Wildlife Project Coordinator (Nigeria-based)

Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation is a Nigerian NGO established to engage the African business sector in conservation in Africa and to demonstrate that private sector investment can make nature conservation profitable.  We have selected Gashaka-Gumti as our first project and have signed a 30-year partnership agreement with the Nigerian National Park Service (PkS) establishing a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) co-management model.

Main purpose of position

ANI is seeking a highly organised and efficient Wildlife Project Coordinator who works well within a team for a two-year project focused on tackling elephant ivory and pangolin trafficking in Nigeria (hereafter referred to as the “Project”). The Wildlife Project Coordinator will provide support to ensure efficient implementation of the Project and timely completion of Project deliverables.  The key responsibilities will include stakeholder outreach and engagement, research and advocacy support, co-ordination with Project partners involved in Project implementation, and providing support for organising workshops / events and donor reporting.

Salary: Competitive

Deadline for applications: Monday, 16 November 2020

Organisational matters

The Wildlife Project Coordinator will report to the ANI Executive Director with priority objectives and tasks determined by the Project workplan. The Wildlife Project Officer will work closely with team members of  the Environmental Investigation Agency, UK (EIA) which is ANI’s Project partner. The role is for a period of two years with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance. The position will be based in Lagos however, it will be possible to work from home during 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Travel within Nigeria (especially to Abuja) and possibly in the region will be required as part of the role, subject to government travel restrictions related to the pandemic.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Stakeholder engagement and outreach

• Prepare a roadmap of stakeholders in Nigeria relevant for tackling wildlife trafficking and develop a strategy for stakeholder outreach
• Conduct targeted outreach and engagement with relevant stakeholders
• Participate in relevant meetings /events to engage key stakeholders
• Pro-actively identify strategic opportunities to further Project objectives (eg developing relationships with new contacts, identifying new strands of work, etc.).

Advocacy support

• Conduct research on relevant topics
• Assist in the production of external reports and materials
• Disseminate Project materials as required to a variety of audiences including to Nigerian government officials, media, and civil society organisations
• Monitor key developments relevant to the Project such as wildlife trade legislative and policy developments.

Project co-ordination

• Act as a liaison between ANI, EIA, and other Project partners as directed
• Provide support for organising workshops, roundtables, webinars, and field visits
• Co-ordinate with Project partners for implementation of Project activities
• Prepare and maintain contacts and mailing lists
• Arrange design, translation and printing of Project materials
• Participate in internal team meetings.

Information management

• Collect, analyse and manage data and information for assessing Project progress in line with the Project strategy and monitoring and evaluation plan
• Maintain comprehensive and organised records of Project activities, financial information, contacts and historic archives
• Ensure Project materials are organised and accessible.

Grant management

• Assist in all Project quarterly & annual donor reporting, including liaising with Project partners, drafting financial and narrative reports
• Assist with Project planning, including tracking and maintaining a workplan of Project activities.

Line Management

• Manage project volunteers and consultants as required.

Person specification

Essential

• Educated to degree level in a relevant field such as communications; journalism; law / public policy or science
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proven research skills
• Personable/persuasive with ability to confidently engage contacts from various fields
• Ability to work independently with strong time-management and organisation skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse professional contacts
• Ability to work well within a diverse team
• Legal right to work in Nigeria
• Prepared to travel at short notice
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Desirable

• Experience in working with the Nigerian government on environmental policy issues
• Experience with organising workshops, seminars or roundtables in Nigeria
• Experience in illegal wildlife trade issues, conservation or environmental issues
• Understanding of donor reporting and compliance (ideally US government funding)
• Experience with project management
• Experience working in an international environment, or with partners based overseas
• Working knowledge or fluency in at least French or Yoruba.

Terms and Conditions: This will be a full-time position with a competitive salary starting as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please send a CV & covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this position to Tunde Morakinyo tundem@africanatureinvestors.org.