Program Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

The Wildlife Conservation Society is an international NGO headquartered at Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global challenges in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the world’s oceans. The Africa Program is the largest of WCS’s field programs, with approximately 1,100 staff in 12 country programs focused across four major regions (Central Africa, Sudano-Sahel, East and Southern Africa, and Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean).

Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is 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. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are Respect, Accountability and Transparency, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, Integrity.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Calabar, Cross River
Expected Start date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Country Program Director
Duration: 2 Year (Renewable subject to availability)
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Travel: 30% to 40%

Position Description

• The responsibility of the Program Manager will be overseeing the day-to-day management of the project portfolio of the WCS Nigeria program, providing direct support to the Country Director in Calabar and the Project Directors in the field.

Purpose and Responsibilities
Operational Strategy and Technical Support:

• Oversee management of projects and grants including assistance with the development of strategies, preparation of proposals, coordination of timely reporting and in-country donor communications, and compliance with donor regulations.
• Manage database and track opportunities for funding and grants from various sources including files pertaining to creating grants, consultancies, field projects and other agreements for the country program office.
• Work with the Country Director and field project managers to develop and write proposals and track grant implementation.
• Where appropriate, act as a liaison between donors and field projects, ensuring timely submission of progress reports and other terms of grant agreements.
• Provide technical support to field Project Directors in the implementation of existing work plans.
• Coordinate operational support between the Calabar office and field projects/sub-offices.
• Facilitate internal WCS communications between the field, Calabar, regional and NY teams.
• Provide technical assistance and oversight to ensure that Project Directors adhere to and are aware of WCS policies, donor regulations and government requirements in project administration.
• Participate in strategic planning for the WCS-Nigeria Program.
• Work with the Nigeria Finance Director to monitor and track project budgets.
• As requested by the WCS-Nigeria Country Director, represent WCS at meetings on a national and international level.
• Maintain good relationships with existing national and international NGOs and technical partners in-country, national delegation offices of bilateral and multi-lateral donors, and foster, where possible, the participation of existing and new partners in relevant aspects of program implementation and strategy development.

Requirements
Essential criteria for candidates:

• An Advanced Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, International Development or another field relevant to the position's responsibilities.
• At least five years’ experience working in a natural resource management, international development or policy position, with experience in Nigeria or Central Africa a distinct advantage.
• Experience in large project or program management, personnel management, administration, and fundraising.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and flourish in a multi-cultural team.
• Results-focused attitude to work.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field offices in Nigeria.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and committed to the WCS mission.

Functional Skill Set:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to manage and interact at all levels within and between the multilingual organization
• Experience in multiple donor budgets and multiple grants
• Report writing skills
• Ability to work under minimal supervision
• Organisation skills and detail-oriented
• Leadership: Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Working Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with various partners
• IT Skills: Advanced skills in using IT tools for data analysis.

Why Join Us?

• Leverage WCS’s global expertise to strategically guide the Nigeria program.
• Exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions to the protection of biodiversity conservation.
• 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.

Application Closing Date
5th September, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their application (Cover letter and CV as one PDF document) to: nigeriajobs@wcs.org using “Program Manager” in capital letters as the subject of the mail.

Note

• This position is for Nigeria Nationals only with the matched skill set, and experience
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce.
• We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value.
• Females are strongly advised to apply.
• WCS would never ask or request you to pay for applying for a position.