WCS recruits 01 Infrastructure Manager

Location: Epulu/Mambasa, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Reports To: Head of Logistics – Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Direct Reports: Maintenance Officer (to be recruited)

Start date: October 2022

About Us

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a private, nonprofit U.S. organization founded in 1895. Its mission is to preserve wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, developing science-based solutions, and taking conservation action that benefits nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries, and experience in creating more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships necessary to ensure that wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, this knowledge is applied to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues that are critical to improving the quality of life for poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

Program Summary

Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to globally significant wildlife populations, such as those of okapi, elephants, and chimpanzees, and as a Reserve, it provides Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples with opportunities for sustainable natural resource use. The Reserve, however, is faced with threats relating to illicit natural resource exploitation, unsustainable economic development, and in-migration. WCS is currently working in partnership with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) to implement a multi-pronged strategy to protect OWR that covers protected area governance and management systems, community conservation, security and law enforcement, buffer zone land-use management, and building external public support.

About the role

With a solid funding base, the growing OWR team is working to deliver an ambitious program of conservation interventions across a large and complex landscape. OWR’s Logistics Department is central to the success of this conservation program and its functions include Infrastructure Management, Camp Management, Procurement and Asset Management, and Fleet Management. The Infrastructure Manager will play a vital role in working with the Head of Logistics and other logistics staff to develop and manage the Reserve’s infrastructure at its headquarters and various sub-stations. They will also focus on developing and putting into action plans and designs for the expansion of key infrastructure such as accommodation, offices and operational buildings. In 2-years, success in this role will be defined by: delivery of infrastructure development plan well underway; priority accommodation, office and sub-station construction projects completed to high standards; and maintenance team operating with high levels of motivation and skill.

Responsibilities

Recruit and line manage a team of maintenance and construction staff including electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, laborers and gardeners
Develop and manage the Reserve’s infrastructure for accommodation, offices, garages, sub-stations, food and drinking water provision, and sustainable solid-waste management
Coordinate closely with the Camp Manager on water systems development, solid-waste management, and sustainability
Draw up preliminary design files, bills of quantity, technical specifications (concerning architecture, and execution) and budget calculation
Establish a detailed plan of the necessary requirements for each project
Provide technical advice during tendering processes
Monitor ongoing construction sites and produce progress reports
Work with government agencies to ensure compliance with construction codes
Ensure compliance with DRC, donor and OWR environmental standards
Manage the park’s construction equipment and materials
Manage the maintenance and upkeep of the park infrastructure
Provide input on financial management and recruitment of casual labor
Ensure high standards of health and safety management of construction projects and infrastructure management
Conduct any other duties as requested

Qualifications and requirements

University degree in civil engineering or construction management
At least 5+ years of experience in the field of architecture and/or construction, including in complex logistics environment in rural Africa
Excellent knowledge of construction codes
Knowledge of architectural design
Highly creative in the design of projects
Knowledge of domestic electricity and plumbing
Experience working and managing complex logistics in remote field conditions
Good knowledge of Autocad, Sketchup, Word and Excel
Excellent team management skills (authority and sensitivity)
Ability to work in a multicultural context and in a remote field site with basic amenities
Fluency in French required, English and Kiswahili desirable

How to apply

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through this link by October 10 , 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.