WCS
WCS is looking for a suitably qualified candidate to lead community-related activities in the Cross River Gorilla Landscape to improve forest governance, conservation constituencies and reduce community-based threats to conservation targets through the use of incentives. Nigerian nationals strongly encouraged to apply to fill this position. In this role, the person will also serve as the WCS Gender focal point for the Cross River Gorilla Landscape.
Location
The position will be based at the WCS office in Calabar, Cross River State but it is expected that three weeks every month will be spent at the three WCS field sites in northern Cross River State.
Relationships
The position reports to the Cross River Gorilla Landscape Director and will liaise with WCS Project Managers at the three Cross River Gorilla field sites. The position will also maintain communication with the WCS Regional Socio-Economic Advisor who is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo for strategic support.
Responsibilities
1. Oversee livelihood, community conservation, outreach activities and focal points for the Cross River Gorilla program. This post will include conducting value chain assessments and strengthening for NTFPs, working with WCS staff on cocoa value chain exploration, and development of cooperatives. The Socio-Economic Coordinator will ensure adequate communication to the Landscape Director and Regional Socio-economic Advisor on support needed to ensure strong interventions. Monthly planning and tracking of field activities and reporting successes is required.
2. Lead governance support for the landscape. This post will require skills to strengthen community governance institutions, and to work with WCS staff to develop and implement governance strengthening action plans for local forest governance groups.
3. Ensure strong coordination between the research team and the monitoring of socio-economic performance . Work with the research team to develop, coordinate, and maintain a comprehensive monitoring system for projects (particularly governance and well-being), socio-economic research that leads to more targeted conservation planning, and maintaining up-to-date database information.
4. Liaise with WCS partners (including Cross River National Park, Cross River State Ministry of Climate Change and Forestry, Boki Local Government and the Conservation Association of Mbe Mountains) on socio-economic activities to harmonize approaches and avoid duplication of effort. In addition to using our own teams to engage in livelihood activities, WCS will work with our partners and private enterprise to enhance WCS’s approaches with local communities and reinforce the link between these livelihood activities and conservation outcomes.
5. Serve as the WCS Gender focal point for the Cross River Gorilla Landscape. Collaborate with WCS Africa gender focal point to deliver gender-based training modules, monitor gender approaches in the landscape, and ensure gender is incorporated into the annual workplan.
Deliverables
- A well-managed portfolio of livelihood, community conservation/governance, and outreach activities
- Governance and well-being baselines and action plans
- Development of yearly workplan on all socio-economic activities.
- Yearly reports on conservation and livelihood outcomes of activities.
- Co-coordination of donor monitoring and reporting on socio-economic and gender activities.
Qualification requirements:
- MSc in Anthropology, Sociology or related field
- At least 3 years experience working with communities in the field
- Proven ability to work with national and local organizations.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Effective “roll up the sleeves” work ethic, with attention to detail.
Period of performance:
The position is immediately available and a one-year contract, renewable based on performance, will be issued.
To apply:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until a suitable candidate is found. Last day to apply is July 20, 2017, but early applications are encouraged. Nigerian nationals will be given strong consideration for this role. Please send a copy of your CV, a cover letter and contact information for three references to wcsnigeria@wcs.org