Counter Wildlife Trafficking Research Assistant - Calabar at Wildlife Conservation Society

Position Description

The Assistant(s) will support the CWT Advisor in-country, the Regional CWT Technical Advisor, and the WCS CWT Strategy by proactively identifying, gathering, and reporting information relating to illegal wildlife trade, wildlife trafficking, illegal logging (and other environmental crimes as directed) from a variety of sources. The role will require travel across the region as required in line with WCS objectives. 

The selected candidates will be expected to:

Major Activities/Expected Results:

• Undertake and pass specialized training in the role\'s requirements, requiring regular refresher training.
• Identify and manage sources of information, including conducting open-source research where necessary/as directed.
• Contribute to evaluating and directing CWT strategy.
• Compile and submit regular reports for evaluation and dissemination
• Develop relationships with stakeholders where appropriate, to ensure information is exchanged and encourage collaboration
• Ensure all work is conducted to very strict ethical standards, complying with WCS transparency and security protocols

Why Join Us? 

• Dynamic Team: join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone\'s input are valued. 
• 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.
• Modern Fleet: Drive well-maintained, modern vehicles

Work Relations (Essential points of contact for the role)

• Country CWT Advisor
• Country Director

Essential criteria for candidates:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, conservation biology, or a related field, OR at least 2 years of demonstrable relevant similar experience
• Assertive, social and articulate
• Demonstrable communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups
• Strong analytical and/or problem-solving skills
• IT literate with familiarity with cloud-based filing, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Teams essential
• The capacity to maintain high levels of confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to travel and operate autonomously when necessary
• Excellent English language (both written and spoken) and at least one local language – other languages are a plus

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Previous experience in a support role within an NGO, charity, or local organization, especially in project coordination or administration.
• Experience in handling and managing sensitive information, ideally within a conservation or wildlife protection context.
• Familiarity with reporting requirements and processes for donor-funded programs.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
• Good Knowledge of CWT and wildlife conservation issues in Nigeria and Africa.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken; proficiency in local Nigerian languages is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

WSC Values: 

All WCS team members are expected to demonstrate strong professional and ethnics values. These include.

• Exemplifying integrity 
• Accountability and Transparency.
• Demonstrating commitment to WCS Nigeria 
• Embracing cultural diversity and respect.
• Embracing change. 

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results 
• Being accountable 
• Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships 
• Communicating for impact 

Functional Skill Set: 

• Information and intelligence gathering 
• Managing data 
• Managing documents, correspondence, and reports 
• Managing information and workflow 
• Planning, organizing, and multitasking.