Conservation Law Enforcement (CLE) Trainer, OWR

Location:           Epulu, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Reports To:       Conservation Law Enforcement Advisor
Collaborators: OWR Director, Assistant Director, and ICCN training counterparts.
                          
Purpose:

WCS is seeking a CLE Trainer to strengthen eco-guard training capacity and support the delivery of effective CLE training in OWR.
The CLE Trainer will support the OWR leadership team, through the CLE Advisor, across three core areas: Planning and delivery of CLE training, Instructor development and training system strengthening, Support to operational standards through training, mentoring, and field preparation
The role combines instruction, mentoring, training management, and systems improvement. It requires a strong commitment to lawful, professional, and accountable CLE, with emphasis on discipline, standards, supervision, and respect for human rights. A central part of the role is to build the capability of the ICCN training function through coaching, joint delivery, and transfer of training skills and course content.

Key Responsibilities

CLE training planning and delivery

• Support development and implementation of a structured CLE training and mentoring plan for OWR CLE staff.
• Deliver core and specialist CLE training to eco-guards and CLE staff in line with OWR priorities and standards.
• Implement and apply a systems approach to training (SAT) to improve training quality, sequencing, and assessment.
• Support development and delivery of training for leaders, including section and platoon commanders, in coordination with the CLE Advisor.
• Coordinate and supervise selection, induction, and training of new eco-guards.
• Coordinate and deliver specialist courses for selected eco-guards.
• Support training that improves the conduct of routine CLE operations, including patrol preparation, orders, inspections, and debriefs.

Instructor development and training capability

• Act in a chief instructor role for OWR and mentor ICCN senior trainers and training staff.
• Help develop the ICCN training team through joint instruction, coaching, and progressive transfer of training responsibility.
• Support identification, recruitment, and management of specialist CLE training consultants, where required.
• Work with the CLE Advisor to develop and implement CLE SOPs and practices and train eco-guards in their use.

Training support to CLE capability and operations

• Support the CLE Advisor and OWR leadership to align training priorities with operational needs, readiness requirements, and capability gaps.
• Assist in preparing eco-guards and commanders for operational planning and conduct of CLE operations.
• Support identification of training-related equipment and system needs and contribute to procurement planning and prioritisation with the CLE Advisor.
• Support achievement of quarterly and annual CLE training targets while adapting to changing operational conditions.
• Act as deputy to the CLE Advisor on CLE support matters when required and support on-site security functions as directed.

Coordination, reporting, and programme support

• Maintain close daily coordination with the OWR Director, Assistant Director, Head of CLE, and CLE Advisor.
• Support coordination and communication with OWR stakeholders on CLE training matters.
• Support planning and coordination with relevant state agencies, as directed by the OWR Director.
• Maintain productive internal communication with WCS staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support development of annual, quarterly, and monthly CLE training plans, workplans, and budgets with the CLE Advisor.
• Prepare technical updates and inputs for donor progress reports and fundraising proposals, as required.
• Support collection and submission of training-related data for the OWR Results Framework to the M&E Officer.
• Support risk identification, monitoring, and reporting in line with the risk management plan.
• Support internal staff and programme evaluations, as required.

General duties and compliance

• Operate in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, ICCN statutes, OWR internal regulations, and WCS policies and procedures.
• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by the OWR Director and Assistant Director.
• Support wider reserve management, including participation in management meetings and coordination with operations and logistics staff.

Required qualifications

• Highly experienced professional with a strong background in military, police, or law enforcement training, including hands-on delivery of field-based skills instruction. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to design, deliver, and assess structured training programmes in operational settings, and to mentor both trainers and junior leaders.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with prior exposure to remote or austere environments and complex political contexts where effective collaboration with government and non-government partners is essential.
• Strong communication skills in English and French and/or Kiswahili are required. You must be computer literate and able to prepare clear reports, training plans, equipment lists, and budget forecasts. A full driving licence is also required.
• Additional experience in conservation law enforcement or protected area operations, work in Africa, coordination with external training providers, communications or operations room systems, jungle or riverine environments, and field medical training will be an advantage.
• Someone who combines strong practical judgement with credibility in the field, and the ability to teach complex skills in a clear and simple way. You should be highly organised, disciplined, and professional, with the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• The role requires cultural awareness, adaptability, resilience, and the ability to build strong working relationships across diverse teams. You should be motivated by training excellence, committed to high standards, and able to maintain morale and support others in challenging environments.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience should apply through the application tab below May 6, 2026.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
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