The Forest Carbon Program Manager, Gabon directs some or all aspects of conservation, science, stewardship and community relations for the Forest Carbon Program of Gabon. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, and the academic community as it relates to forest carbon and the forestry sector.
The Forest Carbon Program Manager, Gabon develops, manages and advances TNC Gabon’s forest carbon program, working with partners and stakeholder groups from the private and public sector to implement sustainable, climate-effective models of improved forest management that include best practices following the Conservancy’s global initiative: Reduced Impact Logging for Climate Change Mitigation (RIL-C). S/he works closely with the Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN), Conseil National Climat (CNC), Ministry of Forest and Enviornment, and other relevant Gabonese agencies, synthesizes scientific research into concrete best-practice recommendations and works with forest managers form private companies to adapt and improve best practices through piloting and demonstration. S/he trains loggers, managers, and auditors in the implementation of these best practices and protocols. S/he coordinates scientific surveys and research, and writes reports to document progress to funding agencies.
S/he establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of forest carbon, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. S/he develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic scope is focused on active forestry concessions in Gabon.
- Programmatic scope requires working in collaboration across many teams within TNC and with national and international partners.
- Develops adaptive management plans, conceptual models and designs strategies for improved forestry and conservation activities.
- Leads and manages team and project to support and improve conservation efforts.
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
- Administer and coordinate forestry research within the TNC Gabon program, including facilitating logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
- Deliver measurement tools, forestry data, field services and training to staff and partners.
- Develop, refine, and pilot field-based auditing protocols for verifying improved logging performance.
- Manage the Conservancy’s partnership with the Government of Gabon as part of the World Bank Funded Forest Carbon Partnership Facility REDD Readiness Preparation.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Build cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating.
- Bi-lingual proficiency in French and English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5-7 years’ experience in forest management, forest ecology, and conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated proactive attitude, with experience leading and coordinating conservation work in Gabon; experience in logistics management for conservation field related work.
- Demonstrated experience developing, influencing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of forestry and carbon information systems.
- Experience in organizing and facilitating capacity building and training activities.
- Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
- Experience preparing reports of findings.
- Strong knowledge of common software applications.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in French and English.
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.