Location: Calabar, River Cross (with travels to Bauchi State)
Contract Type: Fixed term
Duration: 13 months (renewable based on availability of funds)
Responsibilities
Design and implement ecological and socio-economic monitoring systems in collaboration with the Conservation Impact Manager for APAMU.
Lead ecological data collection and coordinate socio-economic data collection using tools such as SMART/EarthRanger, camera traps, bioacoustics, remote sensing/GIS, and KoboToolbox.
Manage data quality control, storage, and analysis; produce scientific reports, publications, and donor-compliant outputs.
Supervise and support field teams to ensure effective implementation of monitoring protocols and surveys.
Lead biomonitoring capacity-building training for staff and rangers on ecological monitoring tools, techniques, and data analysis.
Collaborate with site coordinators, project leads, and partner organisations to harmonise monitoring approaches and share data.
Provide evidence-based recommendations for conservation decision-making and support threat assessments (e.g., poaching, encroachment, and human - elephant conflict).
Contribute to scientific knowledge products, presentations, and stakeholder workshops to disseminate findings.
Support integration of ecological monitoring with community engagement initiatives to strengthen conservation outcomes.
Requirements
A minimum of a Master's degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, or a closely related discipline. A PhD will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 3 years' progressive experience in biodiversity monitoring, natural resource management, or conservation programmes.
Demonstrated experience in protected area management or conservation landscapes, preferably within Nigeria.
Proven expertise with biomonitoring tools and methodologies, including SMART/EarthRanger, GIS, remote sensing, and field survey techniques (e.g., transects, camera trapping, bioacoustics, and aerial surveys).
Experience in programme/project management, including supervision of field teams, administration, donor reporting, and compliance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret ecological and socio-economic data.
Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with a track record of producing scientific reports and publications.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, often in remote field environments.
Results-orientated, proactive, and solution-driven, with strong organisational and planning skills.
Skills and Competencies:
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with expertise in interpreting ecological and socio-economic data.
Excellent report-writing and communication skills, with proven ability to produce clear, evidence-based outputs.
Highly organised and detail-orientated, with strong planning capabilities a plus.
Effective team player, able to work across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including in remote field environments.
Results-driven, proactive, and solution-focused, with a commitment to delivering conservation impact.
Additional Requirements:
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Experience working in remote areas and within local contexts is an advantage.
Willingness and ability to undertake regular field travel within Nigeria.
Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and alignment with WCS's mission and values.
Why Join Us?
Leverage on global team expertise
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 benefits and compensation.
Opportunity to work up close to nature and the wild.