Community Conservation Coordinator – Gabon

Report to: Technical Director

Location: Libreville, Gabon

Country Program: Gabon

Position Type: Full-Time

Collaborators: Regional Right and Communities team, Community and Conservation Team, MEL Teams, Environment and Social Safeguards Team, relevant departments of institutional partners, notably the ANPN and the Ministry of Water and Forests, Finance, Logistics, Human Resources, and Administration departments

Expected Travels: WCS project sites in Gabon (national parks: Ivindo, Lopé, Mayumba, Loango, and other sites depending on the projects)

Job Summary

The Community Conservation Coordinator is responsible for defining, implementing, and monitoring WCS Gabon’s community conservation strategy.

As part of WCS’s broader Rights and Communities team, he or she ensures that conservation initiatives are grounded in human rights-based approaches and aligned with WCS strategies, policies, and standards at the national, regional, and global levels.

The incumbent coordinates community activities at WCS project sites, supervises field teams, and builds strong relationships with local communities and institutional partners to foster active and inclusive participation in conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Development and implementation of the community conservation strategy:

• Develop and adapt WCS Gabon’s national community conservation strategy to the local context.

• Support the development and implementation of community strategies at the site level.

• Identify priorities for community engagement and promote initiatives that strengthen community support for conservation goals.

• Contribute to the revitalization and operation of the Community-Based Local Management Committees (CCGL).

• Ensure coordination with the ANPN to guarantee alignment with national guidelines.

• Ensure consistency between community activities and other program components (biomonitoring, law enforcement, tourism, etc.).

Coordination and Supervision of Field Teams

• Supervise technical assistants, project managers, research assistants, and field teams involved in community activities.

• Plan and monitor the implementation of field activities.

• Monitor the implementation of activities by partners and contractors.

• Provide technical support to the teams and resolve operational challenges.

Training and capacity building

• Train field teams in community-based conservation approaches and outreach methods.

• Develop appropriate educational tools and materials.

• Strengthen the teams’ skills and performance through regular monitoring.

Engagement and Community Relations

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with local communities, community leaders, and local authorities.

• Promote inclusive and respectful community participation in conservation initiatives.

• Ensure adherence to ethical principles of respect for individuals, benevolence, and justice.

• Ensure that free, prior, and informed consent is systematically sought for any activity involving communities.

• Ensure the quality of community activities (local governance, livelihoods, environmental education).

• Ensure that community feedback is taken into account, particularly through complaint management mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Ensure that activities comply with WCS’s community conservation standards and national regulations.

• Contribute to the implementation of tools for monitoring and controlling activities.

• Support the design and implementation of socioeconomic studies and data collection activities.

• Produce regular reports on activities.

• Help draft funding proposals and document best practices.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 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 roles involving coordination, team supervision, or program/project management.

• Substantial experience in designing and implementing community-based conservation approaches, local development, or community-based natural resource governance.

• Proven experience working directly with rural communities and Indigenous peoples, including in facilitating participatory processes and multi-stakeholder consultations.

• Experience in operational planning, monitoring work plans and indicators, and supervising teams and/or implementing partners.

• A solid understanding, backed by practical experience, of rights-based approaches, inclusive participation, and the principles of FPIC, social safeguards, and grievance mechanisms.

• Experience collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and/or international organizations.

Skills and Qualities

• Strong skills in managing, coordinating, and supporting teams, including remotely.

• Ability to translate a strategy into priorities, work plans, and operational results at the site level.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, negotiation, and constructive conflict management skills.

• Ability to analyze and synthesize information, particularly socio-economic data and information relevant to program planning.

• Very strong writing and reporting skills.

• Fluency in French; ability to work in English strongly preferred.

• Willingness to travel frequently to WCS sites in Gabon.

Strengths

• Professional experience in Gabon or Central Africa.

• Knowledge of protected area governance issues and community representation/consultation mechanisms.

• Experience with projects funded by international donors.

• Experience contributing to the design of projects or funding proposals.