Chef de projet – Paysage Yankari

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 Project Manager for its Yankari Landscape in Bauchi State. The position will provide leadership, management, and oversight of the Yankari Project.

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.

Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State

Position Type: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration: 13 Months (renewable depending on availability of funds)

Expected Start date: October 2026

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.

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.

How to apply

Interested applicants and qualified persons (Nigerian nationals only) with the matched skill set and experience should click here to apply.

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.