I. Background:
World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Chief of Party (CoP) for an anticipated USAID-funded opportunity in Madagascar to conserve biodiversity and secure natural resources while promoting resilient livelihoods.
The program duration is to be determined by the solicitation, when released by USAID. The program will be implemented by WWF-Madagascar, in partnership with various national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGO) and agencies. The CoP will be responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the program within the parameters determined at the onset of the program and through the program management systems established
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The CoP will direct staff; oversee grants, sub-grants and consulting contracts, as needed; coordinate with staff from WWF and partner organization in the project area on a daily basis; and collaborate with a range of government and partner organizations across the region in accordance with USAID and WWF field operation regulations.
• Program oversight: Plan, direct and oversee management of program activities in accordance with WWF field operations policies and procedures, program description, approved work plans, budgets, and contractual agreements; in collaboration with relevant program staff, develop annual work plans and budgets for approval by WWF-US before submission to USAID; ensure that program is making progress towards objectives; ensure integration of program activities within overall WWF-Madagascar conservation program.
• Program implementation: Manage program and team using participatory, adaptive management approach; ensure that management systems are established and administer program, and ensure that all program activities are coordinated effectively and well integrated with other relevant USG or other donor-supported funded initiatives within program area; ensure that program is in compliance with donor policies and regulations; responsible for overseeing contractual agreements with program participants; with support of Financial/Grant Manager, ensure establishment of sub-grant facility and effective management; provide technical leadership in major program components.
• Financial management: With direct support of Financial Manager and staff, develop program budgets for approval by WWF-US and monitor expenditures against budgets; ensure establishment of financial management systems for program to adequately meet financial management needs and donor regulations and policies; monitor accounting, administrative and operational procedures, standards and policies, including sub-grants; in collaboration with Financial Manager, prepare and submit quarterly financial reports to WWF-US in accordance with procedures.
• Human resources: Determine personnel requirements of program and participate in recruitment, selection and hiring of personnel; conduct performance evaluation in compliance with WWF’s policies and personnel management systems.
• Material needs: Determine material needs of program; develop/update procurement plans with relevant staff for approval by WWF-US; arrange for procurement of equipment in collaboration with program’s logisticians; ensure proper maintenance of program equipment inventory.
• Provision of technical assistance: Provide technical assistance in areas of expertise; identify needs for short-term technical assistance; develop terms of reference; prepare consulting agreements for consultants, facilitates work; provide oversight of short-term consultancies.
• Monitoring and evaluation: In collaboration with WWF staff, develop and oversee monitoring and evaluation system for program; monitor program implementation and identify and plan for evaluation needs; develop knowledge management mechanism and oversee implementation.
• Relationships: Establish and maintain efficient working relationships with program Agreement Officer’s Representative, Agreement Officer, relevant USG staff, program participants, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and other relevant organizations in Madagascar, including government partners.
• Risk management: Develop and implement risk register for review and approval, and ensure that mitigation actions are implemented as required.
• Communications: Develop and implement communication action plan, ensuring that program meets objectives and generates required support from key stakeholders.
III. Profile:
Education/Experience: At least a master’s-level degree in conservation biology, natural resource management, international development or related field of study. At least eight years of field experience managing large, complex conservation and/or natural resource management projects is required.
Skills and Abilities
• Strong background in sustainable natural resource management and governance, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, land-use planning, and/or related topics.
• Previous work experience in Madagascar is desirable. Experience building good working relationships with local and international partners, including government authorities, NGOs, technical partners, and bilateral and multilateral donors is highly desirable. Must be team player with very strong diplomatic skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage large government agency-funded projects. USAID project management experience highly desirable.
• Program management skills must include i) program planning, ii) technical direction and oversight and iii) program administration and financial management.
• Position requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and institution strengthening and training skills.
• Fluency in written and verbal French and English is essential.
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
EmoticonEmoticon