Job at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Project Manager Recruitment at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Bauchi

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Nigeria Program is inviting applications from qualified Nigerian professionals for the position of Project Manager for its Yankari Landscape in Bauchi State.

WCS is a U.S.-based nonprofit conservation organization established in 1895. Its mission is to save wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.

Since 2001, WCS has supported wildlife conservation in Nigeria, including efforts to protect critical habitats and threatened species. In Bauchi State, WCS works with the state government to support the conservation and management of Yankari Game Reserve.

Job Details

Position: Project Manager, Yankari
Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State
Employment Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Duration: 13 months, renewable subject to funding
Expected Start Date: October 2026
Eligibility: Nigerian Nationals Only

Job Overview

The Project Manager will work closely with the Country Director to provide strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the WCS Yankari Project.

The successful candidate will oversee key conservation activities covering biomonitoring, community engagement, governance, stakeholder coordination, and law enforcement support to promote effective biodiversity protection and sustainable management of Yankari Game Reserve.

The Project Manager will also serve as a key liaison between WCS, government agencies, donors, partners, and other stakeholders involved in conservation activities in Yankari and Bauchi State.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Yankari landscape.
• Develop and implement annual workplans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Supervise project staff and coordinate law enforcement, biomonitoring, community engagement, and governance activities.

Law Enforcement & Security

• Support coordination of law enforcement operations to protect wildlife and habitats.
• Strengthen collaboration with security agencies, government stakeholders, and community leaders.
• Address threats including poaching, encroachment, and insecurity.
• Support the use of SMART, EarthRanger, and other monitoring tools.

Biomonitoring & Research

• Guide biodiversity monitoring systems for priority species and habitats.
• Support data-driven conservation decisions using ecological and spatial data.
• Ensure timely reporting of monitoring findings.

Community Engagement & Governance

• Support community relations, conflict mitigation, and participatory governance.
• Help establish and operationalize inclusive stakeholder platforms.
• Support initiatives that improve community resilience and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Partnerships & Donor Relations

• Support relationships with government agencies, donors, and conservation partners.
• Assist with donor reports, proposals, and communications.
• Represent WCS at relevant stakeholder and advocacy forums.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Support project monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Prepare high-quality reports and project documentation.
• Track performance against targets and adapt strategies where necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Governance, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in conservation project management, including leadership of multi-component programmes.
• 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 fulfilling donor reporting requirements.

Skills & Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent leadership and team-management abilities.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proficiency in conservation management tools such as SMART, GIS, and KoboTool.
• Ability to work effectively in challenging field environments.
• Resilience, adaptability, integrity, and strong commitment to conservation.
• Commitment to WCS values of inclusion, collaboration, accountability, and conservation impact.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English and Hausa.
• Willingness to be based in Bauchi State and regularly travel to field locations.
• Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and community-based approaches.
• Applicants must be Nigerian nationals.

Why Join WCS?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with WCS’s global conservation expertise while contributing directly to biodiversity protection in the Yankari landscape.

WCS offers a collaborative working environment, professional growth opportunities, competitive benefits and compensation, and the opportunity to work closely with nature and wildlife.

How to Apply

Qualified Nigerian candidates should prepare their Cover Letter and Resume as one PDF document and send the application by email.

Email: nigeriajobs@wcs.org

Email Subject: PROGRAM MANAGER, BAUCHI

The vacancy opened on 6th August 2026, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment.

Application/Official Vacancy Page: View WCS Nigeria Career Opportunity

Important: WCS does not charge applicants any fee to apply for employment.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.