In Liberia, this exciting long-term initiative supports the management of Gola Forest National Park and Foya (totalling 253,000 ha) plus the buffer areas.

Job summary

The RSPB is seeking a dynamic Programme Manager in Liberia to advise, mentor and assist the team to deliver the objectives of the Gola Landscape Programme, based in the Monrovia, Liberia.

You will have particularly strong skills in capacity building and mentoring, building, and managing a team, work planning, budgeting and financial management, strategic thinking, coping under pressure and building good relationships with local and national stakeholders.  You will have a strong interest in natural resources management, sustainable livelihoods, community-based approaches, and capacity building.

Reporting to the UK-based Greater Gola Landscape Programme Manager, the Programme Manager, Liberia will be responsible for the management of the EU Funded Transboundary Project to Support and strengthen the Management of Protected Areas in the Gola Landscape. The candidate will be responsible for advising the Birdlife partner and other project partners in programme implementation planning and monitoring, fiscal management and assisting implementation of the Gola Landscape objectives.  She/he will serve as the management leader and coordinator of a team of Technical Advisors for Data Management, Combatting Wildlife Crime and Land Use Planning. 

You will be one of the primary RSPB field liaisons with national and provincial host government representatives in Liberia.

Main responsibilities

• Project Management of the EU Funded ‘Livelihoods and Community Forests in the Gola Landscape Project’, to be used as gap funding to the Support and strengthen the Management of Protected Areas in the Gola Landscape (PAPFor).
• Oversee the implementation and RSPB budget of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Project (FOLUR).
• Under the direction of the Gola Landscape Programme Manager, provide support, capacity building and mentoring to ensure adequate administrational procedures, policies (incl. HR policies, safeguarding, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, equal opportunities) and systems (incl. financial management systems) are in place.
• Work with the Executive Director of the Birdlife partner, Society for the Conservation for Nature in Liberia (SCNL) to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to, that their implementation is monitored and adequately reported.
• Work with SCNL to ensure good implementation planning, financial planning and management are in place.
• Ensure, with SCNL and project partners, that Gola programme activities in Liberia are implemented according to timelines, agreed budgets, and standards of quality expected by both donors and Partners. Work with SCNL and others to ensure rigorous monitoring of programme activities and outcomes.
• Collaboration with the Greater Gola Landscape Programme Manager and the other Programme Partners: to design new program directions and/or activities for Gola and assist with the development of funding proposals.
•  Line manage and oversee work programmes of RSPB Technical Advisers, Conservation Scientists, TA Combatting Wildlife Crime, and the Partnership Development Officer.
• Provide strategic advice to SCNL and Technical Advisors for delivery of the Gola Programme. Develop, maintain, and strengthen key relationships with local and national stakeholders, including local communities, SCNL, INGOs and International development partners.
• Work closely and collaboratively with staff and partners in Liberia and Sierra Leone to develop and implement a joint vision for a successful cross-border Greater Gola Landscape (Peace Park) Programme strategy.
• Oversee the effective and efficient implementation of ongoing RSPB/BL led projects within the Programme office portfolio, 
• Regularly review and update risk assessment and evacuation planning for staff in Liberia.

Other responsibilities

• Maintain good working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare updates and presentations for the Gola Landscape Programme Board meetings and be a key contributing member of the Board deciding RSPB’s strategic direction in the Gola Landscape.
• Works with the RSPB Security Focal Point and provincial sub-office focal points to ensure preventative implementation of standard security operating procedures.
• Work with project partners and RSPB headquarters staff to develop funding proposals and programmes to ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme.
• Perform other relevant tasks as instructed by Line Manger.

Essential skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in conservation technical area, international development, or relevant field required.
• Extensive overseas experience, preferably in West Africa.
• Capacity building in management strengthening.
• Strong background in managing and directing field operations.
• Strong background in financial management
• Experience in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and grant reporting.
• Understanding and proven application of Climate Change, Conservation, participatory approaches, partnership, and gender to development programmes.
• Strong interpersonal, team building and representational skills.
• English fluency.

This is a 2 year Contract role for 37.5 hours per week to start as soon as possible in 2024. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We will be holding interviews on 18th March 2024. For further information please contact heather.mitchell@rspb.org.uk 

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.