Assistant Anti-Poaching Coordinator, Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué / Sena Our

Position:  Assistant Anti-poaching Coordinator
Reports to: Anti-Poaching Coordinator, Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué / Sena Oura Landscape  
Positions supervised: Anti-Poaching Operations Manager (COLAB), Anti-Poaching Training Manager (CILAB), Anti-Poaching Technical Assistants (ATLAB), and Anti-Poaching Conservation Support Staff (PACLAB) 
Direct Collaborators: The Anti-Poaching Coordinator, the Director of the Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué / Sena Oura Landscape, and the WCS PNSO Manager  
Location:  Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué / Sena Oura Landscape 
Country Program: WCS Cameroun 
Position Type: Full-time
Start date:  As soon as possible

Organization Background:

The Wildlife Conservation Society works to safeguard wildlife and natural habitats through rigorous scientific research, an international environmental education program, and the management of the world's largest network of urban wildlife parks. These activities help change people's attitudes towards nature and aim to promote viable, sustainable interactions between people and wildlife at local and global levels.

WCS has been operating in Cameroon since 1985. Through its partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) WCS supports the Government of Cameroon to protect its biodiversity in four protected areas across the country. Currently, the WCS Cameroon programme is working on three main landscapes, namely the Takamanda-Mone Technical Operational Unit (UTO), the Mbam and Djerem National Park, and the Binational Complex of the Benoué, Bouba-Ndjida (Cameroon) and Sena Oura (Chad) National Parks.  WCS Cameroon has three offices and employs 274 persons, 96% of whom are Cameroonian nationals. Approximately 200 persons are currently employed in the North Cameroon/Chad Binational Complex landscape.

WCS signed an agreement with the government of Chad in February 2023 that includes technical support for the conservation of wildlife, forests, and fisheries. This includes the management of protected areas, such as Sena-Oura National Park, and the establishment of several projects to protect and study specific populations of charismatic large mammals.

WCS began working in the North Cameroon/Chad Binational Complex in 2013 to install wildlife protection measures. Since 2016, WCS has acted in a technical advisory capacity to MINFOF in the management of the protected areas in the landscape. This involves providing support to the management units of Bouba Ndjidda National Park (BNNP) and Bénoué National Park (BNP).  Bouba Njidda National Park covers 220,000 hectares and is surrounded by seven hunting zones totaling 500,000 hectares of Protected Areas. 

It also includes Bénoué National Park, comprising a core area of 180,000 hectares and 14 hunting zones totaling 1,047,874 hectares. Importantly, the largest program in WCS Cameroon’s portfolio is the North Cameroon/Chad Binational Complex, which extends from Bouba Ndjidda into Chad’s 73,500-hectare Sena Oura National Park. This transboundary project and its field team are managed from WCS’s office in Garoua in coordination with WCS offices in Pala (Chad) and N’Djamena (Chad).  The WCS approach in the North Cameroon/Chad Binational Complex is designed to preserve ecological connectivity among the various conservation units. Current activities focus on supporting law enforcement in teams consisting of WCS and Chadian and Cameroonian government agencies; monitoring of various large mammal species; provision of management support to the government; infrastructure development to facilitate the movement and accommodation of field teams; and community conservation to provide benefits to local communities and reduce pressure on the parks.

Job Summary

The Deputy Anti-Poaching Coordinator will supervise the LAB Field Operations Managers (COLAB), the LAB Chief Instructor (CILAB), the Technical Assistants, and the LAB Conservation Support Staff (PACLAB). He will also contribute to the joint management of MINFOF agents (Eco-guards) and MINDEF agents (Military) in Cameroon, as well as MEPDD agents (Eco-guards) in Chad, in close collaboration with park rangers.  

He will participate in implementing technical and strategic action plans to combat poaching, in collaboration with the LAB Coordinator. He will also monitor activities planned as part of the support provided to MINFOF, MEPDD, and private partners for the conservation of ecosystems in national parks, Hunting Interest Zones (ZICs), and ecological corridors linking Protected Areas (PAs). 
 
The Deputy LAB Coordinator supports the LAB Coordinator in planning, conducting, and overseeing anti-poaching operations within the Landscape. He serves as the LAB Coordinator’s operational liaison in the field, with direct responsibility for the command, training, discipline, and safety of the teams and operations involved. 

Important Note: This position is based in a demanding security and operational environment, in remote conservation areas far from any amenities, with basic living conditions.  

