Senior Program Officer – TRAFFIC Central Africa

JOB DESCRIPTION

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Reporting directly to the Program Office Director – Central Africa the Senior Program Officer main duties are to: Co-ordinate the overall development and implementation of the technical aspects of TRAFFIC’s Conservation Program in Central Africa; Ensure lead role in the implementation of wildlife (fauna and flora) monitoring aspects of the green and red streams of the TRAFFIC Program in Central Africa; Manage the implementation of activities under TRAFFIC’s agreed program workstreams, employing its evidence-based approach to influencing policy and practice; Ensure balance in the development of projects to promote both Red and Green Streams of TRAFFIC Conservation Program work planning; Support the development and implementation of regional plans, programs and projects of TRAFFIC in Central Africa; Ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all projects in Central Africa especially those under his direct responsibility; Co-operate with senior colleagues in TRAFFIC worldwide in developing and marketing projects necessary to deliver the TRAFFIC Program Strategy; Participate fully in TRAFFIC internal management structures as requested by the Program Office Director; Raise funds through project development for the implementation of TRAFFIC Conservation Program in Central Africa; Support governments in the COMIFAC region in the implementation of their wildlife and forest and natural resources policies, programs and projects; Facilitate the implementation of laws and other legal frameworks, and the control and monitoring forest resources (fauna and flora) in Central Africa; Facilitate the implementation of laws and legal frameworks related to exploitation and use of nontimber forest products with focus on medicinal and aromatic plants; Encourages collaboration between agencies involved in forest and trade for effective synergies and sharing of information and experience; Undertake all other activities deemed necessary by the Program Office Director for the advancement of the conservation program and image of TRAFFIC in Central Africa.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Program and project development
• Represent the TRAFFIC Central Africa Office team in the strategic development and
management of TRAFFIC’s Program Strategy;
• Collaborate with senior colleagues across TRAFFIC in developing and marketing projects
necessary to deliver the TRAFFIC Program Strategy as a co-ordinated effort, including
development of funding proposals and budgeting and scheduling planned activities;
• Ensure sound financial management of projects, especially those under his leadership, based on the TRAFFIC network’s financial policies and procedures including the preparation of budgets and regular financial reports.

Program implementation and partner engagement
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission to TRAFFIC and other relevant partners including donors and the governments in the COMIFAC countries of high-quality technical reports;
• Ensure there are synergies between the different approaches under the green and red streams of work;
• Establish and maintain good relations with key partners including the national forest Authorities in Central Africa, relevant regional and international bodies such as COMIFAC, ECCAS, ITTO, CIFOR, FAO, ATIBT, CBFP, OFAC, WCO, etc., representatives in the CITES Scientific and Management Authorities;
• Enter close working relations with TRAFFIC’s program leaders in other regions, and with the respective regional focal points within the WWF and IUCN networks on wildlife trade related work;
• Represent TRAFFIC in the area of primary responsibility and maintains links and good working relationships with relevant WWF and IUCN offices, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, major donors and relevant NGOs;
• Ensure proactive liaison with others in TRAFFIC and with relevant WWF and IUCN programs and offices about events, developments and activities related to wildlife trade and utilization.

Operational management
• Supervises projects/program managers, junior regional staff, consultants, and field assistants as required, handling personnel issues including performance promptly and proactively supporting staff development;
• Ensure preparation and submission of technical reports on activities and achievements (including six-month and annual activity reports) and project reports for funding agencies;
• Lead by example by actively demonstrating TRAFFIC’s values and supporting the collaborative culture of the organization;
• Participate in TRAFFIC’s Program forum, actively taking a ‘big picture’ approach to the organization’s development.

REQUIREMENTS

• A University degree in relevant discipline (biology, botany, forestry and/or forest conservation and wildlife monitoring) or an equivalent field and educational experience;

• Strong management skills in program planning, project development and the delivery of timebound and quality assured project outputs;

• Excellent interpersonal, team management and leadership skills. The ability to work effectively as part of a small team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches;

• Broad international experience and familiarity with conservation and socio-economic issues in the area of primary responsibility, preferably with several years of working experience in more than one country and with an international non-governmental organization (NGO), experience in wildlife law enforcement and capacity building are advantageous;

• Strong financial management skills and proven experience of effectively developing and managing budgets;

• Strong research and analytical skills, and an ability to articulate complex issues;

• Relevant and proven experience in project cycle management (ie coordinating large projects, including overseeing consultants and managing project budgets and reporting);

• A good understanding of CITES, CBD and other international nature conservation laws and agreements, of wildlife management and sustainable development issues, and of Central African policies regarding the conservation, use of and trade in biological resources;

• Fluency in English and French, preferably a strong working ability in at least one other relevant local language, and excellent writing skills;

• Strong communications skills and experience of working with the media;

• A willingness to travel widely and frequently and work under pressure;

• Familiarity with standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software, and with electronic communication technology.

APPS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Closing date: 08 March 2024

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/