Community Conservation Manager

Job Overview

The Community Conservation Manager position at Wildlife Conservation Society is based in Ishasha, within the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. This full‑time role focuses on building strong relationships with local communities, traditional leaders, and partner organisations to support conservation goals. The manager will lead efforts to reduce human‑wildlife conflict, promote local employment, and integrate community perspectives into protected area management. By working closely with the Sector Manager and various technical teams, the incumbent ensures that community conservation activities align with the overall strategic plan for Ishasha.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with local communities, traditional and local authorities, partner organisations and other stakeholders as required, building a strong constituency of support for conservation initiatives. This involves scheduling regular meetings, listening to community concerns, sharing updates about protected area activities, and collaborating on joint projects that benefit both people and wildlife.

Implement a stakeholder engagement strategy that ensures clear communication channels between the protected area management and surrounding villages. The manager will design outreach materials such as flyers and posters, organise community forums at accessible venues, and use local radio programmes to disseminate information about upcoming patrols, wildlife sightings, and conservation successes.

Facilitate local employment opportunities within the protected area to build goodwill. By identifying suitable positions for community members, coordinating recruitment processes, and advocating for fair wages, the manager helps create economic benefits that reinforce conservation support and reduce reliance on unsustainable resource use.

Support and build capacity of community institutions in governance and participation in protected area management. This includes conducting training workshops on leadership, financial management, and conflict resolution for community committees, wildlife scouts, and user groups, enabling them to contribute effectively to decision‑making processes.

Obtain a strong understanding of local community dynamics around Ishasha, maintaining a strong situational awareness and incorporate insights into protected area management and security efforts. Regular field visits, informal conversations, and participation in community events keep the manager informed about emerging issues such as land‑use changes, resource conflicts, or cultural considerations.

Lead the implementation and adaptive management of a community conservation strategic implementation plan based on agreed strategic priorities. The manager will set annual targets, monitor progress through indicators such as the number of conflict incidents mitigated and households engaged, and adjust activities in response to changing conditions or feedback from stakeholders.

Lead, develop and oversee human‑wildlife conflict mitigation measures. This involves assessing conflict hotspots, promoting deterrent techniques such as chili fences, beehive fences, and guard dogs, coordinating rapid response teams when incidents occur, and documenting lessons learned to improve future interventions.

Lead consultations and engagement with communities relating to protected area management activities, for example species monitoring programmes, anti‑poaching patrols, or tourism development initiatives. The manager ensures that community feedback shapes operational plans, that benefits from conservation are shared equitably, and that any potential negative impacts are addressed through participatory problem‑solving.

Qualifications & Experience

A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, sociology, community development, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in conservation biology, rural development, or public administration is considered an advantage and may strengthen a candidate’s application.

Minimum of five years of progressive experience working in community‑based conservation, natural resource management, or rural development projects within Uganda or similar East African contexts. Experience should include direct interaction with rural communities and implementation of conservation outreach activities.

Proven track record of designing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies, including experience with human‑wildlife conflict mitigation programmes. Candidates should be able to demonstrate measurable outcomes such as reduced conflict incidents or increased community participation in conservation meetings.

Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups such as elders, youth, women’s groups, and local government officials. Fluency in English and Luganda or Runyakitara is essential; knowledge of additional local languages spoken around Ishasha is a plus.

Experience in supervising and mentoring staff, including human‑wildlife conflict officers, community engagement coordinators, and wildlife scouts. Ability to prepare clear reports, manage budgets, and use basic GIS tools for mapping community resources and conflict incidents is also required. A valid Ugandan driver’s licence and willingness to travel frequently to remote villages within the Ishasha sector are necessary.

Benefits & Perks

Wildlife Conservation Society offers a competitive salary that aligns with international NGO standards for the Ugandan market. Employees receive a monthly housing allowance to help secure suitable accommodation near the work site, reducing the burden of finding housing in a remote location.

A transport allowance covers fuel and vehicle maintenance for official duties, ensuring managers can reach communities without personal expense. This support enables regular field visits and timely responses to emerging conservation issues.

Daily lunch provision or a meal subsidy is provided during field days, helping staff stay nourished while working in remote locations where food options may be limited. The organisation also supplies safe drinking water during extended outreaches.

Comprehensive health insurance covers inpatient and outpatient care for the employee and their immediate dependents, providing peace of mind. In addition, WCS offers access to counselling services and wellness programmes to support mental health.

The organisation supports professional development through paid attendance at relevant workshops, conferences, and short courses, both locally and internationally. Generous annual leave entitlement, public holiday observance, and sick leave provisions promote work‑life balance and long‑term career growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the online portal. Please click the link below to access the application form, upload your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and copies of academic and professional certificates.

Apply here

Applications must be received before the deadline of 26 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. For any inquiries, email the recruitment team at [email protected].

About the Company

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global non‑governmental organisation dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. In Uganda, WCS works closely with government agencies, local communities, and other partners to protect critical ecosystems such as the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area.

The Ishasha sector is renowned for its unique tree‑climbing lions, large herbivore populations, and rich birdlife. WCS’s community conservation programme aims to ensure that local people benefit from and participate in the stewardship of these natural resources, fostering long‑term coexistence between humans and wildlife.

By joining WCS as a Community Conservation Manager, you will become part of a dedicated team that combines field expertise with innovative approaches to address conservation challenges. The organisation values integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable development.

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