About Us

Job Vacancies

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

WCS is a US non-profit organization founded in 1895, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science-based solutions and conservation actions. With over a century of experience and a global presence in more than 60 nations, WCS has played a pivotal role in establishing over 150 protected areas worldwide. Leveraging biological knowledge and fostering partnerships, the WCS office officially registered in the capital Ulaanbaatar in 2003. Over the past twenty years, WCS Mongolia has implemented activities addressing wildlife health, trade, animal movements, community engagement, and building awareness of and support for protected areas. Through the Mongolia Program, collaboration with governments, communities, NGOs, and industries is prioritized to maintain biodiversity, promote landscape connectivity, and contribute to sustainable resource management. The program's activities encompass wildlife research, protected area and community support, wildlife law development and enforcement, and sustainable infrastructure development.

MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has remained dedicated to safeguarding Mongolia's rich wildlife and expansive landscapes for over two decades. Focusing on the Southern Gobi and the Eastern Steppe along with policy and capacity initiatives at the national level, WCS Mongolia's mission revolves around science-driven, landscape-level conservation. Collaborating with various stakeholders such as governments, communities, NGOs, and industries, the organization prioritizes biodiversity conservation, landscape connectivity, and sustainable resource management at both local and national levels. Through an array of initiatives spanning wildlife research, protected area management, community partnership, policy development, sustainable infrastructure projects, One Health, and climate change adaptation, WCS Mongolia strives to ensure the long-term health and vitality of Mongolia's ecosystems.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Community Engagement Facilitator will support the Community Engagement Officer in implementing impactful community conservation initiatives in the Gobi-steppe ecosystem, specifically in Dornogovi and Sukhbaatar provinces. This role will focus on assisting with partnerships with herder groups, supporting stakeholder collaborations, and promoting sustainable natural resource management practices. The position requires extensive travel to remote locations within these provinces to engage directly with local communities. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Community Engagement Officer in collaborating with existing community groups and support the establishment of new ones to implement sustainable natural resource management and conservation initiatives using participatory approaches. 
• Support the engagement of herder groups in biodiversity conservation and local protected area management. Raise awareness among herder groups in Dornogovi about the impacts of linear infrastructure on livestock and wildlife movement. 
• Assist in facilitating engagement of herder households in Dornogovi on climate change adaptation initiatives focusing on water resource management. 
• Support efforts to strengthen existing local protected areas or assist in establishing new ones by collaborating with local governments and communities. 
• Organize and provide training for community groups on sustainable resource use, land management, and biodiversity conservation, while encouraging participatory decision-making among community members. 
• Support the development of participatory business models and sustainable finance plans for community groups, which may include establishing a community fund to help cope with climatic stressors related to water management. 
• Document community engagement activities for reporting and knowledge sharing, capturing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from various initiatives. 
• Support local awareness activities aimed at promoting conservation and sustainable resource management within communities. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of community-based monitoring programs to track progress and outcomes of conservation initiatives. 
• Represent the project at community workshops and events, ensuring effective communication of project goals to stakeholders. 
• Support other WCS Mongolia programme priorities as needed to advance overall community engagement for conservation in key areas. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor or Master's degree in community or rural development, environmental management, natural resource management and conservation, or a related field. 
• 2 years of experience in community development or environmental projects 

Skills: 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Experience working in rural areas and organizing community workshops and focus groups. 
• Strong group facilitation skills under different social settings 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, including strong presentation skills 
• Willingness to learn about natural resource management and wildlife conservation 
• Adaptability to work in dynamic and challenging environments, particularly in remote areas 

Language Proficiency: 

• Proficient in spoken and written Mongolian and English. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit your 1) CV, 2) diploma copies and 3) one-page cover letter explaining your interest in and suitability for this position;
• The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Community Engagement Facilitator” and interested applicants should submit the following wcsmongolia@wcs.org email address;
• Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm, Wednesday 22^th January 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted;
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program

201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia. Tel: +976-11-323719