Program Manager at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Calabar, Cross River
Expected Start date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Country Program Director
Duration: 1 Year (Renewablesubject to availability)
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Travel: 30% to 40%

Position Description

• The responsibility of the Program Manager will be overseeing the day-to-day management of the project portfolio of the WCS Nigeria program, providing direct support to the Country Director in Calabar and the Project Directors in the field.

Purpose and Responsibilities
Operational Strategy and Technical Support:

• Oversee management of projects and grants including assistance with the development of strategies, preparation of proposals, coordination of timely reporting and in-country donor communications, and compliance with donor regulations.
• Manage database and track opportunities for funding and grants from various sources including files pertaining to creating grants, consultancies, field projects and other agreements for the country program office.
• Work with the Country Director and field project managers to develop and write proposals and track grant implementation.
• Where appropriate, act as a liaison between donors and field projects, ensuring timely submission of progress reports and other terms of grant agreements.
• Provide technical support to field Project Directors in the implementation of existing work plans.
• Coordinate operational support between the Calabar office and field projects/sub-offices.
• Facilitate internal WCS communications between the field, Calabar, regional and NY teams.
• Provide technical assistance and oversight to ensure that Project Directors adhere to and are aware of WCS policies, donor regulations and government requirements in project administration.
• Participate in strategic planning for the WCS-Nigeria Program.
• Work with the Nigeria Finance Director to monitor and track project budgets.
• As requested by the WCS-Nigeria Country Director, represent WCS at meetings on a national and international level.
• Maintain good relationships with existing national and international NGOs and technical partners in-country, national delegation offices of bilateral and multi-lateral donors, and foster, where possible, the participation of existing and new partners in relevant aspects of program implementation and strategy development.

Requirements
Essential criteria for candidates:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in a discipline related to Natural Resources Management, Environment or Rural conservation studies, and/or protected area management.
• At least three years’ experience working in a conservation management or policy
• Knowledge of natural conservation and law enforcement in Nigeria
• An advanced degree in wildlife biology, anthropology, conservation, or another field relevant to the position's responsibilities.position, with experience in Nigeria or West/Central Africa a distinct advantage.
• Experience in large project or program management, personnel management, administration, and fundraising.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and flourish in a multi-cultural team.
• Results-focused attitude to work.
• Excellent, fluent spoken and written English.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field offices in Nigeria.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and commitment to the WCS mission.

Functional Skill Set:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to manage and interact at all levels within and between the multilingual organization
• Experience in conversation context highly appreciated. Experience in multi-donors’ budgets and multi-countries grants
• Report writing skills
• Ability to work under minimum supervision
• Organization skills and detail-oriented
• Leadership: Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Working Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with various partners.
• IT Skills: Advanced skills in using IT tools for data analysis.

Application Closing Date
12th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail. 

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce.
• We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value.
• Females are strongly advised to apply. WCS would never ask or request you to pay for applying for a position.