*Communications Assistant needed at Wildlife Conservation Society*

As the Communications Assistant is about to go on maternity leave, WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) is seeking an interim Communications Assistant. This person will strengthen the team by providing operational support to the Communications Manager during this transitional period.

no later than September 19, 2025

Job title: Communications Assistant (M/F) – Temporary Contract type: Fixed-term contract Duration: 3 months  Location: Garoua, Cameroon, with frequent travel to field sites (Benue and Bouba Ndjidda National Parks, peripheral hunting areas, as well as in the localities of Tcholliré and Rey Bouba) Supervision: Communications Manager of the WCS Bouba Ndjidda Landscape – Benue

Projects Concerned  : BSB Yamoussa (KfW), NaturAfrica (EU)

Under the direct supervision of the WCS Landscape Communications Manager Bouba Ndjidda Bénoué, the interim communications assistant will be responsible for providing support in the implementation of landscape communications, public relations/media and advocacy activities.

 

I-                CONTEXT

Wildlife Conservation Society works to conserve wildlife and natural habitats through rigorous science, an international environmental education program, and the management of the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks. These activities help change people’s attitudes toward nature and aim to promote viable and sustainable interactions between people and wildlife at local and global scales.

WCS has been present in Cameroon since 1988 and since then has been working with the Cameroonian government for the management of several protected areas and the training of numerous conservationist executives. Currently, the WCS Cameroon program is working on three main landscapes, namely the Takamanda-Mone landscape, the Mbam & Djerem landscape, and the WCS Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué Landscape, which includes the Operational Technical Unit (UTO) of the Bénoué National Park (PNB) and the UTO of the Bouba Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), the latter of which is connected to the Sena Oura National Park (PNSO) in Chad, via the BSB Yamoussa transboundary project supervised by COMIFAC.

In the WCS Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué Landscape, WCS implements activities for conservation, stability and sustainable development in and around the WCS Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué Landscape. The program is part of WCS’s long-term intervention which aims to promote a good governance approach to land use that balances human use and exploitation of natural resources, wildlife protection, including the management of protected areas.

In order to ensure the continuity of the activities of the communication department, WCS Cameroon is looking for a communication assistant for the WCS Bouba Ndjidda Landscape – Bénoué who will be responsible for supporting the communication manager of the WCS Bouba Ndjidda Landscape – Bénoué for the communication and visibility of communication activities in order to promote, disseminate and support the objectives of the WCS conservation strategy.   The selected candidate will be based at the landscape administrative office located in Garoua, and will be required to go into the field to support the activities of ongoing projects.

 

II-              JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communication strategy for the North Cameroon program:

–        Participate in the implementation of communication actions of the annual communication work plan of the North Cameroon program

–        Support the communications manager in monitoring and evaluating the communications strategy and plan, in collaboration with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation and Learning team.

–        Be the focal point for communication and visibility of projects implemented in the Bénoué National Park and its peripheral areas.

• Internal communication and inter-partner coordination:

–        Provide technical support in terms of communication in community awareness activities.

–        Facilitate the design of communication products and awareness of projects

–        Support the communications manager in preparing and holding various regular project communications coordination meetings.

• Development, management and updating of communication channels for the North Cameroon program:

–        Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, manage social networks and all other digital platforms set up in the North Cameroon Landscape.

–        Be involved in the design and regular production of newsletters, information sheets, brochures, and project infographics.

–        Produce stories and articles (social networks, websites, etc.) and have them validated by the Communications Manager.

–        Support projects in the design of branding tools (clothing, etc.) for the projects.

• North Cameroon Program Media Relations:

–        Support the communications manager in managing requests and visits from national and international media as needed.

–        Manage the platform bringing together journalists/presenters involved in the theme of biodiversity conservation, working in northern Cameroon.

–      Participate in the preparation of Questions and Answers, key messages and preparatory meeting notes for the spokespersons of the North Cameroon program

–        Facilitate practical and logistical aspects for media, photographers and filmmakers within and outside the program, in line with the guidelines of the North Cameroon program

• Project management:

–        Ensure the implementation of mechanisms for managing project communication equipment

–        Participate in monthly activity planning and capacity building sessions.

III-           JOB REQUIREMENTS

Training and qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree (Bac+3) in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field.
• A specialization in digital communication and computer graphics is a plus.
• Language proficiency:
  • Perfect written and oral expression in French.
  • Good level of English

Technical skills

• Writing & editing: ability to write press releases, articles, newsletters, speeches, social media posts.
• Computer tools: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), collaborative suites (Outlook).
• Photography and audiovisual shooting skills
• Visual communication tools: Canva (priority), Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (same basic level appreciated).
• Digital communication: social media management, website updates (WordPress or equivalent), basic SEO.
• Event management: logistical organization, coordination of service providers, management of invitations.
• Media monitoring: monitoring and analysis of press coverage, creation of press reviews and writing of press reviews

Soft skills

• Organization and rigor: knowing how to manage several tasks and respect deadlines.
• Creativity: proposing new ideas to improve visibility.
• Initiative: be proactive in anticipating communication needs.
• Interpersonal skills: ease in interacting with different audiences (partners, journalists, colleagues).
• Responsiveness: knowing how to manage unforeseen or urgent situations.

• Discretion & sense of diplomacy: especially when handling internal or sensitive information.

Professional experience

• 1 to 3 years of experience in communications, press relations or marketing.
• Experience in an NGO, public institution or international sector is a significant asset.

Other requirements

• Availability for travel during events or field missions.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of the local context and sensitivity to the organization’s issues (e.g.: conservation, sustainable development, public health, etc.).

IV-          HOW TO APPLY?

Any interested person is invited to send their application to WCS Cameroon, preferably electronically, to the address: rhrecruitment@wcs.org no later than September 19, 2025, including:

– A reasoned request addressed to the Country Director of WCS Cameroon: (LM_Candidate name);

– A Curriculum Vitae: (CV_ Candidate’s name);

– Subject: Communications Assistant (Interim)