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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of vulnerable rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has dedicated over two decades to the conservation of Mongolia’s rich wildlife and expansive landscapes. The organization focuses on science-driven, landscape-level conservation, with key efforts in the Southern Gobi and Eastern Steppe, alongside emerging initiatives in Central Mongolia. In addition to regional projects, WCS Mongolia engages in national-level conservation efforts, collaborating with governments, communities, NGOs, and industries to promote biodiversity preservation, landscape connectivity, and sustainable resource management. In 2024, WCS Mongolia launched a five-year strategy focused on three key pillars: enhancing ecological function, strengthening landscape connectivity, and building resilience to climate change. These pillars guide the organization’s work, with the overarching vision of ensuring Mongolia’s ecological integrity for future generations.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The GEF-funded project "Rehabilitating and conserving the mountain landscapes in the Khangai region of Mongolia for improved ecosystem services and community livelihoods" is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and executed by WCS Mongolia as the Operational Partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and other relevant government agencies. WCS Mongolia is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring technical implementation, operational oversight, and compliance with GEF and FAO policies and procedures, with the project scheduled to run from 2025 to 2030.

The project focuses on the Khangai region, a critical mountain landscape in Mongolia, with the goal of restoring ecosystems, enhancing ecosystem services like water and soil health, and improving the resilience of local communities through sustainable land management and climate adaptation strategies. It aims to improve livelihoods while addressing biodiversity conservation and the impacts of climate change.

The governance structure of the project includes a Project Steering Committee (PSC), which provides strategic guidance and approves work plans and budgets. FAO, as the GEF Implementing Agency, provides oversight and ensures the project adheres to GEF policies and technical, operational and financial standards. The Government of Mongolia plays a vital role in supporting policy alignment and facilitating implementation at both the national and local levels.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Project and Finance Assistant will provide essential administrative, logistical, financial, and procurement support for the effective implementation of the GEF-funded FAO project, “Rehabilitating and conserving the mountain landscapes in the Khangai region of Mongolia”. This position will be based within the WCS Mongolia Operations team, working closely with the Program teams and contributing to the overall operational functions of the WCS Mongolia office. The position combines project support functions (70%) with financial management and procurement responsibilities (30%). While the primary focus is on supporting the FAO project, the role is integrated within WCS Mongolia’s operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance with WCS, FAO, and GEF policies and procedures.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Support (70%)

• Collaborate closely with the WCS Mongolia Operations team and Lead Technical Advisor to support the day-to-day project implementation and coordination of project activities.
• Maintain and update project timelines, work plans, calendars, and deliverables in alignment with FAO and MECC procedures.
• Track project milestones and support timely reporting, including progress updates and contributions to implementation reports.
• Organize and provide logistical support for stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, capacity-building activities, awareness events and training events.
• Support onboarding processes for new staff, consultants, and partners by preparing required documentation and orientation materials.
• Coordinate travel and logistical arrangements for project missions, events, and field activities.
• Maintain an organized record of project documentation, including contracts, reports, and correspondence.
• Assist the Lead Technical Advisor in monitoring consultancy contracts, sub-agreements, and deliverables.
• Provide administrative and technical support in preparing project documents, including meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up communications.
• Assist in developing and implementing training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
• Support internal communications, coordination across project partners, and database management of stakeholders and project information.
• Provide general administrative assistance to other WCS Mongolia teams, fostering collaboration and consistency across programs.

Finance Management (30%)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for the project, including processing of payments, invoice tracking, and expenditure monitoring.
• Prepare financial reports, quarterly expense summaries, and budget forecasts in coordination with the WCS finance team and in compliance with GEF and FAO guidelines.
• Assist the Lead Technical Advisor in preparing annual budgets, reviewing expense allocations, and proposing budget revisions or reallocations for approval by the Project Steering Committee and FAO.
• Monitor financial compliance and support audit preparations and follow-up.
• Track and report on co-financing contributions and ensure integration of financial data across all project components.
• Coordinate WCS procurement processes, including supplier setup, purchasing, and contract management, in line with donor standards.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in project administration, logistics, or financial management, preferably within conservation, development, or donor-funded projects.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in financial record-keeping, budgeting, and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and financial management tools.
• Fluency in Mongolian and good command of English (written and spoken).
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to field sites in remote locations.
• Commitment to WCS values, including respect, accountability, inclusion, and integrity.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit your 1) CV in English, 2) one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest in and suitability for this position, and 3) Diploma copies all in one pdf file;
• The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Project and Finance Assistant” and interested applicants should submit the following btsolmon@wcs.org email address;
• Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm Wednesday 4^th June 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted;
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program

201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia. Tel: +976-11-323719