Gabon: Forest Coordinator, WWF Gabon

Position Title: Forest Programme Coordinator Gabon
Reports to: Country Director WWF Gabon
Location: Libreville

I.Major functions:

Under the supervision of Country Director, The Forest Program Coordinator is the technical lead and country focal point for Forest related initiatives in WWF-Gabon and TRIDOM Congo. The role is responsible for strategic direction of the program, coordinating GCPO contribution on forest/climate initiatives, coordinate the implementation of policy strategies and lobbying and advocacy efforts related to forest management, identifying and developing funding opportunities, acting as representative on technical issues in relevant fora and overseeing the effective coordination, planning, management, implementation and monitoring of projects and activities related to Forest conservation in Gabon and TRIDOM Congo. He/she is responsible for ensuring cohesion and alignment between WWF-Gabon, TRIDOM Congo and the broader WWF Network within the Forest Practice. Coordination with other teams in the fields of Wildlife, Sustainable Finance and Markets, which link to forest conservation initiatives, is also required..

II.Major duties and responsibilities:

• S/he will be in-charge of all forest related activities within the forest landscapes of Gabon and TRIDOM Congo including forest/climate initiatives.
• The coordinator is responsible for the management of WWF engagement with forest sector companies through the Global Forest and Trade Network and related WWF initiatives
• Serves as Forest Focal Point for Gabon and TRIDOM Congo, and participates as a member of the global Forest Practice community;
• Facilitate implementation processes of agreed country strategic plan and critical contributions of the country to the global forest goals as agreed in the strategic plan.;
• Assume responsibility for the effective administrative and financial management of the program (follow-up of budget implementation, proper use of resources, accurate and timely reporting in compliance with appropriate formats);
• Ensure the involvement of WWF at national, regional and international level in sustainable Forest management processes;
• Support development of practical forest management plans, Village land use Plans associated by-laws and support implementation of these plans with targeted Communities.
• Carry out training and staffing needs assessment at all levels;
• Facilitate and support alternative livelihoods initiatives and improvement schemes such as marketing of certified forest and non-timber forest products.
• Evaluate and coordinate support to partners and local stakeholders in sustainable management of Forests in Gabon and TRIDOM Congo, and supervise the organization of workshops and training sessions as needed;
• Develop and manage projects on forest certification ;
• Contribute to other project proposals;
• Collaborate with other Practice Focal Points and thematic leaders for an optimal synergy between the Forest Program and other programs;
• Perform any other task assigned to him by his supervisor.

III.Profile

• Master’s or higher degree in forest conservation related field including natural resource management, environmental or conservation management, bioregional planning, development studies, or other relevant field;
• At least 5 years of experience in project management in an international/national development organization or similar, of which at least 3 years should be in a related field;
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of development and conservation issues and the context of Gabon and the forest conservation field;
• Experience of working with Private Sector, Government officials, local communities and donors;
• Strategic thinking skills to ensure the program is relevant, networked and impactful;
• Leadership skills to drive the Forest Practice objectives, advocate among peers and partners, support project staff and ensure relevance;
• People management skills including staff support, capacity development and coaching, developing teamwork, negotiation skills and conflict resolution;
• Project management skills including project planning, coordination, time management and logistics;
• Networking, coordination, and facilitation skills for both internal and external audiences and partners;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills with the ability to manage and interact at all levels of an international, multicultural and multilingual organization.
• Proficient in French and English written and verbal skills, Chinese is a pré.

IV.Working Relationships

Internal: The position reports to the Gabon country director and interacts regularly with the regional forest coordinator, TRIDOM coordinator, Forests Landscape project teams, Gabon Projects and Core Staff and WWF Network staff.
External: As a Forest coordinator, you will be working with Partners i.e. GFTN participants, corporate actors, Ministry of Forestry and Environment District Councils, local communities in the respective landscapes, other NGOs based in and working in related interventions.

How to apply?

Applications including a cover letter and a detailed resume should be send electronically to recruit-roaydehub@wwfafrica.org.

The subject should read “Forest Coordinator Gabon”.

PLEASE Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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