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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a US-based non-profit organization founded in 1895, is dedicated to safeguarding wildlife and wild places through science-driven solutions and impactful conservation actions. With over 125 years of experience, WCS operates in more than 60 nations and has been instrumental in the establishment and management of over 150 protected areas worldwide. Guided by deep biological expertise and collaborative partnerships, WCS expanded its mission to Mongolia in 2003, officially registering its office in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, to support conservation efforts across the region.

MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

WCS Mongolia, established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, has worked for over 20 years to protect the country’s biodiversity and ecosystems, with a focus on the Southern Gobi and Eastern Steppe. The program is driven by the mission to safeguard and restore Mongolia’s ecological integrity, emphasizing biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, and sustainable natural resource management. WCS collaborates with governments, communities, NGOs, and industries to achieve these goals. Key initiatives include wildlife research, protected area management, community partnerships, policy development, sustainable infrastructure, One Health, and climate adaptation, all aimed at ensuring the long-term health and resilience of Mongolia’s ecosystems.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Connectivity and Climate Change Manager will lead efforts to maintain and restore functional connectivity for key wide-ranging nomadic species and advance understanding of climate change impacts on Mongolia’s biodiversity. This role will oversee projects under WCS Mongolia’s 2030 Strategic Priority 2: Ensuring Functional Connectivity and lead scientific components of projects under Strategic Priority 3: Promoting Resilience to Climate Change. The manager will guide a team, ensuring collaboration and performance, and will work closely with the leadership team to integrate efforts across both priorities. They will also monitor project progress, manage budgets, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage the Connectivity and Climate Change program team, overseeing all aspects of habitat connectivity and climate resilience projects (planning, budgeting, implementation, evaluation) to ensure successful outcomes through effective team coordination.
• Provide leadership and mentorship, fostering collaboration, guiding team performance, and ensuring smooth execution of program activities.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders (NGOs, government, academic institutions) to advance landscape connectivity and climate resilience efforts.
• Foster a positive, high-performance team culture, ensuring alignment with WCS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Lead the development of publications, reports, and technical documents to inform conservation strategies, policy, and organizational goals, coordinating team input.
• Oversee the development and implementation of monitoring frameworks for connectivity and climate resilience projects, ensuring data collection and analysis are scientifically rigorous and timely.

2. Landscape Connectivity and Species Mobility

• Lead the Connectivity and Climate Change team in implementing Strategic Priority 2: Ensuring Functional Connectivity, ensuring the movement of key species (khulan, goitered gazelle, Mongolian gazelle, saiga antelope, snow leopard, migratory birds, etc.) across landscapes.
• Guide the team in designing and overseeing research on wildlife movement and connectivity, ensuring scientific rigor and collaboration with the Senior Scientist.
• Collaborate with stakeholders (government, private sector, local communities) to mitigate habitat fragmentation and develop and implement innovative conservation approaches.
• Provide policy recommendations to support landscape connectivity, working closely with the leadership team and key stakeholders to improve policies related to habitat connectivity and infrastructure.
• Work with the Governance and Community Team to develop solutions in collaboration with the private sector, local communities and other stakeholders, advocating for wildlife-friendly infrastructure and conservation solutions.

3. Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation

• Lead the Connectivity and Climate team in implementing the scientific components of Strategic Priority 3: Promoting Resilience to Climate Change, ensuring research on species and ecosystem responses to climate change aligns with broader conservation goals.
• Guide the development of scientifically evidence-based, climate-adaptive conservation strategies.
• Collaborate with the Governance and Community Team to ensure that community-based conservation and awareness approaches are grounded in science on climate change and ensure the integration of biodiversity into Mongolia’s National Adaptation Plan.
• Work with the leadership team to improve policies related to climate resilience.

4. Fundraising and Project Development

• Explore potential funding opportunities and contribute to the development of grant proposals, coordinating your team’s efforts to support landscape connectivity and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Manage project budgets, work plans, and reporting, ensuring alignment with WCS Mongolia’s strategic priorities and keeping the team on track.
• Maintain strong communication with donors, partners, and internal stakeholders, providing timely updates and highlighting project progress.
• Represent WCS Mongolia at relevant international conferences, policy meetings, and working groups related to landscape connectivity and climate resilience.
• Travel to field sites in remote areas of Mongolia to oversee project activities.

Minimum Requirements: 

• PhD in ecology, conservation science, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing and leading science-focused conservation projects, with a proven track record in team leadership and program delivery.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and projects effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Mongolian, with experience in technical writing, policy advocacy, and donor communication.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, maintain effective working relationships, and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

 APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit your 1) CV in English, 2) one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest in and suitability for this position, and 3) Diploma copies;
• The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Connectivity and Climate Change Manager” and interested applicants should submit the following btsolmon@wcs.org email address;
• Applications should be sent on or before April 15^th, Tuesday before 5 pm UB time. 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