Location: Tchollire, North Cameroon
Reports to: WCS Law Enforcement Coordinator
Start date: July 2022
Duration: Two years with the possibility of renewal

Purpose:

WCS has been present in Cameroon since 1988 and currently supports the government in protecting biodiversity across four main landscapes: centered around the Takamanda-Mone National Parks, the Mbam & Djerem NP, the Binational Complex of Bouba-Njidda (Cameroon) and Sena-Oura NPs (Chad) and Bénoué NP.

WCS is seeking a Law Enforcement Deputy Coordinator (LEDC) to provide implementation support to the delivery of effective and responsible law enforcement by MINFOF (Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife) rangers and conservation teams across the combined landscapes of the Benoué, Bouba Njidda NPs in Northern Cameroon and the Sena Oura NP in Chad, and the surrounding hunting zones. This forms part of a larger support program to conserve some of the most intact remaining wildlife populations in the Sahelian zone, improve overall good governance and security in the area, and contribute to sustainable development and building of local economies. The LEDC will support and collaborate directly with WCS and MINFOF site management staff, and WCS anti-poaching support staff to address illegal activities within National Parks and conservation areas, and to disrupt criminality related to natural resource use. A significant part of the LE DC work will be the implementation of the approved law enforcement strategy, ensuring full compliance of Standard Operating Procedures and Code of Conduct of rangers and conservation staff, and overseeing delivery of an effective training and mentoring program. The LE DC will need to have the drive, integrity and professionalism and vision to help build a ranger team that is capable of achieving the conservation objectives of the Benoue, Bouba Njidda and Sena Oura NPs (BNP-BNNP-SONP) and surrounding hunting zones, whilst upholding the absolute highest standards of social safeguards and human rights.

The successful candidate will be comfortable living and working in remote conservation areas. They will be able to operate in a challenging political and working environment.

The position is based on-site at the Tchollire WCS headquarters in Mayo Rey Department with frequent travel to the Parks headquarters and administrative based in Garoua.

Responsibilities

The LEDC will advise on all aspects related to improving law enforcement operations in the Parks (Benoue-Bouba Njidda and Sena Oura National Parks) and preventing wildlife criminality within and surrounding the Parks. The LEDC will support the WCS LE Coordinator on i) security and the establishment of standards on law enforcement, ii) the development of the capacity of law enforcement staff – including training and mentoring, iii) planning and operations, iv) support to the legal and judicial unit, v) regular activity reporting.

Specifically, the LEDC will work closely with, and directly support, the Parks Wardens, and WCS Law Enforcement Coordinator to:

• Develop and implement a law enforcement staff training and mentoring plan - including planning and oversight of any training contractors - that will result in building and developing the skills and competence of all BNP-BNNP-SONP staffs, particularly the Head of Law Enforcement, section and patrols leaders, through training and mentorship
• Implement BNP-BNNP-SONP Wildlife Protection & Law Enforcement Strategy.
• Develop and implement relevant policies and procedures related to law enforcement, including Standard Operating Procedures and a Code of Conduct for rangers;
• Build situational awareness on illegal activities and other risks inside the National Parks and the surrounding areas, and ensure these are incorporated into the development and implementation of the law enforcement strategy
• Ensure correct conduct of routine operations, including mentoring in the delivery of patrol orders, inspections, and debriefs.
• Optimize manpower, including revising leave rotations, training and patrol schedules; to develop and implement an operational readiness mechanism.
• Coordinate and supervise the selection and training of new rangers.
• Coordinate closely with field operations managers in the joint planning of operations (including the use of air assets when available)
• Expand collaboration and coordination with operators in the surrounding hunting zones
• Ensure all BN-BNNP-SONP staffs are equipped with the appropriate equipment and clothing to perform their job properly
• Ensure effective set-up, management and day-to-day mentoring of the Operations Rooms
• Control and support to the WCS-MINFOF judicial office.
• Assist with the development and deployment of communications and other technology relevant to implementation of the Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement Strategy.
• Develop and regularly update security assessment and risk mitigation procedures for BNP-BNNP-SONP
• Manage the security and safety management of all the staff working in BNP-BNNP-SONP
• Develop annual, trimestral, and monthly operation plans and contribute relevant information to donor reporting/fundraising proposals.
• Ensure timely and accurate incident reporting to management.
• Operate in accordance with the laws of Cameroon, the statutes of Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, the Parks internal regulations, and the policies and procedures of WCS Cameroon.
• Be available to perform all reasonable tasks assigned as part of the service by the WCS Site Managers and WCS LE Coordinator.

Qualification Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience leading, managing, and/or advising on law enforcement operations, ideally in Protected Areas
• An analytical mind that grasps complex political, legal, security and criminal issues affecting BNP, BNNP, SONP.
• Good understanding of intelligence-led law enforcement
• Strong leadership and team building and management experience, including ability to motivate, set objectives, and manage the performance of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, training and mentoring staff – and, thereby, developing the skills and knowledge of individuals and teams
• The ability to communicate and explain complex processes and ideas effectively and efficiently
• Outstanding organizational and coordination skills
• A commitment to working collegially with all staff, and professionally and diplomatically with all partner organisations – government and non-government.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining partnerships and individual relationships in a complex political environment
• The willingness to gain an understanding of the institutional and legal framework of conservation in Cameroon as well as of relevant policy challenges.
• Proven experience in remote areas of the world, the ability and skills to make the most of any given situation
• Strong oral and written communication skills in French is required (English appreciated), including the ability to write accurate, analytical, and timely reports.
• Previous experience within Africa, and ability to work with and sensitivity to a diverse group of people including those of different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. Experience in Sahel Africa is an asset.

How to apply

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should send application through this link by May 31, 2022.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

Apply for this job: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?PageType=JobDetails&partnerid=25965&siteid=5168&jobId=717947#jobDetails=717947_5168