Central African Republic: Technical Advisor (TA), Community development and livelihoods

Position Location: Bayanga, Central African Republic

Reports To: WWF Principal Technical Advisor (WWF PTA), Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA), Central African Republic

Supervises: Community development staff of the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA)

I. Major Functions:

The main roles of this position are:

1) To provide technical assistance, coordination, oversight and leadership to the community development and livelihood activities of WWF-DSPA; and,

2) To assist the WWF PTA in delivering the broader goals of WWF, DSPA and the Sangha Trinational (TNS) in line with the WWF CAR national strategy, and the WWF conservation strategy and principles on working with indigenous peoples.

The position will be fully responsible for the implementation and administration of the health project “Access to health service and education for local and indigenous communities in “Dzanga Sangha” (Projekt-Nr. 2418). This project is funded by the German Ministry of Development Collaboration (BMZ) through Engagement Global and WWF Germany and aims to improve the medical assistance to the communities around DSPA.

The Technical Advisor (TA) will serve as a mentor to the Head of Community Development (HCD). The TA’s main function is to ensure a results-led implementation of development activities with conservation impacts, and to develop capacity by transferring his/her technical knowledge and experience to the national counterpart and other development programme staff.

II. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensures effectiveness of community development and livelihood initiatives as a support to conservation objectives

a.Programme development and implementation

• Works as counterpart and Technical Advisor (TA) to the national Head of Community Development (HCD) (from the government). He/she provides technical support as needed to that position and other staff in the team. Works with the HCD to plan, manage, monitor and report all aspects of development and livelihood activities, including environmental education and communication.
• Acts as coordinator (with the HCD) of all development activities within DSPA and works to maintain strong communication between partners and collaborators working in this field; including coordinating technical input from project partners and consultants.
• Oversees implementation and development of various CBNRM initiatives, and works closely with the TA and PTA to foster the development-conservation link and environmental education programs; this includes the development of indicators to measure project effectiveness, pre-post questionnaire evaluations.
• Implements the “Access to health service and education for local and indigenous communities in “Dzanga Sangha” (Projekt-Nr. 2418).
• Advises on development priorities and works with other senior staff to plan and implement activities related to health, human rights, education, etc.
• Develops and maintains a working relation with local communities with an emphasis on developing capacity and participation in management of DSPA.
• Promotes capacity building of local communities, local authorities, local associations, sub-contractors and DSPA staff.
• Contributes to the formulation of Project policies according to WWF guidelines and practices and works to implement best practices / standards regarding governance / participation of local communities and indigenous peoples in natural resource management, including community guards under the zero poaching toolkit.

b.Supervision and capacity building

• Supervises, together with the HCD, all staff associated with development activities; participates in staff capacity development and evaluation.
• Identifies training needs and develops proposals and budgets accordingly to ensure that community development staff receives appropriate training.

Ensures that development staff use equipment in line with WWF policies and procedures.

c.Communication

• Works with the PTA to ensure reporting as defined by project contracts/agreements and WWF Programme Management standards.
• Submits to the PTA and DSPA National Director (ND), in collaboration with HCD, a quarterly report outlining development activities.

• Remains well informed of legislation, policies and procedures that could impact development activities, CBNRM, indigenous peoples, etc.

• Contributes to the development of annual work plans, proposals and budgets for development activities on a quarterly basis or more frequently as necessary.

• Helps WWF-DSPA direction ensure appropriate communication with all of its key target audiences including local communities and authorities, national government and partners, etc.

• Assists the PTA to ensure accountability of funds according to project planning and contractual obligations in collaboration with the F&A Manager. III. Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

· An advanced degree in social sciences and/or equivalent experience in working with local communities (especially indigenous groups) concerning community based natural resource management is required.

· At least 5 years’ experience, preferably in Central Africa;

· Good technical, logistical and financial management of projects (planning, budgets, implementation, monitoring and evaluation);

· Strong team leadership with an excellent sense of organization and hospitality;

· Proven experience in capacity building of partners;

· Experience in coaching a technical and/or scientific team;

· Experience of carrying out field work under difficult conditions;

· Experience in remote destinations;

· Experience of results-based management;

· Capacity for scientific analysis;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in French (working language) and English are essential (several reports for English-speaking funders).

· Extensive working experience with local communities and participatory approaches and knowledge of local languages (Sango and BaAka) are a plus.

· Demonstrates WWF behaviours in way of working: Strive for Impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly, InnovateFearlessly.

· Adherence to WWF’s values, which are Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to send:

· A cover letter

· A detailed CV with 3 references

All applications should be sent to recruit-roaydehub@wwf.panda.org. The subject should read TA-CD 2018

Deadline for applications:3 Avril 2018

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.