About WCS
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a U.S. based non-profit, tax-exempt organisation established in 1895, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science-driven solutions and conservation actions that benefit both nature and humanity. With over a century of experience, long-term commitments across diverse landscapes, operations in more than 60 countries, and a track record of supporting the establishment of over 150 protected areas worldwide, WCS has built unparalleled biological expertise, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant wildlife and ecosystems thrive alongside local communities. By working directly with communities and organisations, WCS applies this knowledge to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management challenges that are critical to improving the quality of life for rural populations whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.
Since 2001, WCS has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Nigeria, safeguarding critical wildlife habitats and species such as the Cross River gorilla, savannah and forest elephants, and other threatened fauna. Alongside biodiversity protection, WCS supports local livelihoods and improves access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for surrounding communities, addressing development challenges while fostering conservation awareness. In Cross River State, WCS has provided support to strengthen the protection and management of Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mbe Mountains Community Forest. In Bauchi State, WCS collaborates with the state government to provide technical expertise for the effective conservation and management of Yankari Game Reserve.
Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and integrity.
The WCS Nigeria Program is seeking a Governance Coordinator to lead efforts to strengthen governance, institutional capacity, and stakeholder collaboration within the WCS Nigeria Program.
Job summary
The role will focus on supporting protected area management structures, facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms, and advancing community-led conservation governance. The Coordinator will ensure that governance systems are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with WCS’s mission and values. This position reports to the Program Manager and works closely with the Country Director. The position will work closely with the project manager, law enforcement advisor, landscape director for the Cross River landscape, field project coordinator, and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Bauchi State Government, government agencies, community leaders, and governance institutions.
Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State (with extensive travel to Abuja and Cross River Landscape and field sites)
Position Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 13 Months (Renewable depending on availability of funds)
Why Join Us?
- Leverage on global team expertise
- Dynamic Team: Join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone's input are valued.
- Exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions to the protection of biodiversity conservation
- 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.
- Competitive benefits and compensation
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Institutional Strengthening
- Support the establishment and operationalisation of management committees and governance platforms for protected areas.
- Facilitate inclusive representation of pastoralists, community members, and other stakeholders in governance structures.
- Strengthen accountability and transparency mechanisms within conservation governance systems.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and civil society.
- Promote collaborative decision-making and conflict mediation through governance platforms.
- Support alignment of conservation priorities with local, state, and national policies.
- Capacity Building & Training
- Provide training and mentorship to committee members, local leaders, and community representatives on governance, conflict resolution, and natural resource management.
- Strengthen local capacity for participatory monitoring, advocacy, and climate-smart governance practices.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Document governance processes, decisions, and outcomes for internal learning and donor reporting.
- Track progress of governance initiatives and provide regular updates to program leadership.
- Contribute to knowledge sharing and lessons learned across WCS Nigeria and partner networks.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in governance, public policy, environmental management, development studies, or a related field (a bachelor's degree with significant experience may be considered).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in governance, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in conservation or natural resource management.
- Proven experience facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms and conflict mediation.
- Strong understanding of community-based governance and participatory approaches.
- Experience working in Nigeria or similar contexts, with knowledge of local governance systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong communication and report-writing abilities.
- Ability to build trust and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of climate-smart governance and NRM practices.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Commitment to WCS values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and conservation impact.
Additional Requirements
- Fluency in English and Hausa.
- Willingness to travel regularly to field sites and communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to conservation and community resilience.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants and qualified persons (Nigerian nationals only) with the matched skill set and experience should apply by sending their application (Cover letter and Resume as one PDF document) with the Subject “Governance Coordinator, Bauchi?” in capital letters to nigeriajobs@wcs.org
The advert opens from 6th August 2026 to 26th August 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment.
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 to apply for a position.