CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Reporting directly to the Programme Office Director - Central Africa the Senior Programme Officer main duties are to: Co-ordinate the overall development and implementation of the technical aspects of TRAFFIC’s Conservation Programme in Central Africa; Ensure lead role in the implementation of wildlife (fauna and flora) monitoring aspects of the green and red streams of the TRAFFIC Programme in Central Africa; Manage the implementation of activities under TRAFFIC’s agreed programme workstreams, employing its evidence-based approach to influencing policy and practice; Ensure balance in the development of projects to promote both Red and Green Streams of TRAFFIC Conservation Programme work planning; Support the development and implementation of regional plans, programme and projects of TRAFFIC in Central Africa; Ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all projects in Central Africa especially those under his direct responsibility; Co-operate with senior colleagues in TRAFFIC worldwide in developing and marketing projects necessary to deliver the TRAFFIC Programme Strategy; Participate fully in TRAFFIC internal management structures as requested by the Programme Office Director; Raise funds through project development for the implementation of TRAFFIC Conservation Programme in Central Africa; Support governments in the COMIFAC region in the implementation of their wildlife and forest and natural resources policies, programmes and projects; Facilitate the implementation of laws and other legal frameworks, and the control and monitoring forest resources (fauna and flora) in Central Africa; Facilitate the implementation of laws and legal frameworks related to exploitation and use of nontimber forest products with focus on medicinal and aromatic plants; Encourage collaboration between agencies involved in forest and trade for effective synergies and sharing of information and experience; Undertake all other activities deemed necessary by the Programme Office Director for the advancement of the conservation programme and image of TRAFFIC in Central Africa.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Programme and project development
• Represent the TRAFFIC Central Africa Office team in the strategic development and
management of TRAFFIC’s Programme Strategy;
• Collaborate with senior colleagues across TRAFFIC in developing and marketing projects
necessary to deliver the TRAFFIC Programme Strategy as a co-ordinated effort, including
development of funding proposals and budgeting and scheduling planned activities;
• Ensure sound financial management of projects, especially those under his leadership, based on the TRAFFIC network’s financial policies and procedures including the preparation of budgets and regular financial reports.

Programme implementation and partner engagement
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission to TRAFFIC and other relevant partners including donors and the governments in the COMIFAC countries of high-quality technical reports;
• Ensure there are synergies between the different approaches under the green and red streams of work;
• Establish and maintain good relations with key partners including the national forest Authorities in Central Africa, relevant regional and international bodies such as COMIFAC, ECCAS, ITTO, CIFOR, FAO, ATIBT, CBFP, OFAC, WCO, etc., representatives in the CITES Scientific and Management Authorities;
• Entertain close working relations with TRAFFIC’s programme leaders in other regions, and with the respective regional focal points within the WWF and IUCN networks on wildlife trade related work;
• Represent TRAFFIC in the area of primary responsibility and maintains links and good working relationships with relevant WWF and IUCN offices, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, major donors and relevant NGOs;
• Ensure proactive liaison with others in TRAFFIC and with relevant WWF and IUCN programmes and offices about events, developments and activities related to wildlife trade and utilisation.

Operational management
• Supervise projects/programmes managers, junior regional staff, consultants, and field assistants as required, handling personnel issues including performance promptly and proactively supporting staff development;
• Ensure preparation and submission of technical reports on activities and achievements (including six-month and annual activity reports) and project reports for funding agencies;
• Lead by example by actively demonstrating TRAFFIC’s values and supporting the collaborative culture of the organisation;
• Participate in TRAFFIC’s Programme forum, actively taking a ‘big picture’ approach to the organisation’s development.