Reports to: Manovo Gounda Saint Floris Park Director
Location: Bamingui Bangoran & Manovo Gounda National Parks
Country Program: Central Republic
Scope: Site
Position Type: Full-Time
Background
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.
Country Programme Overview:
In December 2018, WCS signed a partnership agreement with the Central African Republic (CAR) government to manage the North-Eastern CAR Protected Area Complex, which covers 115,000 sqm. In June 2023 the complex was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Since 2019 WCS launched a multi-faceted, long-term program entailing park management, law enforcement, and community engagement within the Bamingui-Bangoran and Manovo-Gouda St. Floris National Parks. WCS aims to secure and protect the NPAC’s remaining wildlife populations and the wild places and natural resources that support and sustain the local people and their livelihoods.
About the role
The WCS-RCA Programme Logistics and Infrastructure Department is central to the success of this conservation programme and its functions include park infrastructure, base and equipment management, procurement asset management and fleet management.
The Infrastructure Manager will play a key role in working closely with Park Management, Technical Services and Logistics, managers and staff to develop and manage the infrastructure of the Parks and its various sub-stations.
S/he will also focus on developing and implementing plans and designs for the expansion of key infrastructure such as accommodation, offices and operational buildings, bulk services (water, sanitation, waste, power), roads and bridges, airstrips and hangars, water access points, elevated and other water storage/reservoirs, hides, fire breaks/management and community development infrastructure throughout the region.
In two years, success in this role will be defined by: the delivery of the infrastructure development plan well underway; priority housing, office and substation projects completed to a high standard; and the maintenance team operating with high levels of motivation and competence.
Responsibilities
- Recruit and line manage a team of maintenance and construction staff including electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, labourers and gardeners
- Develop and manage the Reserve’s infrastructure for accommodation, offices, garages, sub-stations, food and drinking water provision, and sustainable solid-waste management
- Coordinate closely with the Camp Manager on water systems development, solid-waste management, and sustainability
- Draw up preliminary design files, bills of quantity, technical specifications (concerning architecture, and execution) and budget calculation
- Establish a detailed plan of the requirements for each project
- Provide technical advice during tendering processes
- Monitor ongoing construction sites and produce progress reports
- Work with government agencies to ensure compliance with construction codes
- Ensure compliance with CA, donor and Manovo environmental standards
- Manage the park’s construction equipment and materials
- Manage the maintenance and upkeep of the park infrastructure
- Provide input on financial management and recruitment of casual labour
- Ensure high standards of health and safety management of construction projects and infrastructure management
- Conduct any other duties as requested
Management responsibilities
- Management skills including staff management, leave planning and performance appraisals for garage and maintenance teams.
- Ability to support logistics functions at any time.
- Mentoring and training, performance appraisals
- Build a solid ethical team that bonds and works well with all other team members of all departments.
- Support the Technical Services and logistics management teams in the absence of one of the managers
- Supporting and acting in place of Park Management, as required.
Qualification Requirements :
Qualifications and requirements
- Excellent understanding of general maintenance, carpentry, construction, electrical (1 & 3 phase), solar, plumbing, bulk services/water and waste management.
- Experience using digital design tools to produce basic technical drawings and bills of quantities.
- Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) training and experience.
- 5+ years of experience in similar positions throughout Africa and if possible, in conservation/park management.
- Ability to speak/communicate in French and English. Sango or Arabic an advantage.
- Valid international driver’s license
- Computer Skills (MS Office Suite)
- Experience in managing a maintenance department including store controls.
- Team management and leadership experience
- Problem-Solving Skills
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the link by May 4th 2024.
Please send a detailed application/cover letter and a detailed CV and Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
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.