WCS recruits 01 Congo Program Field Operations Manager
Purpose
Ensure completeness, correctness, timeliness and integrity of the financial and human resources administration of the Northern Congo operations of WCS-Congo Program, through efficient budgeting, accounting and financial reporting, both internally and externally (donors and local authorities), efficient Human Resources management and mentoring and capacity building of WCS project and support staffs in Ouesso and Northern Congo. Ensure compliance with WCS financial, administrative, and human resources policies and procedures, and with local laws in order to achieve WCS goals effectively and keep strict control on the resources allocation.
The Field Operations Manager is based in Ouesso, Republic of Congo, from where WCS implements several projects in Northern Congo. Frequent visits to field sites and other bases are expected, as well as visits to Brazzaville (coordination office).
The position will report to the Finance and Administrative Director of WCS-Congo. The Field Operations Manager will maintain daily communications and close relationships with his/her homologues in other Departments, project and support staffs. The position has no direct supervision responsibilities.
Responsibilities
• Support the Country Finance and Administrative Director in strategic decision-making on finance administrative, Human resources and logistics matters related to Northern Congo implemented projects.
• Produce regular and adequate indicators to the Country Finance and Administrative Director to monitor financial health of the projects, produce and share relevant cost analysis.
• Ensure proper implementation and respect of WCS policies and guidelines. Design or adapt relevant local policies, procedures and tools for optimized management of the program and projects demonstrating awareness of realities of the working environment.
• Train and coach all finance, logistics and HR staff in Northern Congo in all aspects related to accounting finance and budget, as well as coaching staff on financial and administrative procedures while sensitizing key executive staff such as project managers and other relevant managers on financial risks and the extent of their financial responsibilities.
• Assess and mitigate the financial risks of the Northern Congo operations, ensure that reliable internal control systems are in place, and financial ethics is respected within the mission.
• Assist in the preparation of local audits relating to accounting, tax, and labour matters as well as promote internal audits in coordination with the Country Director of Finance and Administration, in order to determine the legality and veracity of the accounts of the Northern Congo projects.
• Assist in the development of budgets at proposal stage in compliance with WCS and donors’ requirements.
• Supervise the proper application of HR policies and associated processes (recruitment, payroll, briefing/debriefing, evaluation, professional and staff development training, capacity building, and internal communication) in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required to effectively support all finance and administrative activities of the Northern Congo projects.
• Ensure that the administrative procedures related to taxes and payment of social security obligations are followed, and comply with established legal procedures in the country.
• Support the Country Finance and Administrative Director, the Ouesso head of office, and the logistics team in strategic decision-making on logistics matters.
• Support the Ouesso head of office, the project managers and the Country Finance and Administration director with representation at local level.
• Support the Ouesso head of office in maintaining good working relationships with external partners (government officials, local suppliers, projects partners, etc.)
• Assist in defining, monitoring, evaluating and ensuring the implementation of the overall supply strategies/activities for Northern Congo projects, and propose adjustments where needed.
• Participate in reporting efforts on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Conduct regular field visits to meet the objectives stated above.
• Perform tasks delegated ad hoc by the Country Finance and Administrative Director.
Requirements
• Bachelor degree in Business Administration, accounting major preferred. MBA or CPA a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in the development and implementation of financial, HR and logistics policies and procedures.
• French and English language fluency.
• Significant experience with the financial management of government and agency grants and contracts, experience with US Government grants and EU a plus.
• At least two years of experience working for an international corporation or not-for- profit organization.
• Excellent computer and systems skills required with respect to MS Office applications (advanced skills in MS Excel required) and major financial accounting and reporting software (SAP or equivalent).
• Experience working in a developing country setting, and especially in similar type of projects in isolated places in Africa.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work in a team setting within an organization.
• Willingness to travel to field sites.
• Willingness to live in a remote site with basic amenities, but beautiful wildlife.
• Capacity to live in a community in a remote area and to integrate socially into a multi-cultural environment.
• Willingness to contribute to the protection of Congo’s flora and fauna.
About WCS
The Wildlife Conservation Society is an international NGO headquartered at Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global challenges in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the world’s oceans. The Africa Program is the largest of WCS’s field programs, with approximately 1,100 staff in 12 country programs focused across four major regions (Central Africa, Sudano-Sahel, East and Southern Africa, and Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean).
Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are Respect, Accountability and Transparency, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, Integrity. |
