The Community Conservation Coordinator is responsible for defining, implementing, and monitoring Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon's community conservation strategy. Reporting to the Technical Director and based in Libreville, Gabon, the role is part of WCS's broader Rights and Communities team and ensures that conservation initiatives are grounded in human rights-based approaches and aligned with WCS strategies, policies, and standards at national, regional, and global levels. The incumbent coordinates community activities at WCS project sites (including the national parks of Ivindo, Lopé, Mayumba, Loango and other sites), supervises field teams, and builds strong relationships with local communities and institutional partners such as the ANPN and the Ministry of Water and Forests.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and adapt WCS Gabon's national community conservation strategy and support site-level community strategies; identify priorities for community engagement; contribute to the revitalization and operation of Community-Based Local Management Committees (CCGL); coordinate with the ANPN; ensure consistency with biomonitoring, law enforcement and tourism components.
- Supervise technical assistants, project managers, research assistants and field teams; plan and monitor field activities; monitor partners and contractors; provide technical support.
- Train field teams in community-based conservation approaches and outreach methods; develop educational tools and materials.
- Build trusting relationships with local communities, leaders and authorities; promote inclusive participation; ensure free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) is sought for any activity involving communities; manage complaint and feedback mechanisms.
- Ensure compliance with WCS community conservation standards and national regulations; support socioeconomic studies and data collection; produce regular reports; help draft funding proposals and document best practices.
Requirements:
- Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, rural development, conservation, natural resource management, anthropology, sociology or a related field.
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years in coordination, team supervision, or program/project management.
- Substantial experience designing and implementing community-based conservation, local development, or community-based natural resource governance; direct work with rural communities and Indigenous peoples.
- Solid understanding of rights-based approaches, inclusive participation, FPIC, social safeguards and grievance mechanisms.
- Experience collaborating with government agencies, civil society and international organizations.
- Strong team management, facilitation, communication, negotiation, analytical and report-writing skills.
- Fluency in French; ability to work in English strongly preferred. Willingness to travel frequently to WCS sites in Gabon.
Strengths: experience in Gabon or Central Africa, knowledge of protected area governance, experience with internationally funded projects and proposal design.
Salary: competitive, commensurate with experience. Full-time.
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply at the tab below by November 2, 2026.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications, skills and experience should apply via the WCS careers site (Quick Apply) by November 2, 2026.
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