Position: Legal expert in land matters,
Report to: Director of Kahuzi Biega National Park,
Place of work: Tchivanga, South Kivu DRC,
Country/sector program: WCS DRC Program,
Start date: June 1, 2024,
Position type: Full-time,
Deadline for submission of applications: May 8, 2024.
Internal connection:
History of the organization
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt U.S. organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife by understanding critical issues, developing science-based solutions, and taking conservation measures that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries and experience that has created more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships needed to ensure wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. In collaboration with local communities and organizations, this knowledge is applied to solve management problems for species, habitats and ecosystems that are essential to improving livelihoods that depend on the direct use of natural resources.
Position Summary:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a legal expert specializing in land to support and advise park management on land acquisitions in the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ideal candidate will ensure legal compliance, solidity and sustainability of land acquisition projects by communities, while respecting human rights.
Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the experience and skills necessary to work in a dynamic and complex program, within a sometimes difficult and isolated professional environment. They will have to demonstrate a real ability to grasp complex situations, adapt accordingly and demonstrate intercultural sensitivity.
The legal expert will be based in Bukavu, South Kivu Province, DRC, and will travel frequently to Kahuzi Biega National Park and surrounding areas of South and North Kivu.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
legal advice
- Providing specialist advice on DRC land legislation, to ensure compliance and legal robustness of land transactions.
- Design and implement legal strategies for land acquisition, land regulation and community property management.
- Design solid, lasting legal plans without time limits
Allowing the acquisition and management of land by communities.
Land tenure and land acquisition:
- Carry out due diligence on potential land acquisitions to ensure their legality and sustainability.
- Support the negotiation and finalization of land acquisition agreements.
- Ensure monitoring and evaluation of land acquisition processes.
Human rights and minority rights:
- Ensure respect for human rights, the rights of minorities and indigenous populations at the national and international levels.
- In the context of land acquisitions, advise park management on policies and practices that respect and protect the rights of local communities and indigenous populations.
Qualifications and experience:
- Excellent knowledge of the land laws and regulations of the DRC,
- Excellent understanding and experience of the judicial, administrative and political system of the DRC,
- Proven expertise in land tenure and land acquisition processes in the DRC
- Proven experience in creating legal systems for the acquisition of community land in the DRC,
- Very good command of human rights, the rights of minorities and indigenous populations at national and international levels,
- At least 7 years of professional experience in legal functions related to land in the DRC,
- Work experience in the South Kivu province is essential; knowledge of the provinces of North Kivu and Maniema is an asset,
- Law degree from a recognized institution, additional certifications in land law or related fields are desirable.
Aptitudes et competences:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills,
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
- Ability to work independently and in a team,
- Attention to detail and high level of precision,
- Excellent command of French; both written and oral. Good command of English is an asset,
- Cultural sensitivity and understanding of local customs and practices,
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
How to apply
Application process:
Interested and/or qualified people are asked to submit their applications ( CV and cover letter in a single PDF or Word file ) including the ONEM card to the following address: wcsdrcongorecruitment@wcs.org with the subject line of the email << Legal Expert on Land >> no later than May 8, 2024.
NB: Failure to comply with the submission instructions will result in the rejection of the application file.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce: qualified women and people of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and we are looking for future team members who share this same value.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.