Livelihoods Assistant Position
Locations: Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria
Reports to: Livelihoods Manager, Oban Division
Start date: August 1, 2023
Duration: 3 years (renewable)
Position Type: Full-time
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 poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on directly utilizing natural resources.
Position Overview:
The Livelihoods Assistant will be required to work across the Cross River gorilla landscape. S/he will support the development of a programme of community-related activities around the Oban Division to improve local support for conservation and reduce community-based threats to conservation targets through incentives.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Support all livelihood, community conservation and outreach activities for the Cross River Gorilla program. This position will help support cocoa farmers to improve yields on existing farms and reduce forest loss rates. Assist the Livelihoods Manager in signing conservation contracts with each farmer to reinforce the link between WCS-supported livelihood activities and conservation outcomes.
- Partner with women’s groups to improve income levels from NTFPs, focusing on bush mango and helping develop cooperatives.
- Provide support for BNS surveys across the Oban Division.
- Provide governance support for the landscape by strengthening community governance institutions and developing and implementing governance-strengthening action plans for local forest governance groups.
- Support the monitoring of socio-economic performance by assisting the Livelihoods Manager to develop, coordinate, and maintain a comprehensive monitoring system for all WCS livelihood projects (particularly governance and well-being).
- Establish good working relationships with WCS site managers and work with them to ensure that communities recognize and appreciate the link between WCS’s livelihood work and law enforcement.
Position Requirements:
- A minimum bachelor’s degree in development, agricultural sciences, economics, social sciences, or related fields.
- At least two (2) years of relevant experience designing, implementing, and managing livelihood recovery and development programmes.
- Adaptability and flexibility: This position is mainly field-based, and the incumbent must understand that work environments can be unpredictable and dynamic. S/he must adapt to changing circumstances, work under pressure, and handle unexpected situations.
- Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for this role. The incumbent must interact with colleagues and stakeholders in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
- Organizational skills: This role often requires managing multiple tasks, projects, or assignments simultaneously. Strong organizational skills, including time management and prioritization abilities, are crucial to meet deadlines and stay on top of responsibilities.
- Problem-solving abilities: This role may often involve encountering unexpected challenges or issues. Being able to think critically, analyze problems, and find practical solutions is crucial.
- Physical stamina: This role might occasionally involve physical labour or work in challenging environments. Having the physical stamina and fitness required to carry out tasks safely and efficiently is essential.
- Documentation and reporting skills: Accurate and detailed documentation of activities, observations, and reports is required for this role. Proficiency in preparing concise and comprehensive reports is essential for tracking progress, sharing information, and ensuring compliance.
- Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision.
- Must be a pro-active, stable, robust character and a good team player.
- Must be able to develop clear goals and identify priority activities and assignments.
- Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with Government, other development partners and the private sector.
- Full professional proficiency in English is compulsory.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience, should apply by emailing a detailed application/cover letter and CV (in PDF) with the names and contact information of three references to: nigeriaapplications@wcs.org. Please include “Livelihoods Assistant, Calabar” in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2023
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
The Hiring Manager will only contact shortlisted candidates for an interview.