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Position title:
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Land Management and Policy Expert
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Reports to:
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Lead Technical Advisor, WCS Mongolia
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Country Program:
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WCS Mongolia
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Location:
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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (with frequent travel to project sites)
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Position type:
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Full-time
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WCS 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.
WCS 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:
Project title: Rehabilitating and conserving the mountain landscapes in the Khangai region of Mongolia for improved ecosystem services and community livelihoods
Implementation agency: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Mongolia
Execution agency: WCS Mongolia/Operational Partner
Government partner: the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC)
Funded by: Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The Land Management and Policy Expert will be a key member of the WCS Khangai team, supporting the implementation of the project focused on restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable natural resource management in central Mongolia. The Expert will implement all activities related to integrated land management planning (a central component of the project) including land and water assessments, the development and improvement of land management plans, and alignment with relevant policies and frameworks. The role involves close coordination with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure land planning processes are science-based, climate-resilient, and inclusive. The Expert will also facilitate inter-agency coordination, promote synergies with related initiatives, and support capacity building at the aimag and soum levels. The Specialist is expected to work closely with the broader WCS operation and program teams, as well as with FAO as Implementation agency, by fostering collaboration and ensuring their work contributes effectively to the organizations’ and national strategic objectives.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of land and water flows, conditions, and ecosystem services by integrating scientific data with local and traditional knowledge to inform planning and restoration interventions.
- Facilitate and guide integrated land use planning processes at aimag and soum levels, ensuring alignment with national policies, project objectives, and international best practices for ecosystem restoration, Sustainable Land Management (SLM), and biodiversity conservation.
- Oversee the development, revision, and implementation of land management and territorial development plans, ensuring they are evidence-based, participatory, gender-responsive, and climate-adaptive.
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder engagement across government agencies, local authorities, community-based organizations, and private sector actors to promote synergies, data sharing, and transparent decision-making mechanisms.
- Drive inter-agency coordination and foster collaborative platforms and task forces at aimag and soum levels to strengthen integrated land management governance.
- Lead capacity-building initiatives by designing and delivering tailored training programs for aimag and soum officials and community representatives on integrated land management planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Collaborate closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) specialist to implement participatory monitoring systems, collect stakeholder feedback, and support adaptive management of land use plans and restoration activities.
- Integrate climate risk assessments and promote climate-resilient, sustainable resource use practices within all land management and restoration planning activities.
- Support the Lead Technical Advisor in preparing accurate and timely technical progress reports, documentation of lessons learned, and contributions to donor reporting requirements.
- Promote cross-program learning, technical mentoring, and institutional capacity strengthening within WCS Mongolia and partners to enhance conservation outcomes and sustainable land management approaches.
- Ensure that project activities contribute strategically to the organizations’ and Mongolia’s conservation priorities and facilitate internal and external knowledge exchange and collaboration.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Qualification:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Land Planning and Management, Agriculture, Rural Development, Hydrology, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in land and water resources management, environmental conservation, or natural resources management.
Technical Skills and Experience:
- Strong experience in land management planning and implementation, including restoration and Sustainable Land Management (SLM).
- Skilled in land and water resource assessments using scientific and local knowledge.
- Proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder coordination and community engagement in land management.
- Experience applying climate risk assessments and climate-adaptive measures.
- Proficient in GIS and spatial data analysis for land use planning and monitoring
- Familiar with international environmental conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
Other Competencies:
- Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills, with ability to present complex information clearly.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
- Fluency in English and Mongolian (spoken and written) is essential.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Submit your 1) CV in English, 2) one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest in and suitability for this position, 3) Diploma copies, and 4) at least 2 reference letters provided by previous line managers, all in one pdf file;
- The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Land Management and Policy Expert” and interested applicants should submit the application to the following email address:
- Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm Friday, 15th of August 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