JOB ADVERTISEMENT : Project Manager - INL ILAT Project - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Project Manager - INL ILAT Project
Vacancy #:      7022
Unit:      TRAFFIC Central Africa
Organisation:      TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location:      TRAFFIC - Central Africa, Yaounde, Cameroon
Reporting to:      Senior Programme Officer – Forest Governance and Trade
Work percentage:      100%
Grade:      P1
Expected start date:      01 December 2024
Type of contract:      Fixed-term (12 months)
Closing date:      11 October 2024
BACKGROUND
ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND
TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK.

TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
The proposal INL project ‘CB ACTTS: Congo Basin Action & Cooperation on Timber Trafficking ’addresses issues of the capacity of law enforcement personnel in Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo to detect, interdict, seize and transfer to investigatory agencies, illegal timber products through raising awareness, training and innovative equipment. It will also support the improvement of government systems to compile, analyze and report on timber logged, imported into, exported/re-exported from and/or seized within Cameroon and the outcomes of related infractions. The proposal will finally address the transborder collaboration needed between Cameroon and Nigeria on one hand and Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo on another hand, as well as promote the exchanges between the two Central African countries with Vietnam in the forestry
sector.

At the end of the day, the proposal aims to strengthen government efforts to reduce the ability of criminal groups
to carry out and profit from illegal logging and trafficking of timber in and from Central Africa and Nigeria.
JOB DESCRIPTION
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of a two-year INL project based in Cameroon. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering quality project outputs on time and within budget, as well as supporting the development of the work in TRAFFIC Central Africa’s wider strategy, creating synergy between this project and other relevant work across Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria.

The Project Manager will also act as a representative of TRAFFIC, managing and building relationships with donors and stakeholders for current projects and to leverage funds for future opportunities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
• Ensure that all project activities are successfully implemented, outputs are completed to a high standard, and all financial, administrative and reporting requirements are met.

• Responsible for identifying suitable candidates and developing terms of reference for project
consultants and other recruitment processes relevant to the project together with Human Resources
and Administration colleagues.

• Supervise the logistics (travel, hotel bookings) for participants of project training workshops and partner meetings in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo or Nigeria.
• Ensure the technical quality and timely delivery of work plan activities, including conducting a rigorous evaluation of project activities and interventions and suggesting adaptive management approaches to amplify project impact.

• Proactively manage relationships and foster dialogue amongst an ‘international community’ of project stakeholders and potential project collaborators, building on the range of partnerships already fostered in CAF since 2008; including Government Institutions, COMIFAC, COBAC, GABAC, IGOs and NGOs.

• Lead efforts to inform and increase understanding amongst government, inter-governmental, private sector and civil society representatives around how transboundary illegal logging and associated trade can be relevant to institutions dealing with broader issues, including, for example, the wider trade agenda, especially through seaports, financial crime, good governance and corruption and effective court prosecutions.

• Proactively manage TRAFFIC’s relationships with relevant INL and USG missions, ensuring the project initiative integrates productively with other USG-funded initiatives and programmes within and between different African countries, especially Nigeria.

• Identify additional research opportunities at the national/regional/species level to highlight priorities for the project delivery and assist the donor with strategic planning initiatives.

• Lead the compilation of reports, briefing papers and other communication materials, including technical review and sign-off, to ensure quality control and timely submission.

• Assist colleagues, as appropriate, with developing concepts and proposals to help leverage additional funding and technical resources that will assist in successfully delivering the work programme and project activities.
REQUIREMENTS
     • A University degree in a relevant discipline (biology, botany, forestry and/or forest conservation and wildlife (flora) monitoring) or an equivalent field and educational experience.

• A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience relevant to law enforcement, timber trade, financial crime, nature conservation and sustainable development, preferably within an international NGO and with preferred work experience in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo and Nigeria.

• Familiarity with major trends in forest governance policy and issues relevant to the trade in timber and wood products in Central and West Africa, and broad familiarity with conservation and development issues, including general governance and natural resource management.

• Excellent understanding of international and regional nature conservation agreements, laws, policies and regulations regarding international trade in endangered species products and related crimes, especially flora.

• Strong interpersonal, leadership and networking skills with the ability to work well within a team while showing initiative, being proactive, and respecting sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches.

• Experience in communicating programme objectives to and in working with government and intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society, the private sector and other conservation partners.

• Excellent skills in programme management, planning and project implementation, attention to detail with proven ability in prioritising workloads and meeting deadlines.

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to understand and synthesise information from various sources.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Fundraising experience and financial management skills.
• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in English and French.
• Good communication skills and experience of working with the media.
• A willingness and ability to travel widely and frequently and to work under pressure.

SUPERVISION
Project Assistant and Consultants.

We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and working inclusively across our entire organisation. We seek to uphold these principles in our behaviour and practices – as an employer and as a global thought leader. TRAFFIC wishes to encourage applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds who can drive and inspire change and contribute to an organisation seeking to create significant and lasting change in the field of legal and sustainable trade of wild species. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, and candidates with disabilities.
SALARY
The minimum gross annual salary for this position is XAF 10'113'282. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=11074 , by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.