs and participation of NGO teams, technical, fund-raising, policy etc., in support of landscape program and vice versa, ensure landscape program contributes to NGO goals.

Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the program, which includes effective team management, effective administration and tracking of project finances, program monitoring and evaluation, timely donor reporting, and effective coordination and cooperation between project implementing partners, among others.
• Ensure full compliance with the EU grant agreement and NGO policies and procedures, including, in particular, the NGO’s Policy and Standard for Rights-Based Conservation.
• Oversee sub-grantees, facilitate technical assistance, and steer them towards results-oriented activities, and ensure grantee compliance with the terms and conditions of their agreements.
• Provide leadership in tracking and reporting program performance against prescribed criteria to EU, NGO, and partners in a timely manner.
• Host donor and partner visits in a professional way.
• Ensure quarterly and yearly means of verification (MOVs) are defined, delivered, and recorded in BOX in a timely and transparent manner.
• Oversee the development and management of aviation capacity for the project, working with the pilot to ensure proper and effective use of the plane for project activities and to support management and logistics.

Financial, compliance, and administrative responsibilities

• Work closely with the Senior Finance and Administration Officer for BMCC and the Finance and Administration Manager in Kinshasa and Headquarters to:
• Oversee the development of the annual implementation budget plans and continuous monitoring of spending against budgets to ensure strict adherence to established donor targets including ensuring that activities are conducted on time and on budget.
• Ensure that there are regular budget reviews to ensure an appropriate burn rate. All significant variations will be explained to the Country Coordinator, Conservation Projects Manager, and Chief Financial Officer.
• Ensure full compliance with the EU grant and NGO policies and procedures and that there are no disallowable expenses.
• Ensure partner compliance with the terms and conditions of their agreements and that partner performance is adequately monitored and their capacity strengthened.
• Provide timely and adequate technical progress and financial reports for the project.
• Track and report matching funds from other related programs as required.
• Achieve sound financial management and ensure accountability of all project deliverables.
• Ensure effective procurement of project equipment and other essential resources.
• Ensure effective monitoring of vehicle usage and maintenance to ensure optimal longevity, utilization, and deployment.
• The LD will be responsible for ensuring proper use and accounting for all funds used in the landscape.

Technical

• Work in partnership with the Conservator to improve overall natural resource governance of the
• BMCC and its periphery.
• Develop a general management plan and operational plan; build a stronger presence in BMCC; support law enforcement and anti-poaching; build the capacity of the rangers.
• Design and supervise a plan to monitor wildlife, key habitat indicators, and illegal activities.
• Surveys will permit evaluation of progress and the need for adjustments in park security operations, etc.
• Develop a security and anti-poaching plan with key stakeholders, a training schedule, standard operating procedures, rights-based safeguards, an informant network, and early threat warning strategies.
• Ensure that the systems put in place are consistent with NGO standards.
• Develop a strategic stakeholder engagement plan that places a particular focus on the engagement of the local communities in a way that respects principles of good governance, reduces conflicts between people and wildlife and people and the park management authority, and with a vision to improve human well-being and the overall resilience of the landscape.
• Work with the conservator to develop and oversee the implementation of a general management plan.
• Oversee the development of key infrastructure development, including roads and bridges, radio/control rooms, ranger outposts, key observation and communications posts, staff office, tourism facilities, signage, and other facilities.
• Oversee a rigorous training program designed to build the capacity of partner NGO staff and leadership.
• Ensure the effective implementation of an NGO rights-based approach to conservation work in the landscape.
• Any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, or related field. Masters will be an added advantage. A lower qualification with relevant experience will be considered
• Solid Project Management Experience with at least 10 years of experience successfully managing projects in remote, strenuous physical conditions, conflict and post-conflict zones. Protected area management experience is an added advantage.
• International work experience and experience implementing international commercial or donor projects. Experience working in the Central African and Francophone African context.
• Genuine respect for the skills and perspectives of communities, partner organizations, and the private sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of multiple stakeholders to engage in landscape planning and management.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to build coalitions, negotiate, and manage conflict situations.
• Good understanding of financial management and budgeting.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a qualified team of professionals in different fields.
• Capacity to facilitate complex multi-stakeholder processes.
• Experience in collaborating with governmental institutions, military structures, and the private sector, such as hunting concessionaires and tourism operators, and conservation/PA-management NGOs.
• Experience working effectively with local communities to build mutually beneficial collaborations.
• Fluency in spoken and written French and English.
• Willingness and ability to live and work in very remote locations under physically challenging conditions.