Head of Investigations Urban Bushmeat Program

This position will strengthen the response to countering wildlife trafficking (CWT) in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo, hereafter DRC and ROC respectively). The position will focus on combatting trafficking of protected species to urban centers (Brazzaville, Kinshasa, Pointe Noire) for domestic consumption or for transit and export. The focus of this position will be on the following protected species: pangolins, African Grey Parrots, great apes (western lowland gorillas, bonobos and central chimpanzees) and crocodiles. DRC and ROC harbor important source populations of these species, although an illegal trade in these species as food, wildlife parts, and pets, persists. The extent and nature of this trade is poorly understood. Working in close collaboration with existing government partners and WCS program staff, the Head of Investigations will provide specialized technical assistance to map out the different trafficking supply chains, understand the trafficking networks involved, and develop and implement an urban-based law enforcement strategy.

The position will benefit from a strong WCS support program and existing partnerships already in place between WCS and law enforcement authorities in the two countries. 

Scope: Republic of Congo/Democratic Republic of Congo
Base: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (with travel to Pointe Noire and Brazzaville)
Reports to: Central Africa Regional Program
Start date: 1 October 2018
Type of contract: 1-year consultancy contract

Principal Responsibilities

1. S/he will work closely with WCS project staff in Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, local government and NGO partners, and with a consultant criminologist to identify and prioritize information needs for the target wildlife species
2. S/he will identify, recruit, train and mentor a team of local information collectors to fulfil target information priorities
3. S/he will establish a system – or facilitate the development a system – to collate, manage and analyse information in order to provide targeted intelligence packages
4. S/he will provide technical support to, and collaborate with, government law enforcement agencies as appropriate to ensure intelligence is shared and actionable
5. S/he will collaborate with WCS ROC/DRC field programs and WCS regional subject matter experts engaged in CWT as appropriate to ensure data sharing protocols, standard operating protocols and risk management protocols are implemented
6. S/he will improve WCS engagement on wildlife trafficking issues with regional governmental and intergovernmental partners as needed through participation in relevant national and regional events and meetings, particularly those directly related to wildlife trade and crime such as CITES, INTERPOL and UNODC in Central Africa

Deliverables

1. Intelligence strategy developed for target species highlighting information gaps and priorities for information collection
2. Team of information collectors recruited, trained and deployed
3. Information documented according to SOPs and database populated
4. Intelligence briefings produced quarterly on target species
5. Enforcement operations initiated by relevant agencies as a direct result of information provided

Qualifications

We are looking for an experienced investigator able to adapt well to the local socio-cultural context and who has a particular interest in wildlife conservation.

This position requires a minimum of the following:

1. At least 5 years’ experience in leading or managing investigations for a law enforcement agency or equivalent, with specific experience of investigations into covert trafficking networks preferred
2. Proven capability in training, managing and working as part of a team
3. Good communications skills in French, with a strong command of English also preferred
4. Experience of working in Africa preferred
5. Experience and/or knowledge of wildlife conservation issues a bonus

Application process

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply by emailing a detailed application/cover letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three references to: africaapplications@wcs.org . Please include “Head of Investigations Central Africa” in the subject line of your email. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you have any queries related to this position please contact: africaapplications@wcs.org

Application Deadline: 15^th September 2018

About WCS

The Wildlife Conservation Society is an international NGO headquartered at Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global challenges in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the world’s oceans. The Africa Program is the largest of WCS’s field programs, with approximately 1,100 staff in 12 country programs focused across four major regions (Central Africa, Sudano-Sahel, East and Southern Africa, and Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean).

Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are Respect, Accountability and Transparency, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, Integrity.