Community Engagement Coordinator

Job Overview

The Community Engagement Coordinator position at Wildlife Conservation Society is based in Ishasha within the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. This full-time role reports directly to the Rights & Communities Manager and involves managing Community Engagement Officer(s). The position requires extensive travel to remote locations around Ishasha to engage directly with local communities on conservation initiatives.

The primary purpose of this role is to support the implementation of impactful community conservation initiatives. This includes leading consultations, raising awareness about park activities, supporting human wildlife conflict mitigation, implementing social safeguards mechanisms and building the capacity of community institutions. The coordinator will work closely with multiple teams including biodiversity management, law enforcement and regional thematic specialists.

This role is critical for ensuring that conservation efforts in the Ishasha region are inclusive and beneficial to local communities. The coordinator will represent community interests to management and partner organizations while tracking the effectiveness of engagement activities and adjusting approaches as needed. Success in this position requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a commitment to both conservation and community development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute community engagement activities to reach target audiences in accordance with the community conservation plan and social safeguards plan.
• Build strong relationships with communities local and civil society organizations community representatives and other local stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.
• Ensure engagement of diverse groups and community members in park activities including women youth and other vulnerable or target audiences through inclusive outreach strategies.
• Lead consultations with communities and community institutions as required and related to project activities ensuring free prior and informed consent processes are followed.
• Support the roll-out of a grievance redress mechanism and other social safeguards mechanisms through community engagement to address concerns and prevent conflicts.
• Support human wildlife conflict mitigation efforts through community engagement by facilitating dialogue and promoting coexistence strategies between communities and wildlife.
• Represent the community’s interests and concerns to the management and partner organizations ensuring community voices are heard in decision-making processes.
• Track the effectiveness of community engagement activities and adjust the approach as needed based on feedback and monitoring data to improve outcomes.
• Provide targeted training and support to community members and organizations to build their capacity for sustainable natural resource management and conservation participation.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelors degree in social sciences community development environmental management or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of three years proven experience in community engagement community development or conservation work preferably within Uganda or similar contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to plan facilitate and document community consultations meetings and workshops with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of human wildlife conflict issues social safeguards principles and community based natural resource management approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proficiency in English and at least one local language spoken in the Ishasha region such as Lukiga or Runyankole.
• Willingness and ability to undertake frequent travel to remote locations and work in challenging field conditions with basic amenities.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in conservation social development or a related field.
• Experience working with indigenous communities or pastoralist groups in protected area settings.
• Knowledge of Ugandan wildlife legislation policies and regulations governing protected areas and community rights.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks for community engagement initiatives including data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with gender equality and social inclusion GESI principles and their application in conservation programming.
• Proficiency in using digital tools for community mapping data collection and report writing.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications within the NGO sector in Uganda.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and immediate dependents.
• Transport facilitation including vehicle access for field work and fuel allowances for travel to remote community sites.
• Accommodation support or housing allowance when working extended periods in Ishasha or other field locations.
• Professional development opportunities including training workshops and conference attendance relevant to conservation and community engagement.
• Leave entitlements including annual leave sick leave and public holidays in accordance with Ugandan labor laws and WCS policies.
• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized conservation organization making tangible impact on biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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