WWF, the global conservation organization, active in almost 100 countries, has been working in the Congo Basin in Central Africa for more than 20 years, with a focus on forest conservation through developing and managing protected areas, while promoting sustainable forestry practices and community conservation for the benefit of the populations.

In order to facilitate multi-stakeholder commitments to reconcile conservation and development, and promote economic opportunities that integrates environmental and social sustainability, WWF is currently accepting applications from outstanding individuals with a passion for nature conservation to fill the positions of Conservation Director of the Cameroon Programme Office.

He/She will directly assist the Country director and the WWF-Cameroon country programme (CCPO) team in achieving WWF’s conservation objectives in Cameroon, and the Congo Basin region in general.
The Director of Conservation is responsible for the development, implementation and coordination of WWF conservation and policy program in Cameroon. He/she advises the Country Director on pertinent issues in Cameroon and provides essential input for the Program’s supervision, review and evaluation. In close cooperation with the Country Director, he/she works with national authorities, conservation partners and projects in Cameroon in their aim to maintain the biodiversity of the country and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Major Responsibilities:

* Co-ordinates and manages the conservation programme in Cameroon in order to deliver on the Network initiative and Global Programme Framework priorities, Congo Basin Forest Partnership , and manages specific projects as appropriate.
* Performance manages project managers, Landscape Leaders, and provides technical advice as appropriate.
* Provides leadership in the development of the conservation programme by undertaking the identification and design of new projects through participatory processes.
* Supports the Country Director in his/her role of donor liaison and fund-raising.
* Prepares thematic or conservation issues-related plans, papers and guidelines, as needed, on his/her own and/or upon request.
* In collaboration with the Country Director, ensures that the programme-wide timetable for reporting and evaluation of projects is developed, maintained and respected, and that lessons are compiled for future reference and use,
* Provides advice to the Country Director on pertinent conservation issues and provides specific technical input, ad hoc advice and assistance, and implementation support to projects, as needed.
* Works closely with the Country Director, other WWF-CCPO appropriate staff and WWF International to develop an effective national and international communications strategy for the Programme.
* Works with relevant staff to provide information on programme activities and conservation issues to the WWF-CARPO, WWF Network, the general public, scientific community, the press or media and donors.

Key requirements:

* A minimum of eight years of experience in working in conservation or development organizations, especially in a the Congo Basin
* Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of forest and wildlife ecology and management principles and/or poverty alleviation and development issues
* Familiarity with WWF and funding agencies, especially the World Bank, Government and Aid Agencies
* Strong managerial and administrative skills and excellent organizations skills
* Fluency in English and French
* Strong communications skills, particularly in writing reports and proposals for donor agencies
* Diplomatic & multicultural skills
* Depth and breath of knowledge of conservation and development issues
* A minimum of a MSc in biology, ecology or related field.

The position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

If interested, please send your application letter with a CV stating your availability at the following E-mail address: MNwaha@wwfcarpo.org latest on May 15th, 2009.

NB : Only preselected candidates will be contacted.