Climate Change Technical Advisor for Central Africa (CCTA)

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

Position Overview: 

WCS seeks candidates interested in providing technical advice for the development and implementation of climate change strategies, national Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) readiness policies, and forest carbon-based field projects in Central Africa.

The Climate Change Technical Advisor for Central Africa (CCTA) is a new position and will be based in Central Africa to provide direct support to emerging forest carbon activities under development in the region, including those in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Republic of Congo.  They will coordinate directly with WCS field programs, national governments and the regional organization, COMIFAC. 

The CCTA will provide technical assistance to WCS climate change mitigation initiatives in Central Africa and to WCS staff with climate change and carbon program development responsibility, including support for updating and implementing the WCS Central Africa Climate Change Strategy.

The CCTA will be responsible for overseeing and managing WCS activities funded under the AFD-financed Partnership Approach to Climate Change Management in the Congo Basin.  The position will ensure that WCS can successfully implement the AFD grant and mobilize resources to support the on-going climate change initiatives in the region.

The CCTA will report to the Director for Europe, based in London, UK, who currently coordinates WCS climate change mitigation efforts in the Central Africa region.  The CCTA will also coordinate activities with the Director of the Africa Regional Program based in New York, and will work closely with WCS Country Directors in Central Africa.

Responsibilities

• Work with partners to help build the capacity of Central African governments on climate change policy, especially REDD, with an initial emphasis on Republic of Congo
• Build capacity of WCS staff on climate change mitigation-related issues
• Coordinate WCS and partner efforts to develop climate change mitigation-related projects
• Assist with the mobilization of financial support for climate change mitigation-related work
• In concert with WCS staff globally, contribute to development and implementation of the WCS's climate change programs.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to the goals and principles of wildlife conservation and improved human livelihoods in developing countries;
• 5 years or more professional experience on climate change or forestry policy, especially REDD and the development of REDD pilot projects;
• 5 years or more of experience in developing countries at the level of project director or above (Central Africa or Francophone experience preferred), including experience with government ministries;
• Ability to organize program meetings, events and consultative fora, facilitate communication among geographically dispersed collaborators, colleagues and senior government officials, and interact with ODA institutions and others active in supporting REDD programs;
• Experience of other conservation finance mechanisms (trust funds, biodiversity offsets, etc.) an advantage;
• Ability to function effectively in a wide range of settings, from field to international meetings;
• Fluent spoken, and written French and English.

Compensation: Benefits of employment include paid time off, health insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(K) plan and employer match, pension plan, and tuition reimbursement.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply by sending an application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of 3 referees to Todd Stevens with copies to Recruitment, and Pamela Watim.

For more information about Wildlife Conservation Society and Climate Change and Conservation Finance, please visit our website. More detailed terms of reference are also available by contacting Pamela Watim at the above email address.