Governance Coordinator at Wildlife Conservation Society

Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State (with extensive travel to Abuja and Cross River Landscape and field sites)
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 13 Months (Renewable depending on availability of funds)

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.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Institutional Strengthening:

• Support the establishment and operationalization 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.

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.
• Opportunity to work up close to nature and the wild.