Program Reporting Officer-Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Location:Epulu, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Reports to:Program Manager (Okapi Wildlife Reserve)

Direct reports:N/A

Start date: ASAP

About Us

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a private, nonprofit U.S. organization founded in 1895. Its mission is to preserve wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, developing science-based solutions, and taking conservation action that benefits 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 creating more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships necessary to ensure that wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, this knowledge is applied to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues that are critical to improving the quality of life for poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

Program Summary

Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to globally significant wildlife populations, such as those of okapi, elephants, and chimpanzees, and as a Reserve, it provides Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples with opportunities for sustainable natural resource use. The Reserve, however, is faced with threats relating to illicit natural resource exploitation, unsustainable economic development, and in-migration. WCS is currently working in partnership with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) to implement a multi-pronged strategy to protect OWR that covers protected area governance and management systems, community conservation, security and law enforcement, buffer zone land-use management, and building external public support. 

About the role

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking an experienced and motivated programme orientated professional to fill the position of Program Reporting Officer. The Program Reporting Officer will be responsible for supporting the OWR Program Manager to manage and deliver narrative reports for a diverse set of protected area donors. They will work pro-actively with colleagues in WCS to ensure that the necessary information for donor reporting is available and that donor reports are drafted to a high standard and according to internal and external deadlines. In 2 years, success in this role will be defined by: all donor reports produced in-line with requirements and by deadlines; programmatic administrative support ensures effective use of information for donor reporting; and meaningful inputs provided for the development of proposal concept notes and small grant proposals.

Responsibilities

Donor report production

• Work with the program management team to manage OWR’s donor reporting calendar, ensuring deadline tracking and that relevant staff are aware of reporting needs.
• Assist with the production of monthly, quarterly, mid-year and annual reports to advanced draft stage for a range of partners, and bi-lateral, multilateral and foundation donors.
• Assist with responding to ad-hoc requests for information from internal stakeholders and donors.
• Engage with consortium partner reporting focal points on reporting needs, information management, and feedback.
• Ensure grant information and associated reports are effectively archived online (Google Drive/SharePoint).

Programmatic administrative support

• Assist with records management, including preparation of meeting minutes and summarizing key points of discussions.
• Assist the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team with introducing and developing information management processes and tools that ensure a timely flow of information for donor reporting.
• Assist the MEAL team with the systematic tracking of deliverables and management of Means of Verification for donors.
• Collaborate with the MEAL team to collect information for success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.
• Provide the Communications Officer with information and ideas for OWR’s newsletter, factsheets, and social media posts.

Concept and proposal development

• Collate information and provide inputs to small grant proposals.
• Support on the development of proposal concept notes and ideas based on OWR’s conservation strategy and business plan.

• Master’s degree in conservation or environmental science, or international development or relations.
• 3 years’ experience in philanthropy, conservation project management or donor relations management.
• Exceptional writing abilities in English and French, with experience writing donor reports and grant proposals.
• Knowledge of donor procedures and compliance requirements (e.g. USAID, KfW, or EU).
• Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning methodologies.
• Demonstrated capability in managing information for donor reporting purposes. 
• Proven ability to train and communicate clearly and confidently in multi-cultural contexts.
• Proven ability at working both individually and in a team to successfully coordinate activities.
• High levels of attention to detail, organised, pro-active, positive, and accountable approach to work delivery.
• Willingness to live in a remote field site with basic amenities.
• Fluent communication skills in English and French, Swahili an advantage.

How to apply
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab below by September 6, 2023.

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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