Landsacpe Director - Yankari

Job title : Landsacpe Director - Yankari

Job Location : Bauchi Deadline : February 11, 2025 Quick Recommended Links Reports to: Country Program Director Location: Yankari ,  Bauchi State Duration: 4 Years (Renewable   subject to availability) Travel: 30% to 40% Position Description The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Nigeria Program seeks to employ a suitably qualified candidate for the position of Landscape Director for Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) in Bauchi State. The Director will oversee all conservation activities in YGR, including support for ranger patrols, wildlife monitoring, conservation education, sustainable livelihoods, and WASH.  All WCS activities in YGR are conducted in collaboration with the Government of Bauchi State, with the participation of several technical and financial partners.  YGR is one of the most biologically diverse sites in Nigeria and is the last remaining stronghold for the savanna elephant.  WCS collaborates closely with the Government of Bauchi State, international and local organizations, researchers, and local communities to promote conservation actions and implementation of development activities in YGR.  WCS plays a lead role in YGR, and our activities focus on ranger patrols; biological and ecological research; environmental education and community outreach; and assistance in the management of conservation efforts through wildlife monitoring, socio-economic research, and community engagement.  The Yankari Landscape Director will be responsible for all aspects of WCS's work in YGR. Working together with the Country Program Director he/she will oversee the day-to-day management of staff, grants, resources, equipment, project outcomes, and field activities in YGR. These responsibilities will include staff recruitment and oversight, fundraising, budget management and reporting. Why Join Us? 

• Leverage WSC's Conversation, protection, and law enforcement expertise to strategically guide the WSC's protection of Wild places and Wild species.
• Exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions to the protection of biodiversity conversation. 
• Dynamic Team: join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone's input are valued. 
• 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.

Responsibilities: Specific Resposibilities

• Coordinate activities between WCS and partner organizations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive work plans and related budgets.
• Support the management of personnel including recruitment, oversight, and staff development in collaboration with the HR Manager and the Country Program Director.
• Ensure overall management of YGR landscape grants, responsible for achieving defined outcomes and ensuring compliance with grant agreements.
• Produce timely and accurate technical reports and provide sound financial management.
• Support the development of fundraising strategies, proposals, and budgets, in collaboration with the Finance Director and the Country Program Director.
• Represent WCS within Bauchi State and manage donor and partner relations.

Capacity Building:

• Develop and oversee the capacity building of the Yankari team, thereby enhancing their skills and the effectiveness of conservation programs and activities.

Reporting and Monitoring:

• Provide reports on progress, challenges, and recommendations for improving the landscape program.
• Contribute to periodic donor reporting as required.

Legal and Procedural Compliance 

• Ensure all WCS program activities and operations comply with the laws of Nigeria, the reserve's regulations, and WCS policies.

Strategic Collaboration

• Oversee all WCS thematic program areas and activities including community engagement (awareness outreach, community education and livelihood) and research. 
• Work in close coordination with the management team of WCS to raise and address any cross-cutting strategic issues facing the Yankari Landscape and Nigeria country program 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Other Tasks

• Enhance unit management skills of the Yankari team, including operational planning and resource management.
• Establish equipment control to ensure efficiency and durability.
• Implement a continuous training program for the Yankari team.
• Ensure maintenance and effective management of WCS resources 
• Promote a safety culture and apply strict safety procedures to prevent accidents and incidents.
• Encourage administrative tracking of staff to ensure compliance and traceability of actions.

Work Relations Reporting line manager 

• WSC Program team members 
• National Park (leadership and staff)
• Key government stakeholders and actors 
• Community Leaders
• Country Director 
• Counter Wildlife Trafficking Advisor
• Human Resources Manager
• Operation Manager

Essential criteria for candidates:

• Minimum of a master's degree or equivalent experience in a discipline related to natural resources management, environment or rural conservation studies, and/or protected area management.
• Knowledge of natural conservation and law enforcement in Nigeria

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Significant experience in operations management or advisory roles, preferably in protected areas.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in protected areas or natural resources management, sustainable conservation, and/or other environmental assistance or related work. 
• Strong report writing skills and donor reporting experience.
• Experience working with government agencies and building working relationships.
• Proven ability to build capacity and direct initiatives in community-driven natural resource management, field research, conservation biology, conservation advocacy, and project management. 
• Experience implementing donor-funded projects. 
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong analytical skills. 
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders in dealing with sensitive matters
• Willingness to spend considerable time in a remote area 
• Ability to work independently and work effectively in a diverse team environment
• Commitment to WCS's values and mission.

Functional Skill Set: 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to manage and interact at all levels within and between the multilingual organization
• Good knowledge of local context and Language
• Honest, flexible, and passionate about wildlife and conservation with the ability to enforce and improve law enforcement work
• Report writing skills 
• Leadership: Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Working Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with various partners.
• Legal Knowledge: Deep understanding of the conservation legal framework in Nigeria.
• IT Skills: Advanced skills in using IT tools for data analysis.
• Flexibility and Passion: Commitment, optimism, and passion for biodiversity conservation.