Programme Officer - TRAFFIC Central Africa

Senior Programme Officer – TRAFFIC Central Africa

Vacancy #: 6753
Unit: TRAFFIC Central Africa
Organisation: TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location: TRAFFIC – Central Africa, Yaounde, Cameroon
Yaounde, Cameroon
Reporting to: Office Director – Central Africa
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: P2
Expected start date: 01 April 2024
Type of contract: Fixed-term (12 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 08 March 2024
BACKGROUND
JOB DESCRIPTION
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Reporting directly to the Programme Office Director – Central Africa the Senior Programme Officer main duties are to: Co-ordinate the overall development and implementation of the technical aspects of TRAFFIC’s Conservation Programme 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 Programme in Central Africa; Manage the implementation of activities under TRAFFIC’s agreed programme 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 Programme work planning; Support the development and implementation of regional plans, programme 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 Programme Strategy; Participate fully in TRAFFIC internal management structures as requested by the Programme Office Director; Raise funds through project development for the implementation of TRAFFIC Conservation Programme in Central Africa; Support governments in the COMIFAC region in the implementation of their wildlife and forest and natural resources policies, programmes 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; Encourage 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 Programme
Office Director for the advancement of the conservation programme and image of TRAFFIC in Central Africa.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Programme and project development

• Represent the TRAFFIC Central Africa Office team in the strategic development and
  management of TRAFFIC’s Programme Strategy;
• Collaborate with senior colleagues across TRAFFIC in developing and marketing projects
  necessary to deliver the TRAFFIC Programme 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.

Programme 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;
• Entertain close working relations with TRAFFIC’s programme 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 programmes and offices about events, developments and activities related to wildlife trade and utilisation.

Operational management

• Supervise projects/programmes 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 organisation;

• Participate in TRAFFIC’s Programme forum, actively taking a ‚big picture‘ approach to the organisation’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 programme 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 (i.e. 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.
  APPLICATIONS

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.

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

*About IUCN**

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

www.iucn.org