Community Conservation Coordinator (Gabon)

About the role

The Community Conservation Coordinator will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of WCS Gabon’s community conservation strategy, ensuring that conservation initiatives are grounded in human‑rights‑based approaches and aligned with organizational policies. Reporting to the Technical Director, the role works closely with the Rights and Communities team, field staff and institutional partners to foster inclusive participation and sustainable outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and adapt WCS Gabon’s national community conservation strategy to the local context and support site‑level community strategies.
• Supervise technical assistants, project managers and field teams, plan and monitor activities, provide technical support and resolve operational challenges.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with local communities, leaders and authorities, ensuring inclusive participation and systematic free, prior and informed consent.
• Ensure activities comply with WCS community conservation standards and national regulations, produce regular reports and assist with funding proposals.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in social sciences, rural development, conservation, anthropology, sociology or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of 3 years in coordination, team supervision or program/project management.
• Proven experience designing and implementing community‑based conservation approaches and working directly with rural and Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of rights‑based approaches, FPIC, social safeguards and grievance mechanisms.

Required skills

• Fluency in French; ability to work in English strongly preferred.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, negotiation and constructive conflict management abilities.
• Very strong writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize socio‑economic data for program planning.