Head of Finance and Administration Unit

Location: Bomassa, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo
Reports to: Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park Director                       
Position Type:   Full Time           
Internal liaison:  Park Heads of Unit, Country and Regional Financial and HR teams
Start Date:  January 2024
Expected travel: National travel in the Republic of Congo

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organization founded in 1895. Its mission is to preserve wildlife and wilderness by understanding critical problems, developing scientific solutions and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries, and experience in the creation of more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships needed to ensure that wild places and animal species 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 rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

Job Summary:
The Head of the Nouable Ndoki National Park Finance and Administration Unit is responsible for overseeing finance, administration, and human resources functions within the park. Reporting to the Director of Nouabale Ndoki National Park, they ensure the unit operates cohesively and efficiently, delivering high-quality services while adhering to local laws, WCS policies, and donor requirements. Their duties include budgeting, expenditure monitoring, reporting, and resource allocation control. Additionally, they maintain strong communication with park unit heads, WCS Congo staff, donors, and local institutions. This role, based at the park's headquarters in Bomassa, involves permanent residence at the field location and supervision of Finance and HR managers and officers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting:

   • Maintain an updated operational plan and budget for NNNP, addressing funding gaps.
   • Lead the annual budget preparation, ensuring alignment with the work plan.
   • Oversee data accuracy and entry into the budget system.
   • Support technical staff in adhering to the approved plan and develop donor budgets.

2. Financial Management:

   • Review monthly budget follow-up for grant-funded activities.
   • Coordinate with relevant staff to address project delays and issues.
   • Review balance sheet accounts and ensure timely and accurate reporting.
   • Prepare donor financial reports and meet cost share requirements.

3. Cash Management:

   • Prepare monthly cash requests based on budget and cash flow projections.
   • Monitor cash baseline and payment methods, keeping leadership informed of financial status.

4. Subaward Management:

   • Ensure sub-awardee compliance with WCS policies and procedures.
   • Conduct risk assessments, review budget alignment, and monitor expenses.

5. Internal Controls and Audits:

   • Ensure internal control systems and WCS policies are followed.
   • Coordinate audits and financial reviews.
   • Propose local policies and procedures for optimized financial management.
   • Supervise local audits related to accounting, tax, and labor matters.

6. Staff Management:

   • Train and mentor project staff in compliance with policies and donor requirements.
   • Provide capacity-building to NNNP program and finance staff.
   • Conduct regular field visits and report to the Country Finance and Administration Director.

7. Administration and Staff Management:

   • Recruit, train, and manage finance and human resources staff.
   • Establish national staff contracts and ensure compliance with labor laws.
   • Ensure adherence to national legislation regarding customs, taxes, and benefits.
   • Oversee expatriate administration, including leave tracking and travel arrangements.

Experience and qualification

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, preferably with a specialization in accounting.  MBA or CPA a plus. Proven ability to develop and implement financial policies and procedures.
• Significant experience with the financial management of government and agency grants and contracts, experience with KFW, EU, US Government grants a plus.
• At least three years' experience managing a financial sector for a business or non-profit organization.
• Experience working in a developing country.
• SAP experience a plus
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical accounting skills
• Experience in consolidation accounting, external reporting skills, process/control documentation preferred
• Experience with the Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with different (tight) deadlines and stakeholders
• Good communication skills, both written and oral, strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills as well as strong analytical skills.
• English and French required.
• Proven management skills and ability to work as part of a team within an organization.
• Ability to live in a remote environment
• Interest in wildlife conservation and environmental issues

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience are invited to submit their application(CV and cover letter with the contacts of three references), should apply through the application tab below by November 15, 2023.  Please include “Head of Finance and Administration Unit” in the subject line of your email
WCS is an equal-opportunity employer 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.

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