Deputy Director, Finance and Administration, Africa Program

~ The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US nonprofit, 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. 

Position Overview

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks an experienced, results-oriented manager to oversee finance and administration in the $35 million Africa Program. The successful candidate will play a central role securing a platform for successful conservation as part of a cohesive, effective, diverse team at the Bronx Zoo in New York and in 16 countries in Africa.

Position Objectives:

WCS is an international conservation NGO headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global conservation challenges in over 60 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The Africa Program is the largest of WCS's field programs, with a budget of about $35 million and over 1,400 field staff in 16 countries.

WCS's Africa Program is led, managed, and administered by a small team in New York and in the field, consisting of an Executive Director, Regional Directors, two Program Managers, a Budget Coordinator and a Program Administrative Officer.

This team manages and supports field staff and coordinates work with other WCS departments. This team's key roles include managing Country Directors, fundraising from private and public sources, guiding program strategy and implementation, representing the program internally and externally, and facilitating communication with and support from WCS departments such as Accounting, Global Resources, Program Development, Public Affairs, HR, Purchasing, etc.

The primary objective of this position is to oversee the finances and administration of WCS's regional program for Africa, particularly relating to financial and budgetary compliance, grant management, internal and external regulations, human resources management and administration, and logistical support.

The position is based at the Bronx Zoo in New York City and will work closely with the Executive Director.

Responsibilities  

The main responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Oversee the budget of the WCS Africa Program.
• Direct management of the Budget Coordinator. 
• Responsible for overseeing financial administration of grants (financial proposals and reports), budget creation, and budget management. 
• Provide advice and support to Country Finance Managers and Administrative Managers in Africa. 
• Act as a liaison between the Africa program and other support divisions including Accounting, Purchasing, Legal, Human Resources, etc. 
• Work closely with Africa Program staff to ensure strategic budgeting, identify gaps in funding, and ensure grant compliance. 
• Review grant finances and engage in funds management and analysis with the Country Finance Managers.
• Assist in monthly and year-end closure of accounts, financial reports, and ensure that budgets reflect appropriate and relevant costs, working with WCS's Accounting Department and Country Finance Managers. 
• Assist in administration of aviation program along with a team of aviation and procurement experts. 

Qualifications 

Experience 

• 10 years administration and management experience, including budget management and implementation of financial controls, with strong preference for at least some non-profit and international experience.
• Experience in financial management of US government grants strongly preferred
• Exceptional problem solving and decision making skills. 
• Strong managerial, administrative, computational, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to synthesize and critically analyze information. 
• Commitment to conservation and the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 
• Funds Management experience a plus.
• Proficiency in French a plus but not required. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Here!" to apply online.
• In addition, all applicants are requested send a cover letter and CV to this email address.