Tanzania Country Director

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

Tanzania Program Overview:

WCS established a country program in Tanzania in 2003, and has grown to work in five landscapes, including Ruaha-Katavi, the Southern Highlands, Tarangire, Zanzibar, as well as a Marine Program along the coast.

WCS Africa Program is now seeking a dynamic, experienced individual to lead this program.

Reports to:                            Regional Director – East and Southern Africa
Location:                               Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Country Program/Sector:   Tanzania, East and Southern Africa Region
Start date:                              21 October 2018
Position Type:                      Full-Time

Job Summary:

The primary focus of this position is to effectively lead and efficiently manage this diverse and growing country program. A key priority of this position is to be the primary liaison with government, and to lead strategic partnerships with donors. Administrative responsibilities include fundraising to support the conservation work, as well as oversee all financial and personnel management (~150 staff).

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the WCS country program in Tanzania in consultation with the Africa Program team based in New York.
• Act as legal representative of WCS in Tanzania, working with the WCS Office of General Counsel.
• Act as political representative of WCS in Tanzania with all government partners including the Tanzania government (particularly TAWA, TANAPA, Wildlife Division, and TAWIRI), and bilateral donors/agencies (e.g., USAID, EU).
• Represent the WCS Tanzania Program to the Government of Tanzania, donors, the press, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the WCS Tanzania Country Program budget.
• Prepare and implement annual WCS Tanzania Country Program workplans and associated budgets, and approve related project workplans and budgets.
• Fundraise from public and private sources for the Tanzania Program in collaboration with other WCS fundraising teams (e.g., Africa Program, Program Development, Global Resources).
• Prepare annual country reports for the Tanzania Government, and oversee preparation of reports on projects and for donors, and evaluate on a regular basis progress against strategies and workplans.
• Collaborate with other WCS initiatives including but not limited to the WCS Marine Program, Species Program, and Conservation Solutions team.

Minimum Requirements:

• Extensive experience leading and managing teams required.
• Successful experience developing, managing, and overseeing the implementation of conservation programs, preferably in Tanzania.
• Proven fundraising experience for conservation from public and private sources, preferably in Tanzania.
• Demonstrated capacity in financial planning and management.
• A track-record of success in conservation strategy, implementation, and fundraising.
• S. in conservation, ecology, or related discipline required, graduate degree preferred.
• Commitment to WCS’s mission.
• English language proficiency required, Swahili language preferred.

Application Process:

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications should apply by emailing an application letter and CV together with salary requirements and the names and contact information of three references to: africaapplications@wcs.org by September 21, 2018. Please include “Tanzania Country Director” in the subject line of your email.

In addition, please note that all candidates must also apply online via the WCS career portal at: http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value

WCS provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. WCS does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview.