Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer, Yankari

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Conservation Society is an international nonprofit conservation organization working in more than 60 countries to protect wildlife and wild places through science, field action, education and partnerships.

WCS has worked in Nigeria since 2001, supporting protected-area management, biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods and WASH services in Cross River and Bauchi states.

ROLE PURPOSE

The GIS Officer will support spatial-data management, mapping and analysis for biodiversity monitoring, law enforcement and conservation planning in the WCS Yankari landscape, with possible support to the wider Nigeria programme.

The role will manage geospatial datasets, support field teams using GPS and mapping tools and produce maps and analyses for decision-making. It reports to the Biomonitoring Coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT

• Support ranger and community biomonitoring teams to collect accurate GPS information during patrols and social and ecological surveys.
• Manage spatial databases and ensure appropriate storage, validation and integration of field information.
• Maintain GIS layers covering species distribution, patrol coverage, habitat monitoring and threats.

MAPPING AND ANALYSIS

• Produce maps and spatial analyses supporting law enforcement, biomonitoring, community conservation and conservation planning.
• Analyse patrol data, wildlife observations and threats using GIS software.
• Support ground-truthing of remote-sensing data and integrate findings into conservation strategies.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

• Train rangers and field personnel in GPS use, field-data collection and basic GIS applications.
• Provide technical support for SMART-based patrol monitoring and reporting systems.
• Help develop spatial tools and dashboards for monitoring and reporting.

REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION

• Prepare spatial-data inputs for donor reports, technical briefs and presentations.
• Document GIS processes, methods and lessons for internal knowledge sharing.
• Submit maps and spatial-data products to programme leadership within agreed timelines.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Science or a related field.
• A master’s degree is an advantage.
• At least three years of GIS and spatial-data-management experience, preferably within conservation or natural-resource management.
• Monitoring and evaluation knowledge is an advantage.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, QGIS and GPS tools.
• Familiarity with remote sensing and spatial-analysis methods.
• Experience using SMART or a comparable conservation-monitoring platform is desirable.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
• Spatial-database management and validation.
• GPS field-data collection.
• Remote sensing.
• Ability to train and mentor field personnel.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and report writing.
• Ability to work in remote and challenging environments.
• Teamwork across technical and field teams.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of a relevant local language is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel to other field sites.
• Commitment to conservation and community engagement.

CONTRACT DETAILS

• Employment type: Full-time.
• Contract type: Fixed-term.
• Duration: Thirteen months, renewable subject to funding.
• Duty station: Yankari, Bauchi State.
• Reports to: Biomonitoring Coordinator.
• Eligibility: Nigerian nationals only.
• Salary: Not specified.
• Benefits: Competitive compensation and benefits; exact provisions are not specified.
• Number of positions: Not specified.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

WCS is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. WCS does not request payment from applicants.

Role-specific safeguarding and background-check requirements: Not specified.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

This is an email application. No online application link is required.

Applicants must combine their cover letter and résumé into one PDF document and email it to nigeriajobs@wcs.org.

The email subject must be written in capital letters as:

GIS OFFICER, YANKARI

Applications close on 26 August 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment.