Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Learning & Development Advisor

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In a world where biodiversity is under unprecedented threat, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) stands as a global bulwark, protecting over 50% of the earth’s biological diversity across 15 priority regions. In Nigeria, the battle against the illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime requires more than just passion—it requires a highly skilled, coordinated, and strategic response from the frontline. This role is a critical piece of our 2020 strategy, designed to empower Nigerian government agencies with the knowledge and tools necessary to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard the nation’s natural heritage for generations to come.

Job Summary

The Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Learning and Development Advisor is a strategic leadership position focused on transforming research-driven objectives into high-impact educational curricula. You will be responsible for orchestrating the capacity-building efforts for Nigeria’s most critical government stakeholders, including the National Park Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Judiciary. By bridging the gap between strategic analysis and field-level execution, you will drive measurable improvements in how Nigeria detects, investigates, and prosecutes environmental crimes.

Core Responsibilities

  • Curriculum Design & Implementation: Lead the creation and delivery of institutionalized training programs for law enforcement, criminal justice, and regulatory officers, ensuring all content is rigorous and actionable.
  • Stakeholder Synergy: Cultivate and manage high-level partnerships with government bodies (such as NESREA and the National Judicial Institute), NGOs, and international agencies like the UNODC.
  • Talent Management: Establish and oversee a dedicated pool of local facilitators, subject matter experts, and coaches to support sustained program delivery and post-training mentorship.
  • Performance Evaluation: Administer competency-based assessments in alignment with global CWT standards to track participant progress and evaluate the overall effectiveness of interventions.
  • Digital Learning Oversight: Manage local online Learning Management Systems (LMS) and leverage mobile technology to ensure training is accessible and continuous.
  • Analytical Contribution: Collaborate with the wider CWT team to conduct research on emerging environmental crimes, including illegal logging and the illicit wildlife trade.
  • Resource Mobilization: Support the sustainability of CWT initiatives by assisting in fundraising efforts, proposal development, and maintaining transparent relationships with donors.
  • Adaptive Management: Utilize data-driven feedback loops to continuously iterate and improve training impact based on real-world field results.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Educational Background: A university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Environmental Law, Criminology, Adult Education, or International Development).
  • Professional Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of experience in capacity building or transnational crime prevention within an NGO or intergovernmental organization.
  • Institutional Knowledge: A deep and proven understanding of the Nigerian criminal justice system and the institutional structures of its law enforcement agencies.
  • Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in standard software systems and comfort with mobile-based communication and internet-based messaging applications.
  • Communication Excellence: Fluency in English is required; the ability to work professionally in French is considered a strong competitive advantage.
  • Soft Skills: Exceptional cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems collaboratively within diverse teams.
  • Adaptability: A proven track record of rapidly acquiring new technical skills and applying them to changing environmental contexts.

About the Organization

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global non-profit headquartered at the Bronx Zoo, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, and education. We envision a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. In Nigeria, WCS works at the intersection of field conservation and policy reform, partnering with local communities and government authorities to provide the technical expertise needed to protect some of Africa’s most endangered species and habitats.

Position Details

  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria (with coordination across national field programs)
  • Field: Project Management / Conservation / Law Enforcement
  • Deadline: Not specified (Early application is recommended)

How to Apply

Interested and qualified professionals should prepare a single document containing:

  1. A compelling Cover Letter.
  2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Email your application to: [email protected] Subject Line: CWT Learning and Development Advisor

Tips for Applicants

  • Focus on Training Impact: In your cover letter, highlight a specific instance where a training program you designed or led resulted in a measurable change in organizational behavior.
  • Demonstrate Local Knowledge: Be specific about your experience with Nigerian government agencies; mentioning previous successful collaborations can set you apart.
  • Highlight Digital Savvy: As the role involves managing an LMS and mobile tech, emphasize your experience with digital education tools.