Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Research Officer to lead our efforts in combating Illegal Wildlife Trafficking (IWT) and Illegal Mining activities.
The successful candidate will conduct critical research, gather intelligence, and monitor threats within Protected Areas in Nigeria and along transboundary corridors (specifically focusing on borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger).
This role requires a professional capable of understanding the convergence between wildlife crime and illicit extraction activities.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Intelligence Gathering:
Conduct field-based and desk research to map illicit supply chains related to wildlife trafficking and illegal mining in target Protected Areas.
Investigate the operational overlap between poachers and illegal miners to understand financing and logistical routes.
Monitor trends in the trafficking of endangered species (flora and fauna) and mineral resources.
Transboundary Monitoring:
Assess cross-border smuggling routes used for trafficking wildlife products and solid minerals.
Collaborate with regional partners to track movement across Nigeria's borders.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Liaise with relevant government agencies (e.g., National Park Service, NESREA, Nigeria Customs Service) and security agencies to support enforcement efforts.
Engage with local communities to understand the drivers of illegal mining and poaching and develop community-based reporting mechanisms.
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Maintain a secure database of incidents, actors, and seizure data.
Produce high-quality situation reports, policy briefs, and risk assessments for Bincike International management and donors.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Criminology, Environmental Science, Zoology, International Relations, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 2 - 4 years of experience in conservation, security research, or investigations. Experience in the Nigerian Northeast or Northwest regions is a strong asset.
Skills:
Strong research and report writing skills.
Knowledge of Nigerian environmental laws and wildlife protection acts.
Ability to work in remote and volatile environments.
Proficiency in data collection tools (ODK, KoboToolbox) and GIS mapping is an added advantage.