Program Intern (Oban, Okwangwo, Mbe & Afi)

About WCS

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a U.S.-based non-profit, tax-exempt organisation established in 1895, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science-driven solutions and conservation actions that benefit both nature and humanity. With over a century of experience, long-term commitments across diverse landscapes, operations in more than 60 countries, and a track record of supporting the establishment of over 150 protected areas worldwide, WCS has built unparalleled biological expertise, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant wildlife and ecosystems thrive alongside local communities. By working directly with communities and organisations, WCS applies this knowledge to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management challenges that are critical to improving the quality of life for rural populations whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

Since 2001, WCS has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Nigeria, safeguarding critical wildlife habitats and species such as the Cross River gorilla, savannah and forest elephants, and other threatened fauna. Alongside biodiversity protection, WCS supports local livelihoods and improves access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for surrounding communities, addressing development challenges while fostering conservation awareness. In Cross River State, WCS has provided support to strengthen the protection and management of Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mbe Mountains Community Forest. In Bauchi State, WCS collaborates with the state government to provide technical expertise for the effective conservation and management of Yankari Game Reserve.

Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and integrity.

WCS is committed to preventing and mitigating harm arising from its conservation and development programmes. Safeguarding helps ensure that activities respect the rights, dignity, safety and well-being of local communities, including people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and those who may face greater barriers or risks.

Effective field-level support is required to implement safeguarding measures, strengthen inclusive community engagement, operate the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), monitor emerging risks and maintain reliable documentation across programme activities.

Job Summary:

The Internship program aims to provide graduates with practical, hands-on training, learning, and work experience while allowing interns to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment. The Program Intern supports field program implementation, including ecological monitoring and community engagement, while providing the Program Intern with practical training in wildlife protection, spatial data collection, and conservation management. The program aims to help the successful intern applicant explore career opportunities, develop new skills and competencies, and build professional working relationships that enhances their employability.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support field teams in collecting biodiversity and law enforcement monitoring data using SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) technology and CyberTracker.
• Assist with camera trap deployment, data retrieval, image sorting, and species identification.
• Participate in forest patrols and wildlife transect surveys under supervision.
• Assist with community outreach, environmental education, and awareness campaigns in target communities.
• Support data collection for socioeconomic assessments, alternative livelihood programs, and local conservation committee (e.g. FMC/CAMM/CAAFiM, etc.) meetings.
• Support implementation of livelihood activities.
• Assist in entering, cleaning, and managing ecological and community survey data.
• Draft monthly progress updates, field activity reports, and meeting summaries.
• Assist with the digital and physical archives of field photos, data sheets, and GPS tracks maintenance and organization, and any other information.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Supervisor aligned with conservation objectives.
• Monthly Activity Reports: Summarising completed field trips, data entries, and learning milestones.
• Data Logbooks: Accurate SMART/GPS/Camera trap records submitted at the end of each field cycle.
• End-of-Internship Presentation/Report: Highlighting key contributions, lessons, skills acquired, and recommendations for future iterations of the internship program

Job Qualifications:

• A recent graduate (B.Sc., HND, or equivalent) or final-year student in Forestry, Wildlife Management, Zoology, Environmental Science, Geography, Sociology, or related fields.

• Local familiarity with Cross River State geography, culture, and field terrain is a strong advantage.

• Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and community development.

• Ability and willingness to camp, hike long distances, and work under basic conditions in humid tropical rainforest environments in Cross River State.

• Familiarity with basic computer tools (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel). Exposure to GPS devices, ArcGIS, QGIS, or SMART software is a plus.

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to communicate effectively with local community members (knowledge of local languages such as Ejagham, Bokyi, etc., is highly valued).

• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and high standards of integrity.

  Why Join Us?

• Dynamic Team: Join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your ideas and everyone's input are valued.

• Growth Opportunities: We believe in providing an enabling environment to develop your career. We are committed to developing your skills and competencies and offer opportunities for career advancement.

• Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values respect, teamwork, and excellence.

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Gain practical experience in a conservation program
  • Good understanding and working experience in an international NGO.
  • Build real workplace competencies and skills and gain valuable working experience for future opportunities.