Job Description
Job Title: Country Co-ordinator, Cameroon
Section (optional): Cameroon Programme
Department: West and North Africa Conservation Programme
Directorate: Conservation Programmes
Responsible to: Cameroon Country Manager
Current job holder: N/A
Approved by:
Head of Department/ Director: Jonathan Baillie
Job Evaluation Committee Reference Number:
Grade Allocated:
Date Allocated:
Job Description
Key Purpose of the Job
This post will support the Country Manager and project staff with the development and implementation of the Cameroon Country Strategic Plan. The post will assist with project development, design, delivery and reporting. He/she will assist with maintaining existing, and developing new, relationships and partnerships with relevant stakeholders including Cameroonian authorities, donor agencies, local and international NGOs, private sector actors, research institutions and local communities. He/she will work to identify funding sources and secure funds through production and submission of proposals and reports to trusts, government bodies, businesses or individuals, as appropriate.
The post will be based in ZSL’s office in Yaoundé with travel to attend meetings and workshops and visit project sites.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Programme Development
· Support the Country Manager to implement ZSL’s Cameroon Strategic Plan.
· In collaboration with the Country Manager and other staff, develop the programme’s portfolio of projects through identification and design of new projects and proposals in line with the Strategic Plan.
· Assist with identifying opportunities and securing funds for on-going and potential projects with existing and new funding partners with programme staff and in collaboration with the Country Manager.
· Maintain existing, and develop new, relationships and partnerships with relevant stakeholders including Cameroonian authorities, donor agencies, local and international NGOs, private sector actors, research institutions and local communities.
Programme co-ordination and support
· Work with project managers and technical teams to ensure successful delivery of projects to a high standard.
· Provide technical advice and support to staff and partners to ensure the quality of outputs and maximum impact of the programme in Cameroon.
· Travel to project sites and other localities as necessary to support implementation of projects and further the development of the programme.
· Work with the programme team to build the institutional capacity of local partners.
· Nurture and develop ZSL’s network of project collaborators, partners, donors and supporters in-country and regionally through appropriate communication and liaison.
· Assist with the strengthening of internal systems and procedures to ensure efficient and effective running of the programme.
· Assist with the development of local operational and staff procedures to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
· Assist the Country Manager to ensure registrations, permits, letters of authority, visas, insurances etc. necessary for the implementation of ZSL’s activities in Cameroon and in conformity with the law are secured.
· Assist the Country Manager to put in place appropriate structures for effective project monitoring and evaluation, enabling project activities to be assessed and adapted in relation to budgets.
Reporting and Communications
· Ensure technical and financial reports to ZSL, donors and partners are produced on time and to a professional standard.
· Produce the ZSL Cameroon quarterly bulletin, ensure the Cameroon pages on the ZSL website are kept updated, new blogs are posted and information is provided for ZSL’s facebook and twitter feeds.
· Represent ZSL at key fora, meetings and workshops and develop ZSL’s profile in Cameroon and the wider region as required.
· Assist the Country Manager with building and maintaining strong, open and regular communication with key local partners, and ensure their consultation and inclusion in the design and implementation of all project activities in Cameroon.
Expectations of job holder
· To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the post holder’s work.
· To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post.
· Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
· To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.
· To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.
· To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
· Experience of living and working in developing countries, ideally Central Africa.
· A higher degree (MSc or above) in a subject related to conservation/natural resource management or equivalent level of work experience in a relevant field.
· Understanding and strong experience of working for or with NGOs.
· Experience in project design, planning and management.
· Proven track record of writing successful proposals to trusts, foundations and institutions.
· Experience of managing relationships with partners and donors
· Experience of technical and financial report writing.
· Proven experience developing and maintaining networks of partners, including national and international donors
Knowledge
· A good understanding of current international and Africa specific biodiversity conservation issues.
· A working knowledge of the project cycle and project management tools.
Skills & Abilities
· Fluent spoken and written English essential.
· Ability to communicate in French essential.
· Fluent spoken and written French desirable.
· Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
· Strong organisational skills, with ability to carry out multiple tasks to deadlines.
· Personable and ability to work within a team.
· Motivated.
· Effective networking and people skills.
· Excellent computer skills – word, excel, powerpoint, outlook, internet.
· Excellent fund-raising skills, with proven track record of initiating and developing proposals and concepts
· Excellent report-writing skills
Other Requirements
· Driver’s license preferred.
· Able and willing to work long hours and over weekends when required.
· Willing and able to travel to and spend time in project sites in Cameroon.
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