Position title:	Restoration and Biodiversity Expert
Reports to:	Lead Technical Advisor, WCS Mongolia
Country Program	WCS Mongolia
Location:	Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (with frequent travel to project sites)
Position type:	Full-time

 

 

 

 

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 Restoration and Biodiversity Expert will be a key member of the WCS Mongolia Khangai team, supporting the project focused on ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation. This role will actively contribute to biodiversity and restoration activities related to land and ecosystem management plans, working closely with the Land Management and Policy Expert to integrate biodiversity objectives into broader land use and restoration efforts. Additionally, the expert will provide specialized technical support on biodiversity and restoration within community-based natural resource management initiatives, collaborating with community engagement teams to strengthen conservation outcomes. This cross-cutting position ensures effective integration of biodiversity and restoration priorities across land management, rehabilitation, and community conservation efforts to advance WCS Mongolia’s strategic goals. The Expert 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:

• Ensure coordination of land management plans with Protected Areas (PA), Locally Protected Areas (LPA), and River Basin Administration (RBA) management plans, supporting the incorporation of biodiversity objectives into the land management plans.
• Support restoration and provide technical assistance for the rehabilitation of high conservation value areas.
• Formulate comprehensive restoration programs focused on headwaters, riparian areas, forestry, and pastureland, integrating biodiversity conservation and community livelihood improvement.
• Provide technical guidance in all forestry-related activities, ensuring alignment with best practices and project objectives.
• Collaborate with the Community Lead to engage existing forest user groups and facilitate the formation of new groups as needed to support community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), using participatory tools such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA).
• Supervise forestry restoration activities, ensuring adherence to established protocols and quality standards, and support the establishment of viable incentive mechanisms for forestry projects.
• Identify opportunities to integrate sustainable forestry practices into community livelihood strategies, fostering economic resilience and empowerment.
• Support the Community Lead to engage local communities in rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and protected areas management efforts, fostering collaboration and stewardship.
• Provide training and capacity-building support to community members and stakeholders on rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, protected areas management, and sustainable resource use.
• Ensure that value chains within project areas consider biodiversity conservation, taking into account the protection of key species and habitats.
• Provide technical input and recommendations to inform policy development related to biodiversity conservation and protected areas management at local, regional, and national levels.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and protected areas management activities, contributing to progress reports and knowledge sharing initiatives.

• Promote learning, cross-program collaboration, and technical mentoring within WCS Mongolia to strengthen institutional capacity and conservation outcomes.
• Ensure project implementation contributes to organizations’ and Mongolia’s strategic priorities and fosters internal knowledge exchange and collaboration.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Qualification:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Ecology, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, or natural resource management.
• Experience supporting community-based restoration or conservation initiatives, ideally in dryland or steppe ecosystems.
• Proven ability to work with grassroots organizations, government partners, and local communities on planning and implementing restoration or land management activities.
• Familiarity with integrating restoration and conservation goals into broader development or policy frameworks is an asset.

Technical Skills and Experience:

• Strong knowledge of restoration ecology, including vegetation dynamics, land degradation processes, and climate-resilient practices.
• Experience using participatory tools such as PRA in community engagement for restoration and natural resource management.
• Preferred: Proficiency in tools for data collection and analysis (e.g., SMART, KoboToolbox, QGIS).

Other Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize technical information and communicate it clearly to different audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Mongolian and English.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully in cross-cultural, multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders including local communities, government, and civil society.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables independently and in coordination with a broader team.

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 – Restoration and Biodiversity Expert” and interested applicants should submit the application to the  following email address: hrmongolia@wcs.org  
• 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