Wildlife Conservation Society recrute un Technical Director
Technical Director, WCS Gabon program
Reports to: Country Director
Location: Libreville, Gabon
Country Program/Sector: WCS Gabon Program
Position Type: Full-time
Internal liaison: WCS Gabon National Program Manager, WCS Gabon Marine Program Coordinator, senior staff, WCS Central Africa regional technical staff, Africa Protected Areas Management Unit (APAMU) WCS Africa staff in New York
Expected travel: Local travel to field sites, sub-offices, national and international
Organizational Background:
WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) is the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization operating in nearly 60 countries, managing programs spanning large biologically critical areas. It leverages science, local partnerships, education, and policy influence to achieve conservation goals with a global team of 4,000 members.
Regional Overview:
The Central Africa and Gulf of Guinea program spans Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Gabon. The rapidly growing program addresses conservation challenges with initiatives such as protected area management, community engagement, sustainable livelihoods, policy reform, and sustainable financing. WCS established a regional hub in Kigali, Rwanda to support country programs.
Gabon Program Overview:
Active since 1985 in Gabon, WCS contributed to establishing national parks and marine protected areas. It is the largest international conservation NGO in Gabon. In October 2025, WCS signed a partnership with the Gabonese National Parks Agency (ANPN) for management agreements of Ivindo, Loango, Lopé, and Mayumba Parks. The MoU fosters innovative conservation financing and technical expertise sharing.
Job Summary:
The Technical Director will lead and provide technical direction to build an operational protected areas program across the four national parks under WCS management. Responsibilities include operational management, strategic development, law enforcement, biomonitoring, community engagement, infrastructure, administration, and finance. Collaboration with WCS Gabon leadership and regional teams is essential.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop and ensure full operational protected areas program management across the four parks
- Provide guidance and support to site leadership and staff ensuring best practices and compliance with WCS code of conduct
- Lead training, staff recruitment, and capacity building efforts
- Coordinate with finance, HR, logistics, and safety teams
- Participate in strategic planning and budgeting
- Manage site-based reporting and represent WCS at meetings
- Support ANPN staff capacity building and maintain relationships with partners and donors
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least ten years of leadership experience in protected area management and related fields, with experience in Gabon or Central Africa advantageous
- Experience in project management, personnel administration, and fundraising
- Knowledge in conservation biology and African conservation issues
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with diverse partners including governments
- Fluent in French, English considered an advantage
- Willingness to travel extensively in the field
- Strong commitment to conservation
Workplace Conditions:
Periodic need to work overlapping hours with different time zones and work in the field including long hours and weekends.
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply via the application link by January 10, 2026.
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