Director of Okapi Wildlife Reserve

About the role

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a Director to lead the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the 13,000 km² protected area, overseeing all aspects of reserve management, staff, and partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic direction and day‑to‑day operational leadership for the reserve.
• Manage ranger deployment, wildlife protection, and anti‑poaching activities.
• Oversee community liaison, sustainable livelihood programs, and engagement with local Mbuti and Efé peoples.
• Lead research initiatives, tourism development, fundraising, reporting, and communications.
• Supervise monitoring & evaluation, capacity building of national staff, and performance management.
• Administer a significant budget and ensure efficient program operations.
• Maintain strong relationships with ICCN, government agencies, and partner organizations.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in large protected‑area or conservation management.
• Proven ability to operate in remote, insecure environments.
• Strong diplomatic, communication, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Experience managing a staff of around 300 across multiple departments.
• Track record of budget oversight, fundraising, and reporting.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of DRC wildlife and conservation context is a plus.

Required skills

• Budget management
• Monitoring & evaluation
• Staff development and capacity building
• Stakeholder engagement
• Wildlife protection planning
• Community outreach
• Fundraising and reporting