DRC Director of Operations

Location: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Reports To: DRC Deputy Country Director in charge of Finance and Operations

Start date: July 2022

Duration: Minimum 2 years

Job Summary

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking a Director of Operations for the WCS Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Program. The Director of Operations will be responsible for providing central support, coordination and oversight of operations for three large protected area landscapes in Eastern DRC.

Specifically, the position will oversee and guide procurement, transport and vehicle maintenance, asset management (including air assets), warehousing / stock control, infrastructure maintenance, customs clearance and distribution of goods, Information and Communications Technology, security, health and safety monitoring and situational awareness. Working closely with on-site operations and logistics staff in each of the three protected areas and liaising as appropriate with the General Services Manager within the Country Program Office, the Director of Operations will ensure that all systems are harmonized and implemented correctly according to Standard Operating Procedures that comply with WCS and donor standards.

The Director of Operations will need to be highly experienced in managing operations in complex, remote and challenging environments. Based in Goma, there will be frequent travel to the three protected area landscapes in Eastern DRC to support the field-based operations teams.

Responsibilities:

Working closely with the field operations teams, the Goma office, the Regional Operations Manager and the General Services Manager, the DRC Director of Operations will:

• Develop and implement sound and harmonized procedures and systems to ensure all purchasing and procurement across sites are done in a timely manner and comply with WCS and donor policies.
• Ensure procurement plans are developed, implemented and proactive measures are taken to tackle changes in the program and market context.
• Oversee development and implementation of an asset management system across sites including record keeping, inventories, life cycle management.
• Ensure all infrastructure projects follow WCS and donor requirements and are quality compliant.
• Oversee implementation of vehicle fleet management system and vehicle maintenance in accordance with the WCS procedures manual.
• Provide direct supervision of all Goma-based logistics staff including evaluation and mentoring.
• Ensure that logistics staff in the country program are provided with relevant training to fulfill their tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Provide technical support and mentoring to field logistics and operations staff including evaluation, mentoring, and training.
• Oversee all movements of WCS staff, partners and visitors, and goods, out of and through Goma in accordance with standardized security protocols and WCS procedures.
• Ensure all internet and communications systems (VSAT, HF, VHF, GPS tracking devices, Meraki device management) are functional and utilized in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure the IT standards and guidelines, including data protection measures are followed
• Ensure all permits, licenses and authorizations for aviation and telecommunications are up to date.
• Manage – with the support of relevant staff in the Country Program Office – importation of equipment into DRC, ensure necessary custom exemptions are obtained.
• Support the protected area directors and field-based security staff, and the Regional Security focal point in the monitoring and management of security and situational awareness.
• Oversee management of Goma office facilities and security arrangements, including regular risk assessment and security updates to site-based and country level senior management,
• Oversee the updating, implementation and compliance of COVID-19 and other health-related protocols
• Provide trouble-shooting support and temporary cover for field-based operations where necessary and as requested by the Deputy Country Director in charge of Finance and operations.

Qualification Requirements:

• University degree in management, engineering or a related field.
• At least 10 years of field level experience in Africa in construction, fleet management and logistics with progressively senior management responsibilities, with experience in DRC preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with a practical hands-on attitude to work.
• Proven experience of working with international organizations or private sector
• Strong written and oral communications.
• Advanced IT skills with experience in specific inventory systems and software an advantage.
• Fluency in French and English. Knowledge of Swahili is an advantage.
• Proven experience of working in a multicultural environment.
• Interest in wildlife and conservation issues, with experience of protected area operations a distinct advantage.
• Willingness to travel to remote field sites.