Director of Okapi Wildlife Reserve

About the role

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Director of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based permanently at the reserve headquarters in Epulu, the Director will guide the reserve through the next phase of its 10‑year management agreement, overseeing all operational, strategic and partnership activities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the reserve’s 300‑person staff across six departments.
• Manage ranger deployment, wildlife protection, and anti‑poaching initiatives.
• Lead community liaison, sustainable agriculture support, and tourism development programs.
• Oversee research collaborations, fundraising, reporting, communications and monitoring & evaluation.
• Maintain strong relationships with government agencies, enforcement bodies and partner organizations.
• Administer a significant budget and ensure efficient day‑to‑day program operations.

Required profile

• Extensive experience managing large, complex conservation projects in challenging environments.
• Proven leadership and staff development capabilities.
• Excellent communication, diplomatic and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to operate safely in insecure areas.

Required skills

• Budget and financial management.
• Program monitoring and evaluation.
• Fundraising and donor reporting.
• Community outreach and partnership building.