Chief Technical Advisor

Job Title: Director of Sustainable Development Initiatives

Supervisor: Senior Director, Project Management and Partnerships

Department: Sustainable Development

Location: Cameroon

Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled Director of Sustainable Development Initiatives on behalf of our client. This professional will be stationed full-time in Cameroon, dedicated to supporting the overall conservation efforts, developing strategic management plans, fostering collaboration within the local landscape, and enhancing the broader management and sustainability goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide comprehensive oversight of organizational activities within the designated landscape.
2. Collaborate closely with the Conservation Director to enhance natural resource governance, manage protected areas effectively, and promote conservation initiatives.
3. Develop and implement comprehensive general and operational management plans, with a specific focus on enhancing law enforcement capabilities and anti-poaching strategies.
4. Build the capacity of ranger teams through effective training programs and support initiatives to combat poaching activities.
5. Cultivate positive relationships with landowners and communities, ensuring seamless communication and reporting structures.
6. Design and implement an anti-poaching plan encompassing training schedules, standard operating procedures, informant networks, and early threat warning strategies.
7. Formulate a strategic stakeholder engagement plan with an emphasis on community involvement, aligning with principles of good governance and promoting harmony between communities, wildlife, and park management authorities. Aim to enhance human well-being and overall landscape resilience.
8. Collaborate with the Conservation Director to oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive general management plan.
9. Supervise a rigorous training schedule aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Sustainable Development team and leadership.

Qualifications:

• Possess a minimum of 10 years’ experience in managing protected areas and implementing anti-poaching strategies in diverse African environments.
• In-depth knowledge of international standards and practices related to integrated land use planning, wildlife management, community engagement, and good governance.
• Proven expertise in natural resource governance and management, including the creation of management and business plans.
• Significant experience in training and implementing anti-poaching strategies across various environments (forests, savannas, etc.).
• Familiarity with monitoring systems such as SMART, Cyber Tracker, anti-poaching technology, and weaponry.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex multi-stakeholder processes.
• Experience collaborating with governmental conservation institutions, military structures, private sector entities (hunting concessionaires, tourism operators), and conservation/protected area management NGOs.
• Fluent in both French and English, both written and spoken.
• Proven ability to work effectively with local communities.