Location: Tshivanga, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Reports to: Site Manager, PNKB
Key Collaborators: Deputy Site Manager, Sector Managers, Regional LAB Advisor
Contract Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible
Languages: Fluency in French required; Swahili and English an asset

Overview

The Law Enforcement Advisor supports WCS’s government partner, the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), in the management of law enforcement activities, information analysis, and operational planning in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB), a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding ecological value located in a region of considerable insecurity and instability.

This is an advisory position with no executive authority over ICCN Eco-Guards. The role focuses on mentoring and capacity building, supporting planning and oversight functions, and strengthening the professionalism and performance of park law enforcement teams.

The successful candidate will be primarily based in PNKB but may also be called upon to support other WCS sites in the DRC or the wider Central Africa and Gulf of Guinea region, as required.

Key Responsibilities

All responsibilities must be conducted in accordance with DRC law and WCS policies and procedures relating to Law Enforcement, Human Rights, and the Use of Force.

Capacity Building and Mentorship

•  Ensure that SOPs relating to law enforcement are properly disseminated and understood by sector managers. Organize reminder sessions”.
• – Ensure the follow-up and technical development of the CCOPs manager and ccops operators.

Operational Support

• Advise the Deputy Site Manager and Operations Manager on the planning and coordination of patrols.
• Support the integration of tactical law enforcement operations with risk management practices.
• Assist in applying operational methods adapted to field conditions, threats, and available resources, in line with WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure effective logistical planning and support for field deployments, including mobility, rations, casevac and equipment sustainability.
• Provide operational support to Eco-Guards in the field as required, helping troubleshoot challenges and adapt plans to evolving ground realities.
• Strengthen tactical communications by assisting the implementation of WCS SOPs.

Information Analysis

• Support the integration of tactical law enforcement operations with information-analysis-led approaches.
• Support the PNKB Information Analysis Team to improve systems for collecting information, analysis and fusion, and advising planners and leaders.
• Help identify and assess threats to biodiversity posed by poaching and other illegal activities.

Risk Management

• Monitor and report on operational risks in line with the PNKB Risk Management Plan.
• Coordinate and recommend risk mitigation measures as needed.

Collaboration and Administration 

• Support the development of equipment accountability systems and controlled issue procedures for Eco-Guard equipment.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of personnel records for all law enforcement staff.
• Support and co-ordinate activity with the Community Conservation and Research biomonitoring Programmes.
• Collaborate with APAMU to ensure alignment with WCS policies and SOPs.
• Facilitate cooperation and communication with other law enforcement and security stakeholders operating near the park and within the boundaries, in line with WCS policies.
• Undertake other tasks as reasonably requested by the Site Manager or Deputy Site Manager.
• Be prepared to support the Regional Security Manager with advise and on-the-ground implementation.

Other Duties

Requirements:

Essential: 

• Minimum of five years’ experience in conservation law enforcement advising, military service at the rank of junior non-commissioned officer or above, or a comparable operational leadership role.
• Proven expertise in tactical planning and operational execution within conservation or military contexts.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in French.
• Proficient with standard computer tools for communication, reporting, and basic data management. Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with partners from varied backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote and high-risk field environments with professionalism and resilience.
• Strategic awareness of conservation challenges and priorities within the DRC and WCS’s broader mission.
• Contextual sensitivity and strong moral courage.

Preferred: 

• 10 years’ experience in in conservation law enforcement advising, military service as an Officer or Senior Non-Commissioned Officer above, or a comparable operational leadership role.
• English and Swahili language skills.
• Experience using EarthRanger and SMART.
• Previous experience as a trainer and mentor.