The WCS Nigeria Program is seeking a Governance Coordinator to lead efforts to strengthen governance, institutional capacity, and stakeholder collaboration within the WCS Nigeria Program.

Job summary

The role will focus on supporting protected area management structures, facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms, and advancing community-led conservation governance. The Coordinator will ensure that governance systems are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with WCS’s mission and values. This position reports to the Program Manager and works closely with the Country Director. The position will work closely with the project manager, law enforcement advisor, landscape director for the Cross River landscape, field project coordinator, and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Bauchi State Government, government agencies, community leaders, and governance institutions.

Location: Bauchi, Bauchi State (with extensive travel to Abuja and Cross River Landscape and field sites)

Position Type: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration: 13 Months (Renewable depending on availability of funds)

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
Key Responsibilities

Governance & Institutional Strengthening

Support the establishment and operationalisation of management committees and governance platforms for protected areas.
Facilitate inclusive representation of pastoralists, community members, and other stakeholders in governance structures.
Strengthen accountability and transparency mechanisms within conservation governance systems.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
Coordinate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and civil society.
Promote collaborative decision-making and conflict mediation through governance platforms.
Support alignment of conservation priorities with local, state, and national policies.
Capacity Building & Training
Provide training and mentorship to committee members, local leaders, and community representatives on governance, conflict resolution, and natural resource management.
Strengthen local capacity for participatory monitoring, advocacy, and climate-smart governance practices.
Monitoring & Reporting

Document governance processes, decisions, and outcomes for internal learning and donor reporting.
Track progress of governance initiatives and provide regular updates to program leadership.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and lessons learned across WCS Nigeria and partner networks.
Qualifications & Experience

Master’s degree in governance, public policy, environmental management, development studies, or a related field (a bachelor's degree with significant experience may be considered).
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in governance, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in conservation or natural resource management.
Proven experience facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms and conflict mediation.
Strong understanding of community-based governance and participatory approaches.
Experience working in Nigeria or similar contexts, with knowledge of local governance systems.
Skills & Competencies

Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Strong communication and report-writing abilities.
Ability to build trust and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of climate-smart governance and NRM practices.
Strong organisational and project management skills.
Commitment to WCS values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and conservation impact.
Additional Requirements

Fluency in English and Hausa.
Willingness to travel regularly to field sites and communities.
Demonstrated commitment to conservation and community resilience.

Interested applicants and qualified persons (Nigerian nationals only) with the matched skill set and experience should apply by sending their application (Cover letter and Resume as one PDF document) with the Subject “Governance Coordinator, Bauchi?” in capital letters