Country Representative

Name:                                               Country Representative
Reports to:                                    Regional Director, Sudano Sahel
Location:                                         Bangui, Central African Republic
Country Program/Sector:       Central African Republic
Position Type:                              Full time
Coordinate with:                         Regional Administrative, HR, Business, Operations, and Technical Support teams

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results on a large scale. We run programs spanning the ocean and over 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and Indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our 5,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and worldwide work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
More information at www.wcs.org

About the Position
The Country Representative will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Government and non-government partners and representing the NGO to all stakeholders and partners in-country. The role involves strategic leadership, policy engagement, and ensuring that the WCS CAR Country Program reflects the goals of WCS Global Conservation for the Sudano Sahel Region, which are in harmony with CAR national environmental and social programs.

Major Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between WCS and the government of CAR, ensuring alignment with national policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Establish and maintain relationships with ministries, regulatory bodies, donors, and key stakeholders in the country.
• Represent WCS at meetings, conferences, and policy forums to advocate for relevant issues, and ensure appropriate and effective communications reflecting WCS regional, thematic and global priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships with international organizations, civil society, and private sector actors to advance WCS’s mission.
• Advocate for and promote WCS’s mandate and mission, and ensure full alignment of program activities with WCS’s mission
• Support the development of partnerships with in-country bilateral and multilateral government aid agencies, foundations, and individuals to mobilize financial resources for the WCS CAR program
• Support national HR managers and liaise with regional HR staff in recruiting and managing staff – including developing/approving Terms of Reference and the screening, interviewing, selection and onboarding of new staff.
• Ensure ex-patriate staff are provided will all the administrative support required to live and work in CAR.
• Ensure programs are implemented in full compliance with WCS administrative and operational procedures

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in protected areas or natural resources management, sustainable conservation, and/or other environmental assistance or related work in developing countries.
• Proven knowledge and experience with government agencies or government relations and knowledge of international conservation policy issues (including environmental treaties).
• Proven ability to develop and maintain an extensive network of high-level contacts with government officials, multi-lateral and bilateral technical and financial partners; demonstrate tact and negotiation skills.
• Showed interest in conservation and committed to the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society

Additional Requirements:

• Regular travel to field offices and out of the Country
• Professional proficiency in English and French

How to apply
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience should apply through this link by March 13th, 2025.

Please send a detailed application/cover letter and a detailed CV. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

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

The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate based on age, color, race, disability, gender identity, national origin, 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 the interview.

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