The Wildlife Conservation Society recherche un directeur des finances et de l’administration, N’Djaména, Tchad
Position : Director of Finance and Administration
Reports to : Country Director
Location : N’Djamena, Chad (with frequent travels to the field)
Country Program : WCS Chad
Start date : April 15th, 2022
Position Type : Full-time
Open to : Chad citizens
Salary Range : $25,000-35,000 USD gross per year
Application deadline : March 25th, 2022
Organization Background :
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 the 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.
The Sudano-Sahel Region presents unparalleled opportunities for WCS to play a direct role in saving some of the last remaining intact wildernesses on the planet and to contribute significantly to the security of people and wildlife. The savannas, forests, and wetlands of the region support key populations of endangered elephant, northern giraffe, lion, eland, chimpanzee, gorilla, bongo, and the second largest antelope migration on the planet. Hundreds of bird species occur in the area, including the shoebill and the crowned crane. Communities also depend on the land for their livelihoods through pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, and hunting. WCS has a significant presence in the Sudano-Sahel region, with a strong conservation history and proven success in protected area management. WCS currently has conservation initiatives in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, CAR, South Sudan, with new program activities developing in Ethiopia. We work actively to support protected area management and wildlife law enforcement, local livelihoods, develop conservation-security partnerships, enhance anti-trafficking activities, and to implement our policy and scientific programs.
Chad Program Overview :
WCS has a long history of involvement in conservation in Chad dating back to 2005. This has included aerial surveys of semi-arid areas, aerial surveys and support to elephant protection in Zakouma Park 2006-2012, technical expertise contributions to the development of the Chad National Elephant Action Plan in 2014, aerial surveys of Sena-Oura National Park and other areas in 2015, engagement in providing support to Government of Chad for management of Sena-Oura National Park as part of transboundary initiative with neighboring Bouba-Njidda National Park in Cameroon (in cooperation with German Government KfW and COMIFAC) from 2016 through present. More recently in May 2021 WCS in partnership with the EU and other partners we have launched the Central Chari Basin landscape conservation program (Southeastern ChadNorthern CAR (WCS is engaged in a long term PPP protected area management program in northern CAR). Over the past years WCS has worked with the Government and partners of Chad, CAR, and Cameroon to put in place transboundary anti-poaching coordination systems (particular to address well organized elephant poaching) and we are developing a new program with EU to engage transboundary transhumant pastoralism.
Given the increased conservation program activities in Chad and commitments to transboundary protected area management and conservation cooperation between Chad, and linkages with major WCS landscape conservation programs in neighboring northern CAR and northern Cameroon, WCS has decided to formally establish a WCS Chad program as of May 2021. The WCS Chad program will have responsibility for representation, management, administration of all WCS activities in Chad and ensuring sound coordination of the transboundary initiatives. A country office is being established in Ndjamena, Chad with an administration and representation team.
WCS is now seeking a dynamic and highly motivated professional for the CHAD Director of Finance and Administration position. The position will be based at N’Djamena with frequent travel throughout the landscapes and CHAD.
Job Summary :
WCS seeks a dynamic, well-organized, hard-working, and committed team player to oversee finance, HR and administrative functions in the Chad country office.
The Director of Finance and administration position is a member of senior management team and reports to the country programs Director with dotted line to Regional Business Manager and Vice President/Comptroller in New York. This position is responsible for managing all the financial and administrative systems including human resources in Chad; reporting to Sudano Sahel regional, New York offices and donors, country budgetary reporting and controls, monitoring and compliance of internal controls, conduct/coordinate operation reviews of project sites, cash management.
Duties and responsibilities include :
- Financial management and accounting for the WCS Chad Program (tracking and projecting spending by projects and funding agencies, accounting, internal project audits) ;
- Monitor overall budget management with regular updates on expenditures and availability of funds to NY, Sudano Sahel Region and the project managers/directors and administrators ;
- Ensure all project financial activities are in compliance with donor requirements ;
- Work with project managers/directors to generate financial reports and donor reports ;
- Train the Project Managers, Admin, and Finance staff on WCS procedures and donor’s requirement including budgeting process ;
- Develop with project managers/directors and the WCS-Sudano Sahel office, budget proposals for potential donors ;
- Assure timely accounting and reporting on all country project expenditures ;
- Oversee the coordination of logistics at the country office and liaise between the country office and the projects ;
- Work with the Country Director to develop project budget and annual budget proposals for the country office and submit them to WCS-Sudano Sahel regional office and New York for review and approval ;
- Coordinate with Financial Directors in Cameroon and CAR to ensure smooth management of transboundary grants ;
- Monitor bank transfers, banking activities, advances and expenditures in coordination with WCS-NY ;
- Management of in-country revenue sources and receivables ;
- Ensure the proper financial and administrative management of project infrastructure, i.e. leases/rent, insurance policies, registration (vehicles, housing, office, boats, etc.). Review purchasing process ;
- Assist in recruiting, training, and managing of administrative staff for the country office ;
- Staff administration: establishing staff contracts, worker’s compensation and medical benefits, payroll, vacation and work schedules in adherence with country program guidelines and following the national labor laws ;
- Review, track, and reconcile staff and consultant cash advances according to policies ;
- Develop procurement solicitations and recommendations for potential providers of needed goods and services in accordance with WCS procedures and donor requirements ;
- Oversee expatriate administration and logistics (visas, travel and housing benefits) ;
- Ensure that all projects/activities in the country program are respecting national legislation regarding customs regulations, labor rights, taxes, benefits, etc. ;
- Respect and implement the WCS code of conduct ;
- Any other tasks requested by the Country Director.
Qualification Requirements :
- Bachelor degree in Business Administration, accounting major preferred ;
- Demonstrated ability in the development and implementation of financial and HR policies and procedures ;
- French and English language fluency required ;
- Significant experience with the financial management, government and agency grants and contracts, experience with EU and US Government grants a plus ;
- At least three years of experience managing a financial and HR area for an international corporation or not profit organization ;
- Willingness to travel to field sites ;
- Experience working in a developing country setting ;
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong analytical skills ;
- Effective “roll up the sleeves” work ethic, with attention to detail ;
- Proven managerial skill and ability to work in a team setting within an organization.
Application Process :
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications should apply by emailing an application letter and CV together with salary requirements and the names and contact information of three references to : jbetsch@wcs.org and mdolmia@wcs.org by the March 25th, 2022 deadline. Please include “CHAD Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line of your email.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.