Conservation Law Enforcement Advisor

Job Summary

WCS is hiring a Conservation Law Enforcement Advisor based in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Uganda. Requiring 15+ years of law enforcement, military, or protected area advisory experience, this full-time role partners with UWA to establish analysis-led ranger operations, manage the Ishasha Operations Room, deploy conservation tech (EarthRanger, SMART), and build sustainable security infrastructure.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Analysis-Led Law Enforcement & Operations Room Management

• Operations Hub Leadership: Establish and manage the Ishasha Operations Room as the central command and communications hub for Protected Area Management and Law Enforcement across the sector.
• Information Analysis Cell: Direct site-based analysts to process, analyze, and disseminate field data, enabling intelligence-led operational and strategic decision-making.
• Conservation Technology Deployment: Implement and oversee training for EarthRanger-SMART integration, anti-poaching cameras, drones, and communications devices for field rangers and operations room staff.

2. Capability Building & Ranger Training

• WCS 5Ps Framework Implementation: Execute a phased build-up of law enforcement capability aligned with WCS standards (Philosophy, Principles, Policies, Procedures, Practices).
• Bespoke Training Curriculum: Develop and deliver training to build an Initial Operating Capability (IOC), enabling UWA rangers to conduct independent, analysis-led patrols.
• Infrastructure Setup: Oversee basic law enforcement infrastructure build-out, including ranger accommodation, training areas, armory maintenance, and field equipment/uniform provisioning.

3. Landscape & Transboundary Security Coordination

• Cross-Departmental Synergy: Coordinate law enforcement operations with Community Conservation, Social Safeguards, and Biodiversity Management to ensure law enforcement acts as an enabling conservation function.
• Landscape Partnering: Participate in landscape-level security planning alongside NGOs combating wildlife crime (e.g., Focused Conservation) and engage in transboundary collaboration meetings with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC).

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Track Record & Technical Competencies

• Workplace Experience: Minimum 15+ years of experience leading, managing, or advising on law enforcement operations within Protected Areas, military formations, or police services.
• Analytical & Security Expertise: Strong grasp of problem-oriented and intelligence-led conservation law enforcement, alongside an understanding of complex social, legal, and political issues affecting QEPA.
• Partnership & Leadership: Proven ability to build, motivate, and advise multidisciplinary teams, with experience developing partnerships in complex political environments.
• African Regional Experience: Prior field experience in Africa is required; direct operational experience within Uganda or Swahili language skills is a strong asset.
• Technology & Communication: Proficiency in park management software, communications technology, and analytical platforms. Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Field Flexibility: Willingness to live and work in a remote field setting in Ishasha, with frequent travel to WCS Uganda program offices and field sites.

Why Join WCS Uganda?

• Frontline Conservation Impact: Directly protect one of East Africa's most iconically biodiverse ecosystems and its renowned wildlife populations.
• Global Network: Work as part of WCS's international network of conservation professionals and protected area specialists.
• Sustainable Legacy: Focus on building sustainable, UWA-owned operational capabilities designed to endure beyond the initial start-up phase.

Skills Required:

• Environmental / Natural / Resource
• Legal / Law