Project Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society

Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 13 Months (renewable depending on availability of funds)
Expected Start date: October 2026

Job Summary

• The Project Manager, Yankari, will work closely with the Country Director to provide leadership, strategic direction, and management of the WCS Nigeria Yankari Project.
• The role will oversee biomonitoring, community engagement, governance, and stakeholder coordination and support law enforcement to ensure effective protection of biodiversity and sustainable management of the Yankari Game Reserve.
• The Project Manager will serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, donors, and partners in Yankari/Bauchi State, ensuring alignment with WCS’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Yankari landscape, ensuring delivery of conservation objectives.
• Develop and implement annual workplans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Supervise project staff, ensuring effective coordination across law enforcement, biomonitoring, community engagement, and governance components.
• Law Enforcement & Security Coordination
• Support coordination of law enforcement operations in Yankari to protect wildlife and habitats.
• Work with the Law Enforcement advisor to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, government stakeholders, and community leaders to address threats such as poaching, encroachment, and insecurity.
• Support the Yankari Law Enforcement Advisor and Biomonitoring Coordinator to ensure effective use of SMART/EarthRanger and other monitoring tools for law enforcement management.

Biomonitoring & Research:

• Guide implementation of biodiversity monitoring systems for priority species and habitats.
• Support data-driven decision-making through integration of ecological and spatial data.
• Ensure timely reporting of monitoring results to inform conservation strategies.

Community Engagement & Governance:

• Support the Governance Coordinator to implement efforts to strengthen community relations, conflict mitigation, and participatory governance structures.
• Support the Governance Coordinator to advance the establishment and operationalisation of inclusive stakeholder platforms to promote collaboration and shared responsibility for conservation.
• Support initiatives that enhance community resilience and reduce human–wildlife conflict.

Partnerships & Donor Relations:

• Support the Country Director to maintain good relationships with government agencies, donors, and partners engaged in Yankari conservation.
• Ensure timely preparation of donor reports, proposals, and communications.
• Represent WCS in stakeholder forums and advocacy platforms related to the Yankari project.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Support the Biomonitoring Coordinator to oversee project monitoring and evaluation systems, ensuring accountability and learning.
• Work with the Biomonitoring Coordinator to prepare high-quality reports, updates, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track progress against targets and adapt strategies as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in conservation biology, ecology, environmental management, natural resource governance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in conservation project management, including leadership of multi-component programs.
• Proven experience in law enforcement coordination, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement.
• Strong understanding of governance systems and stakeholder coordination in Nigeria or similar contexts.
• Experience managing donor-funded projects and reporting requirements.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic planning and project management abilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in data-driven conservation management tools (e.g., SMART, GIS, KoboTool, etc).
• Ability to work in challenging field environments with resilience and adaptability.
• Commitment to WCS values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and conservation impact.

Additional Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Hausa.
• Willingness to be based in Bauchi State with regular travel to field sites.
• Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and community-based approaches.

Why Join Us?

• Leverage WCS's global expertise and support
• 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 benefit and compensation package
• Work up close to nature and the wild.