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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of vulnerable rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has dedicated over two decades to the conservation of Mongolia’s rich wildlife and expansive landscapes. The organization focuses on science-driven, landscape-level conservation, with key efforts in the Southern Gobi and Eastern Steppe, alongside emerging initiatives in Central Mongolia. In addition to regional projects, WCS Mongolia engages in national-level conservation efforts, collaborating with governments, communities, NGOs, and industries to promote biodiversity preservation, landscape connectivity, and sustainable resource management. In 2024, WCS Mongolia launched a five-year strategy focused on three key pillars: enhancing ecological function, strengthening landscape connectivity, and building resilience to climate change. These pillars guide the organization’s work, with the overarching vision of ensuring Mongolia’s ecological integrity for future generations.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The GEF-funded project "Rehabilitating and conserving the mountain landscapes in the Khangai region of Mongolia for improved ecosystem services and community livelihoods" is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and executed by WCS Mongolia as the Operational Partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and other relevant government agencies. WCS Mongolia is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring technical implementation, operational oversight, and compliance with GEF and FAO policies and procedures, with the project scheduled to run from 2025 to 2030.

The project focuses on the Khangai region, a critical mountain landscape in Mongolia, with the goal of restoring ecosystems, enhancing ecosystem services like water and soil health, and improving the resilience of local communities through sustainable land management and climate adaptation strategies. It aims to improve livelihoods while addressing biodiversity conservation and the impacts of climate change.

The governance structure of the project includes a Project Steering Committee (PSC), which provides strategic guidance and approves work plans and budgets. FAO, as the GEF Implementing Agency, provides oversight and ensures the project adheres to GEF policies and technical, operational and financial standards. The Government of Mongolia plays a vital role in supporting policy alignment and facilitating implementation at both the national and local levels.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Technical Advisor (LTA) will be in charge of daily technical implementation of the project, on behalf of the Project Steering Committee. LTA will provide strategic, technical, and program managerial leadership for the overall implementation and successful delivery of the GEF-FAO funded project. As WCS’s technical lead for the project, they will oversee the delivery of all project outputs and outcomes, ensuring high-quality implementation that meets GEF standards and delivers lasting conservation and development impact. The LTA will supervise the national project technical team, coordinate with FAO and government stakeholders, and represent the project at the national and international levels. They will lead on planning, adaptive management, technical integration, cross-sector collaboration, and knowledge generation, and ensure that WCS fulfils its role as the executing body. They will also work closely with WCS Mongolia leadership and other teams, aligning the project outcomes with WCS Mongolia's 2030 strategy goals, the FAO-GEF partnership, FAO Mongolia Country Programming Framework (2023-2027) and, ensuring collaborative efforts across teams to achieve broader partnership objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership and coordination for the GEF-FAO funded project, ensuring its successful execution and alignment with GEF objectives and WCS conservation goals.
• Lead adaptive management across the project, guiding implementation strategies, results-based monitoring, and the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, climate resilience, and Indigenous and local knowledge.
• Supervise and support technical specialists and project staff responsible to build local ownership and successfully deliver the project's ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and community livelihood components.
• Lead the production of technical outputs such as reports, knowledge products, policy briefs, and case studies, and support project communications and visibility.
• Coordinate the implementation of the project’s Monitoring Plan and Communications Plan, including contributions to FAO’s (Implementing Agency) mid-term and terminal evaluations and engagement with the Independent Office of Evaluation.
• Ensure timely submission of project deliverables, including periodic technical and financial reports, Project Progress Reviews, and contributions to the Project Implementation Review, in line with FAO and GEF requirements.
• Lead the development of annual work plans, budgets, and implementation strategies in close coordination with FAO, government agencies, and local stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with FAO and ensure that project oversight and supervision is carried out by the PSC and the budget holder, with the support of project task force members.
• Ensure that WCS Mongolia, as the executing agency, upholds financial, technical, and reporting responsibilities in accordance with the project agreement.
• Work closely with the finance and leadership team in WCS Mongolia to ensure sound financial performance; develop, plan and have approved the project’s annual budgets and related contracting and procurement.
• Ensure effective management of sub-agreements, including timely reporting, compliance with financial provisions, and accurate and transparent accounting in line with FAO and WCS procedures.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between WCS Mongolia and FAO as the GEF Implementing Agency, ensuring compliance with FAO and GEF standards and procedures.
• Facilitate coordination with relevant national programs, international partners, and local stakeholders to ensure harmonization with existing and emerging initiatives.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement and implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, ensuring inclusive participation of local communities, government partners, and civil society.
• Work with WCS colleagues, authorities in Mongolia, and international agencies to promote biodiversity conservation, influence policy, and direct international attention towards conservation priorities in Mongolia.
• Represent the project in high-level policy dialogue, donor briefings, and national and international learning events.
• Promote internal learning, cross-program collaboration, and technical mentoring for WCS Mongolia staff, ensuring that project knowledge contributes to broader conservation outcomes and institutional growth.
• Ensure that the project supports and contributes to WCS Mongolia’s strategic priorities, facilitates learning and knowledge exchange across WCS teams, and encourages active participation and collaboration with the broader WCS Mongolia team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, multi-sectoral landscape planning and management, natural resource management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in ecosystem-based conservation, climate adaptation, or land management projects, preferably with GEF or other multilateral donor funding.
• Demonstrated experience working in cross-sector, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including collaboration with government agencies.
• Strong understanding of policy frameworks relevant to biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and ecosystem restoration.
• Proven leadership and staff management skills, with experience guiding technical teams and mentoring professionals.
• Experience in project design, results-based management, and technical reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Mongolian.
• Ability to travel frequently to remote field sites and adapt to challenging working environments.
• Commitment to WCS values, including respect, accountability, inclusion, and integrity.

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 all in one pdf file;
• The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Lead Technical Advisor” and interested applicants should submit the following btsolmon@wcs.org email address;
• Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm Wednesday 4^th June 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