Congo Basin Program Manager

about 1 month ago
Full time role
In-person · Washington, DC, US... more

Congo Basin Program Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Bezos Earth Fund (BEF) has invested $110 million to advance 30x30 in the Congo Basin, focusing on Gabon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Program Manager to join the BEF’s Nature Team, and to help inform our strategy in the region. The ideal candidate will excel as a neutral convener, adept at collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve impactful conservation outcomes. This role is pivotal in advancing the 30x30 conservation agenda by managing a comprehensive grants portfolio and fostering strong partnerships.

MAJOR FUNCTION 

The ideal candidate will excel as a neutral convener, bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive impactful conservation outcomes. As Program Manager, you will collaborate with local governments and partners to advance the 30x30 agenda while managing a dynamic grants portfolio to support this critical initiative. This role requires close coordination with local and international NGOs, Indigenous peoples' organizations, local community representatives, funders, and governments to design and implement innovative conservation programs, projects, and initiatives. You will also leverage emerging conservation opportunities, foster collaboration across sectors, and cultivate both private and public funding streams.

Operating with significant autonomy and independence, the Program Manager will be a vital member of the Bezos Earth Fund’s conservation team. This position is ideally based in the Congo Basin (Brazzaville or Kinshasa) and reports to the Associate Director for Conservation within the BEF Nature Team. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in convening diverse stakeholders, managing grants, and building alliances that advance conservation goals.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic Leadership:

  • Provide strategic insights to strengthen the design and implementation of the Congo Basin grants portfolio.
  • Collaborate with potential grantees to co-design projects that advance Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing protected areas, other area-based conservation approaches, and community-driven resource management.

 Grant Design and Oversight:

  • Support potential grantees, especially small, local, and indigenous organizations in proposal co-design, planning, and execution, ensuring their effective participation in conservation initiatives.
  • Evaluate grant progress against defined outcomes and their alignment with Target 3 goals and ensure timely adaptative grant management.
  • Offer technical oversight to local implementing organizations, ensuring effective project execution and adaptive grant management.

 Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building:

  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with regional governance entities, national governments, and civil society organizations to amplify program impact and refine strategy and implementation.
  • Work with philanthropic, bilateral, and multilateral funders to align efforts, streamline funding strategies, and promote a shared conservation vision.
  • Facilitate coordination among partners and stakeholders to enhance the Congo Basin's contribution to global biodiversity and climate targets, particularly Target 3.

 Representation and Outreach:

  • Organize and lead events at key international forums to advance program objectives and represent the Bezos Earth Fund as required.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for local partners, fostering productive collaboration and ensuring alignment with program objectives.
  • Collaborate with the BEF's Communications Team to develop and execute external communication strategies, including social media campaigns and press releases related to the Congo Basin Program.

 Internal Collaboration and General contributions:

  • Work with thematic experts across the Bezos Earth Fund engaged in Congo Basin programs to ensure cohesive and impactful program delivery.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program.

 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, public policy, or a related field—or possess equivalent professional experience. The candidate must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

  •  Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development:
    • A minimum of 10 years of experience delivering measurable conservation outcomes, with a focus on the Congo Basin.
    • In-depth understanding of:
    • The challenges and solutions for advancing conservation efforts in the Congo Basin.
    • Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including the establishment, management, and governance of representative and well-connected protected areas and OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures), and respecting the rights and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs).
    • The Congo Basin’s political and socio-cultural context, as well as established networks with key stakeholders. Strong preference will be given to nationals or residents of the Congo Basin.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building:
    • Proven ability to convene and manage diverse multi-stakeholder groups, fostering strong relationships across local, regional, and international levels to achieve conservation goals.
  •  Program and Portfolio Management:
    • Experience in designing, implementing, and managing a portfolio of conservation projects, balancing high-level strategic vision with day-to-day oversight.
    • Strong multitasking skills, capable of navigating between strategic engagement and operational management of grants and initiatives.
  • Autonomy and Decision-Making:
    • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a small team while independently making informed decisions to drive program success.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking:
    • Skilled in navigating complex challenges with tact and strategic foresight to achieve conservation outcomes.
  • Written Communication:
    • Capable of producing concise, professional, and impactful writing, including reports, memos, and correspondence.
  • Oral Communication:
    • Communicates clearly and persuasively in a variety of settings.
    • Effectively handles both positive and challenging situations, actively listens, seeks clarification, and responds thoughtfully.
    • Demonstrates strong group presentation skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Languages:
    • High proficiency in both English and French is required.
  •  Motivation and Resilience:
    • Displays persistence in overcoming obstacles and takes calculated risks to achieve goals.
    • Remains focused and driven to deliver results in dynamic environments.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration:
    • Excels in working with diverse teams of staff and partners.
    • Communicates and shares knowledge effectively, advancing organizational objectives while seeking input and advice when appropriate.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work Environment:
    • Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer are required.
  • Location:
    • Ideally, the position will be based in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, or Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Work Hours:
    • May occasionally require extended hours to address urgent issues or meet critical deadlines.
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Frequent travel is expected, with an estimated commitment of at least 30% of the time.

SALARY RANGE

Bezos Earth Fund offers a competitive salary dependent upon experience and a comprehensive benefits package.

TO APPLY

The Bezos Earth Fund is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination. The Earth Fund recognizes diversity as an asset essential to accomplishing its work. We actively welcome all qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, disability, military/veteran status, compensation history or any other basis prohibited by law. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.