Reports to: Country Program Director
Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State
Expected Start date: As soon as possible
Duration: 4 Years (Renewable subject to availability)
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Travel: 30% to 40%
About Us:
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 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 the direct utilization of natural resources.
This is outlined in our 2030 strategy, which positions WCS to maintain its historic focus on the protection of species while developing an ambitious plan to engage with a rapidly changing world. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of committed staff combined with a unique mixture of fields, zoo, and aquarium expertise-WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, adhering to core values of respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and integrity.
Position Description:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Nigeria Program seeks to employ a suitably qualified candidate for the position of Landscape Director for Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) in Bauchi State. The Director will oversee all conservation activities in YGR, including support for ranger patrols, wildlife monitoring, conservation education, sustainable livelihoods, and WASH.
All WCS activities in YGR are conducted in collaboration with the Government of Bauchi State, with the participation of several technical and financial partners.
YGR is one of the most biologically diverse sites in Nigeria and is the last remaining stronghold for the savanna elephant.
WCS collaborates closely with the Government of Bauchi State, international and local organizations, researchers, and local communities to promote conservation actions and implementation of development activities in YGR.
WCS plays a lead role in YGR, and our activities focus on ranger patrols; biological and ecological research; environmental education and community outreach; assistance in the management of conservation efforts through wildlife monitoring, socio-economic research, and community engagement.
The Yankari Landscape Director will be responsible for all aspects of WCS's work in YGR. Working together with the Country Program Director he/she will oversee the day-to-day management of staff, grants, resources, equipment, project outcomes, and field activities in YGR. These responsibilities will include staff recruitment and oversight, fundraising, budget management and reporting.
Why Join Us?
- Leverage WCS’s conservation, protection, and law enforcement expertise to strategically guide WCS's support for the protection of wild places and wild species in Nigeria.
- Exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions to the protection of biodiversity conversation.
- Dynamic Team: join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone's inputs are valued.
- Growth Opportunities: We believe in providing an enabling environment to develop your career. We are committed to developing your skills and competencies and offer opportunities for career advancement.
- Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values respect, teamwork, and excellence.
Purpose and Responsibilities:
Operational Strategy and Technical Support:
- Coordinate activities between WCS and partner organizations.
- Develop and implement comprehensive work plans and related budgets.
- Support the management of personnel – including recruitment, oversight, and staff development in collaboration with the HR Manager and the Country Program Director.
- Ensure overall management of YGR landscape grants, responsible for achieving defined outcomes and ensuring compliance with grant agreements.
- Produce timely and accurate technical reports and provide sound financial management.
- Support the development of fundraising strategies, proposals, and budgets, in collaboration with the Finance Director and the Country Program Director.
- Represent WCS within Bauchi State and manage donor and partner relations.
Capacity Building:
- Develop and oversee the capacity building of the Yankari team, thereby enhancing their skills and the effectiveness of conservation programs and activities.
Reporting and Monitoring:
- Provide reports on progress, challenges, and recommendations for improving the landscape program.
- Contribute to periodic donors reporting as required.
Legal and Procedural Compliance
- Ensure all WCS program activities and operations comply with the laws of Nigeria, the reserve's regulations, and WCS policies.
Strategic Collaboration
- Oversee all WCS thematic program areas and activities including community engagement (awareness outreach, community education and livelihood) and research.
- Work in close coordination with the management team of WCS to raise and address any cross-cutting strategic issues facing the Yankari Landscape and Nigeria country program
- Perform other duties as required.
Other Tasks
- Enhance unit management skills of the Yankari team, including operational planning and resource management.
- Establish equipment control to ensure efficiency and durability.
- Implement a continuous training program for the Yankari team.
- Ensure maintenance and effective management of WCS resources
- Promote a safety culture and apply strict safety procedures to prevent accidents and incidents.
- Encourage administrative tracking of staff to ensure compliance and traceability of actions.
Work Relations
- Reporting line manager
- WCS Program team members
- Yankari Game Reserve (leadership and staff)
- Key government stakeholders and actors
- Community Leaders
- Country Director
- Counter Wildlife Trafficking Advisor
- Human Resources Manager
- Operations Manager
Essential criteria for candidates:
- Minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent experience in a discipline related to natural resources management, environment or rural development studies, and/or protected area management.
- Knowledge of nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria
Knowledge and Experience:
- Significant experience in operations management or advisory roles, preferably in protected areas.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in protected areas or natural resources management, sustainable conservation, and/or other environmental assistance or related work.
- Strong report writing skills and donor reporting experience.
- Experience working with government agencies and building working relationships.
- Proven ability to build capacity and direct initiatives in community-driven natural resource management, field research, conservation biology, conservation advocacy, and project management.
- Experience implementing donor-funded projects.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong analytical skills.
- Ability to engage diverse stakeholders in dealing with sensitive matters
- Willingness to spend considerable time in a remote area
- Ability to work independently and work effectively in a diverse team environment
- Commitment to WCS’s values and mission.
Functional Skill Set:
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to manage and interact at all levels within WCS
- Good knowledge of local context and language
- Honest, flexible, and passionate about wildlife and conservation with the ability to enforce and improve law enforcement work
- Report writing skills
- Leadership: Proven leadership and team management abilities.
- Working Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with various partners.
- Legal Knowledge: good understanding of the conservation legal framework in Nigeria.
- IT Skills: Advanced skills in using IT tools for data analysis.
- Flexibility and Passion: Commitment, optimism, and passion for biodiversity conservation.
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results
- Being accountable
- Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships
- Communicating for impact
WCS Values:
All WCS team members are expected to demonstrate strong professional and ethics values. These include.
- Exemplifying integrity
- Accountability and Transparency
- Demonstrating commitment to WCS Nigeria
- Embracing cultural diversity and respect
- Embracing change
How to Apply:
Interested candidates and qualified persons (Nigeria Nationals Only) with the matched skill set, and experience should apply by sending their application (Cover letter and CV as one document) with the Subject “Landscape Director _ Yankari” in capital letters to nigeriajobs@wcs.org
The Advert is open from 21st January 2025 to 11th February 2025.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
WCS is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. Females are strongly advised to apply. WCS would never ask or request you to pay for applying for a position.