We are looking for a Project Coordinator who takes overall responsibility that project is run effectively and efficiently in all key areas by leading and supervising project cycle according to WWF standards of project and programme management which includes define, design, implement, analyse/adapt, share and meets donor requirements.
Location: WWF office in Baku, Azerbaijan
Reports to: Country Director
Project Information:
Improve governance and management of protected areas system in Azerbaijan
Threats to nature, associated with intensive development processes emerged after the collapse of Soviet Union, forced the Government of Azerbaijan to undertake urgent steps for preserving unique biodiversity of the country. Within the past decade, a large number of new Protected Areas have been established and the territory of others, created in soviet times, has been expanded, almost doubling the coverage of protected areas in Azerbaijan. However such initiatives often face considerable resistance from local communities, as the new PAs impose some restrictions and limitations on use of natural resources inside the parks. Illegal logging and fuel wood harvesting, poaching, illegal fishing and uncontrolled livestock grazing lead to habitat degradation, declines in population of species and disruption of ecological processes, and seriously affect the biodiversity value of protected areas. The biggest portion of above mentioned violations are tightly linked to weak institutional development, inadequate law enforcement, insufficient development of tourism and lack of cooperation with local communities , generated by limited management experience along with paucity of infrastructure and equipment. The project aims to develop in Azerbaijan two national parks in line with key criteria promoting good governance, improved management of natural resources, development of tourism and involvement of local business partners, contributing to the acceptance of these protected areas by neighboring communities. It is anticipated, that these national parks will become models for the management of PAs in the country.
EXPECTED RESULTS
1. Capacity of national park personnel significantly improved
2. Strategic partnership established with successful national parks in Georgia.
3. Sustainable tourism development strategy implemented in both national parks.
4. Social and economic opportunities created for local communities.
I. Mission of the Department:
Mission of Conservation department is developing and implementing conservation strategy through proggrames and model projects that protect critical places, critical species and reduce ecological footprint. To focus its interventions in the strategic direction of integrated management of large-scale conservation landscapes to ensure the organization delivers conservation impact at a scale that matters for WWF’s mission.
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities:
• Contribute to the development, review and update of conservation strategy,
• Implement the conservation strategy and action plan related to the project in charge,
• Prepare, regularly reviews and updates the detailed time, cost and financing schedules for the project,
• Monitor, review and update the annual budget together with SMT,
• Coordinate the Implementation of project measures and activities as defined in the action/operational plan based on the project budget,
• Monitor progress against activity work plan to ensure that the project attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible,
• Support overall strategic engagement and partnership building with relevant international and national stakeholders,
• Provide support in policy advocacy, fundraising and proposal development when required,
• Represent and promote the project in meetings, workshops, conferences, and symposium to present project activities and achievements, organize training courses, workshops and seminars, within the frames of the project.
• Maintain regular contact with partners to keep them aware of WWF’s activities and to seek feedback from them for continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of interested groups both inside and outside WWF, who can assist in the project activities including but not limited with governmental institutions, community, donors, NGO and other stakeholders, in order to discuss issues related to the project, raise awareness among locals and ensure their involvement.
• Provide inputs to communications products/campaigns to ensure accurate information will be published to promote the image of the organization and project activities,
• Promote and set up mechanism for information sharing with all stakeholders
• Monitor the timely implementation and financial management of sub-contracts,
• Monitor project activities conducted by selected service providers and partners,
• Frequently travel to existing project areas, conduct field monitoring research,
• Review and provide technical comments to technical studies Coordinates the provision of technical advice to local authorities, community groups and other implementing partners,
• Lead the process of procurements, authorize repayments and confirm acceptance certificates for delivery of goods and services. ensures that the deliverables of international and national consultants, other services and goods and works procured by the project are of the required standard and are delivered on time and within a budget,
• Provide all technical reports, presentation, maps, data and information, pictures produced by the project for CPM,
• Coordinate work of consultants,
• Be Involved in the recruitment and selection of staff under supervision,
• Ensure that project staff and consultants perform to an acceptable standard; identifie gaps in knowledge and experience and arranges appropriate training; ensure that they act in accordance with highest professional and ethical standards,
• Update Representative, Country Directors and Conservation Director on performance of staff under technical supervision,
• Develop TORs for short-term and long-term consultants and monitor the work of the consultants to ensure the deliverables as TORs,
• Responsible for ensuring excellent team dynamics, motivation, professional development and managing other employment-related issues,
• Supervise compiling all project related documentation and communication material and provide brief,
• Maintain a project monitoring and evaluation system and provide support to the evaluation of the project,
• Accountable for the submission of project technical and financial progress report.
III. Profile:
Required Qualifications
• A university degree in Environmental/Conservation Management, International Relations / Development, or other related fields.
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing large-scale projects and/or institutions in the field of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields
• At least 3 years professional experience in managing environmental projects, preferably in PAs and Torism fields.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising and co-operating with government, local administrations, donors, NGOs and private sector
• Experience of senior level negotiations
• Fluent in Azeri, Russian and English languages.
• Advanced computer user
• Familiar with local and international legislation and conventions related to biodiversity conservation and tourism
IV. Required Skills and Competencies
• Excellent communication, negotiation skills
• Ability to relate convincingly and credibly with diverse audiences including senior executives
• Strong organizational skills with an aptitude to get things done;
• Ability to conceptualize and create products which link programme with business interests
• Demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple, time critical tasks
• Strong leadership skills
• Adhere to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
V. Working Relationships:
Internal - Interact extensively with other departments at WWF CauPO and WWF Az as well as WWF International and National Organizations and Programme Offices through network.
External - Interact with governmental institutions, local communities, donors, NGOs, media, and other Programmes and projects with related objectives and activities
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs
How to apply?
Email an attached cover letter and CV in English to [email protected]
Please make sure to add the following reference in your e-mail subject line in order to receive an email confirmation: Project Coordinator (Ecotourism)
Deadline for applications: Monday, 15 September 2014