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In November 2017, WWF signed a partnership agreement with the Government of Congo defining the modalities of co-management of the Ntokou Pikounda National Park (NPNP). The agreement related to the implementation of co-management, governance and financing mechanisms for NPNP straddling the Cuvette and Sangha departments.

In this agreement, WWF undertakes, within the framework of available funding sources, to implement a conservation programme which aims to:

• carry out biological and socio-economic surveys of the Park;
• define appropriate zoning for the Park and its periphery in consultation with stakeholders;
• carry out management and community development activities to benefit local communities and Indigenous people.

This is all in line with WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) and social policies.

The Congolese government authorised the management of the Park, including support for the fight against the illegal exploitation and trafficking of fauna and flora species, with a particular focus on the conservation of great apes, elephants, and other flagship species.

About the Role

The NPNP Park Director will directly implement the annual work plan, ensure synergies between the different actors and funding within NPNP, and work closely with partners inside and outside the park to achieve optimal conservation results.
With extensive expertise in protected area management, the Director will oversee and coordinate the implementation of all activities in NPNP with the entire WWF and Congolese Agency for Wildlife and Protected Areas (ACFAP) team.
The Director heads the park management unit “La Coordination” together with the Deputy Director (ACFAP) and acts as Secretary to the Park Management Committee. They support the Deputy Park Director in supervising ACFAP/MEF (Ministry of Forest Economy) staff working in law enforcement.
The Director is the principal supervisor of Park staff recruited to work in biomonitoring, tourism, infrastructure, financial management, logistics, and community development activities and collaborates with partners and stakeholders to achieve Park objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic leadership:

• Development, implementation and adaptive oversight of the Park management plan;
• Institutional strengthening and training, policies and legislation, project monitoring;
• Enforcement and application of WWF’s ESSF and social policies regarding protected area management and the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples.

Park supervision and coordination:

• Working closely with the Deputy Park Director, the Park Director plans, directs and supervises park activities;
• Coordinate with government and non-government partners and other park stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the park while supporting synergies with landscape management;
• Oversee programme planning to reinforce progress towards objectives (e.g., strengthen park management, anti-poaching activities, etc.).

Human and financial resources management:

• Ensures financial management in line with the established procedures of funding partners and WWF, justifying expenditure, reviewing financial reports, planning budgets, etc.
• Ensures budgets are approved and expenditures justified according to the procedures defined by the various partners.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in conservation or development organisations, preferably in a similar field;
• Project management experience in Central Africa is highly desirable;
• Strong working knowledge of park management and what it takes to effectively manage a large-scale park;
• An understanding of forest ecology, wildlife and natural resource management principles is important;
• Good knowledge of bio-monitoring in forest environments and law enforcement procedures;
• A clear understanding of community-based natural resource management and rural livelihood issues;
• Strong administrative and financial management skills and excellent organisational skills;
• Excellent project and people management skills to manage complex multi-faceted projects, negotiate and resolve conflicts;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and good oral and written communication in English;
• Experience working with government officials and donors;
• Ability to live and work in remote and harsh conditions;
• Ability to live in a multicultural context and accept local values;
• Adherence to WWF values, which are courage, integrity, respect and collaboration.