Responsibilities: 

The Deputy Anti-Poaching Coordinator’s primary mission will be to implement and monitor all anti-poaching and wildlife crime-prevention operations across the landscape. The position will also be primarily responsible for overseeing all anti-poaching training activities within the landscape.  

The Deputy Anti-Poaching Coordinator will report to the Anti-Poaching Coordinator and will be responsible for supporting, organizing, and strengthening anti-poaching efforts in the following areas: 

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and strict adherence to safety standards and procedures related to anti-poaching efforts. 
• Provide training, operational guidance, and ongoing supervision of anti-poaching personnel, with a focus on high standards, discipline, and professionalism. 
• Actively participate in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of anti-poaching operations, based on risk analyses, operational priorities, and social and environmental safeguards standards.  
• Engage and participate actively in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of anti-poaching operations, based on risk analyses, operational priorities, and social and environmental safeguards standards.  
• Provide operational and technical support to the legal and judicial unit, ensuring the quality, compliance, and traceability of case files. 
• Produce regular, accurate, and actionable reports on activities, results, and operational constraints. 

More specifically, the Deputy LAB Coordinator will work in close coordination with the Conservation Services and under the supervision of the WCS LAB Coordinator to: 

• Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the technical and strategic anti-poaching action plan, including the organization and conduct of patrols, the operation of the operations room, administrative follow-up, staff training, and reporting on field operations for all WCS Landscape projects. He will also participate in training and capacity-building for WCS staff and for partners involved in anti-poaching efforts (MINFOF/MEPDD). 
• Structure, centralize, and supervise the information collection system, ensuring the monitoring of data collection, analysis, utilization, and controlled dissemination
• Structure, centralize, and oversee the information-gathering system, ensuring the monitoring of the collection, analysis, utilization, and controlled dissemination of operational information within the landscape area. 
• Support and strengthen the judicial system by contributing to awareness-raising and capacity-building among relevant stakeholders and ensuring effective monitoring of the enforcement of penalties, with a view to deterrence and operational credibility. 
• Develop and coordinate operational relationships with private partners, particularly Hunting Zones of Interest (ZICs), to ensure consistency and continuity in anti-poaching efforts on the periphery of National Parks. 
• Contribute to awareness-raising and coordination efforts with local communities, with a focus on stabilization, conflict prevention, and the sustainability of protected areas and ecological corridors. 
• Enable stronger coordination and collaboration with WCS partners engaged in related projects focused on environmental protection, food security, and territorial governance, in alignment with the landscape conservation strategy. 
• Ensure the rigorous application of the legal framework in force in each country of operation, while guaranteeing strict compliance with international human rights standards and adherence to the WCS Code of Conduct. 
• Support the anti-poaching unit in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual technical reports, in accordance with donor requirements and WCS internal procedures.
• Carry out any additional assignments or tasks required to ensure the effective implementation, operational continuity, and overall smooth functioning of the Landscape. 
   

• 5 to 10 years of proven experience in operational command, leadership, and training, gained in security, defense, law enforcement, or anti-poaching contexts. 
• Excellent physical condition, suitable for extended missions in remote areas. 
• Proven qualifications and experience in first aid training, including advanced first aid modules in isolated environments (such as MEDIC, TCCC, TECC, Wilderness First Aid/First Responder, or equivalent), are a major asset for this position. 
• Strong field experience, discipline, and procedural knowledge. 
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, enforce standards, and maintain cohesion under pressure. 
• Mastery of operational security principles. 
• Comfort working in complex political and institutional environments. 
• Analytical mindset enabling an understanding of the political, legal, security, and criminal issues affecting the landscape and the Sudano-Sahelian region. 
• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff, thereby fostering the development of individual and team skills and knowledge. 
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills. 
• Commitment to working collaboratively with all staff and professionally with all partners—both governmental and non-governmental. 
• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships
• Commitment to working collaboratively with all staff and professionally with all partners—both governmental and non-governmental. 
• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships and relationships in a complex environment. 
• Willingness to familiarize oneself with the institutional and legal framework of conservation.  
  Proven experience in remote areas and the ability to adapt to challenging environments.
  Previous experience using platforms/software for conservation coordination and operational monitoring (e.g., SMART/Earth Ranger) or equivalent is a major asset for this position. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French (English is a plus), including the ability to draft analytical, accurate, and timely reports. 
• Previous experience in Africa is essential; experience in the Sahel region of Africa is a major asset. 
  Ability to work in multicultural environments.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications, skills, and experience listed above are invited to submit their resume and cover letter by May 10th, 2026 
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and seek future colleagues who share this commitment. 

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Compensation: 
Competitive salary based on experience.