WCS recruits 01 Chief of party advancing the rights of indigenous peoples (ARIP)

Location: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Reports To: WCS DRC Country Director

Expected travel: Frequent domestic travel within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Ituri, South Kivu, Tanganyika and Kinshasa as needed

Start date: July 2022 ( Contingent upon award)

Duration: Full time position

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) DRC’s country program seeks an experienced Chief of Party (CoP) for the anticipated USAID/Democratic Republic of Congo Advancing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ARIP) Activity. This highly anticipated to be a four-year activity anchored around three protected areas will contribute to USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance and social resilience. This innovative project will engage indigenous forest people (IPs) and build civil society capacity to facilitate self-determination, reduce marginalization, and increase access to social services and markets.  It is managed by a consortium under WCS leadership that includes a key partnership with International Alert (IA) and a wide range of other international and 20 national partners. This position is contingent upon award, expected in late May 2022. The COP, based out of WCS’s Bukavu office, will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the USAID Activity. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/DRC development objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall leadership, management and oversight of the project; member of the Senior Management Team and project governance bodies; work closely with and functionally supervises IA’s ARIP Deputy Chief of Party
• Champion Indigenous People’s rights and the ARIP with government, private sector, and development sector stakeholders
• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USAID on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with all donor, WCS, and project-specific policies.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, international donors, and other USAID projects.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners in close collaboration and coordination with the DCOP-Technical (International Alert position), ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Liaise closely with WCS DRC’s management and finance team, and the WCS regional team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent with WCS’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with the Finance/Grants Directors to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and project resources.
• Ensure a responsive and innovative approach to developing the capacity of government and civil society actors.
• Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s sub-award portfolio.
• Manage a team and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure that the project meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and WCS’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.

Qualification Requirements

• At least a Master’s Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field.
• At least ten years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible management experience, including administering donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous Communities in DRC.
• Experience developing capacity for civil society and local organizations in DRC.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements, including knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, navigate sensitive issues, and develop and maintain relationships with different stakeholders, including civil society and local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Experience with a Rights-Based Approach to conservation/development and an understanding of obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading) and working ability in French.
• Ability to travel within DRC and occasionally internationally.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Wildlife Conservation Society

How to apply

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply  through this link by July 8, 2022.

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.