Program Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society

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. 

Why Join Us? 

• Leverage WSC’s Conversation, protection, and law enforcement expertise to strategically guide the WSC\'s protection of Wild places and Wild species.
• Exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions to the protection of biodiversity conversation. 
• Dynamic Team: join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone\'s input are valued. 
• Growth Opportunities: We believe in providing an enabling environment to develop your career. We are committed to developing your skills and competencies and offer opportunities for career advancement.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values respect, teamwork, and excellence.

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.

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.
• 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.
• At least three years’ experience working in a conservation management or policy 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.