Job opportunity : Program Manager

Organization Background:
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 livelihoods that depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

Cameroon Program Overview:
WCS first began working in Cameroon in 1988 with a study on elephant in Korup National Park and has subsequently has helped support the creation of a number of protected areas in the country. Today the program supports the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife in protecting biodiversity and habitats across three large landscapes in the North (Bouba-Ndjida National Park and Benoue National Park), Central/Adamawa/Eastern (Mbam Djerem National Park) and South West (Takamanda Mone landscape) regions.

Job Summary:
The responsibility of the Program Manager will be overseeing the day-to-day management of the project portfolio of the WCS Cameroon program, providing direct support to the Country Director in Yaoundé and the Project Directors in the field.

Major Responsibilities:
Oversee management of projects and grants including assistance with development of strategies, preparation of proposals, coordination of timely reporting and in-country donor communications, compliance with donor regulationsManage database and track opportunities for funding and grants from various sources including files pertaining to Create grants, consultancies, field projects and other agreements for the country program office.Work with Country Director and field project managers to develop and write proposals and track grant implementationWhere appropriate, act as liaison between Donors and fields projects, ensuring timely submission of progress report and other terms of grant agreements.Provide technical support to field Project Directors in the implementation of existing work plansCoordinate operational support between the Yaoundé office and field projects/sub-officesFacilitate internal WCS communications between the field, Yaoundé, regional and NY teamsProvide technical assistance and oversight to ensure that Project Directors adhere to and are aware of WCS policies, donor regulations and government requirements in project administrationParticipate in strategic planning for the WCS-Cameroon ProgramWork with the Cameroon Finance Director to monitor and track project budgetsAs requested by the WCS-Cameroon Country Director, represen WCS at meetings on a national and international levelMaintain good relationships with existing national and international NGOs and technical partners in-country, national delegation offices of bilateral and multi-lateral donors, and foster, where possible, the participation of existing and new partners in relevant aspects of program implementation and strategy developmentQualification Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
An advanced degree in wildlife biology, anthropology, conservation, or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilitiesAt least three years’ experience working in a conservation management or policy position, with experience in Cameroon or Central Africa a distinct advantageExperience in large project or program management, personnel management, administration, and fundraisingExcellent communication and organizational skillsProven ability to work effectively and flourish in a multi-cultural teamResults-focused attitude to workExcellent, fluent spoken and written English and FrenchWillingness and ability to travel to field offices in CameroonInterest in wildlife conservation and committed to the WCS missionHow to apply
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab below by June 20,2024. WCS is an equal opportunity employer 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.