Project Manager Needed at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) — Bauchi

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Nigeria Program is recruiting a Project Manager for its Yankari Landscape in Bauchi State. WCS is a U.S.-based nonprofit conservation organization established in 1895, with a mission 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 Overview

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

Job Summary

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 role also serves 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

• 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

• 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 their application by email to:

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.

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.