Landscape Coordinator Takamanda-Mone Landscape

Location: Tamanda Mone Landscape Coordinator

Reports to: WCS Country Program Director and Deputy Director

Start Date: As soon as possible

Position Type: 2-year fixed-term contract, renewable.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks a Tamanda Mone Landscape coordinator for the WCS Cameroon Takamanda-Mone Landscape Program. The Tamanda Mone Landscape coordinator will provide technical and logistical assistance for park management and planning, build capacity for effective collaborative management, facilitate information and experience sharing and improve communication, strengthen transboundary collaboration for park management and sustainable use of natural resource; With the aim to achieving its conservation objectives across the landscape despite the socio political tension that continues to impact the life of population.

Across Cameroon WCS is continuing its involvement in several field programs amongst which the Takamanda Mone Landscape. The goal of the Takamanda Mone landscape program is to conserve the biodiversity of the Takamanda-Mone landscape and to improve the survival prospects of the Cross River gorilla and other threatened species and their habitats, in collaboration with government authorities, non-governmental organizations, and local communities in south-West Cameroon.

Takamanda-Mone landscape or Takamanda Mone Technical Operation Unit (TOU) is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. High levels of species richness and endemism are exhibited across a wide range of taxa. The Takamanda-Mone Technical Operations Unit provides a platform for WCS activities. WCS continues to act as a technical advisor to the government of Cameroon in this area, providing guidance and practical assistance related to the conservation value and management options for different forest areas (both classified and unclassified) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.

Some of the key sites where WCS is active include the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, Takamanda National Park, Mone Forest Reserve and Mbulu forest areas. A joint trans-boundary approach to protected area management is also being developed with the Nigeria National Parks Service in the Okwangwo-Takamanda area.

Summary of responsibilities:

Overall mission of the WCS Landscape Coordinator is to ensure the development and implementation of the Takamanda Mone Conservation landscape Strategy in conformity with national and international standards making use of WCS expertise and experiences in Conservation particularly in Cameroon and worldwide.

As the WCS representative and manager of the Takamanda Mone landscape, the Landscape Coordinator will ensure the following responsibilities:

• The WCS landscape coordinator will be the direct counterpart of the Collaborative management of TOU management units at the regional level and at field level. In that capacity will support the respective unit focal points and conservators in conceptualization, planning, implementation, reporting and monitoring of PSMNR intervention at these respective levels.
• Support implementation of prioritized thematic interventions in Takamanda -Mone TOU and transboundary landscape.
• Work closely with the CMU (Collaborative Management Unit), CDO (Community Development Officer) and LSOs (Local Support Organization) in the animation of co-management interventions of TNP.
• Participate in Akwaya Council Development Meetings alongside the TNP Conservator, ensure that the Akwaya Council is invited to all Cluster Platform workshops/meetings ensure that the TNP Collaborative Management Agreements are integrated into the Council Development Plan
• Participate in all conceptualization meetings of the Trans-boundary Biosphere/World Heritage Site process.
• Liaise with the TOU Conservator at field level and TOU focal point at regional level to develop the ToR for TOU Technical meeting, annual workplans, quarterly activities and budgets.
• Liaise with the TOU Conservator and TOU focal point to mitigate conflicts where and when necessary.
• Be the special adviser to the implementation of the Forests Management Plans in the Takamanda-Mone Landscape, especially the Mawambi Community Forest (MCF). Thus, shall be an active participant in the conceptualization of the MCF management model, the success of which shall be replicated onto others.
• Represent WCS at all Park planning/Technical meetings chaired by the Park Conservator and ensure that these meetings take place as required. Thus, shall provide the required management advice in consultation with the country program office.
• Approve all expenses within reasonable limits for approved activities at field level.
• Oversee field personnel, use of equipment and other property under supervision or custody of WCS.
• Responsible for drafting all funding proposals – monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual reports for all donors supporting WCS work in the landscape.
• Responsible for drafting and ensuring implementation of all work planning – monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual of WCS engagements in the landscape.

Qualification Requirements

• A Master or any equivalent qualification in biodiversity conservation and natural resources management field is desired.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in field conservation in Centre Africa
• Strong skills and proficiency in project management.
• Experience with biodiversity, socio-economic survey design and implementation
• Ability to coordinate project activities.
• Practical experience with natural resource management, and protected area management
• Proficiency in English and good working knowledge in French; Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver on time.
• Experience managing personnel and finances.
• Ability to design and undertake ecological and socio-economic monitoring projects.
• Knowledge in organizing accounts and reporting,
• Aptitude to work constructively in multi-cultural situations and maintain a high level of self-motivation.

Desirable

• Experience in managing personnel.
• Ability to design and undertake ecological and socio-economic monitoring projects.
• Practical experience with natural resource management, protected area and forest sustainable management.
• Experience in collaborative management and coordination with partner organizations, local administration, and traditional authorities

Terms and conditions

• This is a nationally/internationally recruited position. WCS offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period according to the local labor law, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Buea or Bamenda, WCS TM office.