Law Enforcement Advisor needed at Wildlife Conservation Society

Reports to: Country Director

Location: Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State         

Expected Start date: 1 December 2024

Duration: Two Years (Renewable subject to availability)

Position Description

To further enhance our wildlife protection initiative, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking an expert in law enforcement to fill the role of Technical Advisor. This key position plays a pivotal role in supporting and improving the skills of rangers through a series of targeted programs, including specialized training, strategic guidance, the design and implementation of anti-poaching action plans, and the rigorous evaluation of outcomes. Joining our team offers an exceptional opportunity to make a significant difference in biodiversity conservation, all within a stimulating and challenging work environment across WCS locations in Nigeria. 

As an advisor, you will act as an inspiring mentor and strategic guide, without holding direct executive responsibilities. You will work closely with the WCS Country Director, Deputy Country Director, Cross River Landscape Director, Yankari Project Manager, and Counter Wildlife Trafficking Advisor. You will play a crucial role in developing innovative and effective conservation methods.

Why Join Us? 

• Leverage WSC’s Conversation, protection, and law enforcement expertise to strategically guide the WSC’s protect of Wild places and Wild spices.
• 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.

Purpose and Responsibilities:

Operational Strategy and Technical Support: 

• Design and implement an operational strategy to combat poaching in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR). 
• Ensure planning, training, and inspection of rangers in YGR are aligned with conservation objectives.
• Design and deliver a basic ranger training program in YGR
• Developing and using law enforcement planning tools, monthly patrolling preparation and implementation, and field reporting
• Building a good collaboration with provincial authorities, government counterparts, and respective government agencies concerned, to effectively strengthen the current law enforcement work in YGR

Capacity Building:

• Develop and oversee targeted training programs for rangers, thereby enhancing their skills and the effectiveness of wildlife protection in YGR

Reporting and Monitoring:

• Provide reports on progress, challenges, and recommendations for improving anti-poaching operations in YGR.
• Ensuring information on offenders is being collected, analyzed and shared with data entry personnel.

Legal and Procedural Compliance 

• Ensure operations in YGR comply with the laws of Nigeria, the reserve’s regulations, and WCS policies.

Strategic Collaboration

• Provide law enforcement support and advice to other WCS sites in Nigeria.
• Work in close collaboration with WCS site managers and field teams including community engagement (awareness outreach, community education and livelihood) and research. 
• Work in close coordination with relevant WCS staff to raise and address any cross-cutting issue facing the implementation of the activities.
• Perform other duties as required. 

Other Tasks

• Ensure all rangers are trained on the code of conduct and respect for human rights.
• Enhance unit management skills among rangers, including operational planning and resource management.
• Establish equipment control to ensure efficiency and durability.
• Implement a continuous training program for rangers
• Ensure maintenance and effective management of armaments to guarantee the safety of operations.
• 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.
• Support the operations chief in coordinating surveillance strategies

Work Relations

• Reporting line manager
• Yankari project manager 
• WCS site managers and Program team members 
• Yankari Game Reserve  (leadership and staff)
• Key government stakeholders and actors in Bauchi State
• Community Leaders around YGR
• Country Director and Deputy Country Director
• Counter Wildlife Trafficking Advisor

Essential criteria for candidates:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, environmental or conservation management, Criminology, Security Management and or a relevant degree
• Knowledge of natural conservation and law enforcement in Nigeria

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Significant experience in operations management or advisory roles, preferably in protected areas.
• Experience in working with government officials in an advisory and/or training role
• Previous experience in similar roles and training in military drills and training rudiments are key.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders in dealing with sensitive matters
• Willingness to spend considerable time in a remote area when conducting field patrolling and coaching activities
• At least three years of practical experience in supporting biodiversity conservation and protection and providing training in law enforcement. 
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong analytical skills. 
• 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 
• Ability to use a computer, GPS, and smartphone
• Ability to read and use maps
• 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.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities in English, both written and oral.
• IT Skills: Advanced skills in using IT tools for data analysis.
• Flexibility and Passion: Commitment, optimism, and passion for biodiversity conservation.

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results 
• Being accountable 
• Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships 
• Communicating for impact 

WSC Values: 

All WCS team members are expected to demonstrate strong professional and ethnics values. These include.

• Exemplifying integrity 
• Accountability and Transparency
• Demonstrating commitment to WCS Nigeria 
• Embracing cultural diversity and respect
• Embracing change 

 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 for applying for a position.