Regional Human Rights Specialist, Africa
- 🇷🇼 Rwanda
- On-site
- Staff / Principal
- 1 day ago
- $70,000
Internal Job Description
Job Purpose
The Regional Human Rights Specialist will lead and support the standardization of human rights integration and rights-based approaches across WCS conservation programs throughout Africa. The position will provide strategic and technical guidance to country programs and field sites to support human rights integration in conservation law enforcement, conduct human rights impact analyses, assist in investigation or fact-finding around human rights issues as requested, develop recommendations for country programs or landscapes to address human rights issues and risks, and oversee the review of rights-respecting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field operations.
This position reports to the Director of Africa Protected Areas Management Unit (APAMU), and will play a critical role in the APAMU team in fulfilling the needs of a human rights based approach. The position will maintain a dotted line of reporting to the Senior Human Rights Specialist in Rights & Communities Global, for final approval and review of substantive human rights products and in order to coordinate with broader WCS policy and approaches outside of Africa. The position will also coordinate closely with regional and country level human rights, law enforcement, safeguards and communities staff.
This position will require significant travel to remote field locations and sites where WCS works, and working with diverse teams from different country programs. The candidate will be expected to undertake planning and coordination as necessary with global, regional and country or site-level counterparts.
Internal Qualification Requirements
Advanced degree in Law or other relevant field with a specialization in human rights; a first degree with relevant experience and certificates can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human rights advocacy, research, policy or monitoring and reporting.
Proven experience working directly with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society organizations, and/or government stakeholders in the context of Africa.
Fluency in English and ability to work professionally in French.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in conservation programs or issues relating to conservation.
Experience with grassroots advocacy or human rights defenders.
Fluency in Portuguese or African languages relevant to program areas.
Core Competencies and Skills
Technical Competencies
Strong knowledge of international human rights standards and frameworks, and regional African frameworks
Knowledge of both civil law and common law based systems for law enforcement.
Understanding of human rights-based approaches to conservation and development including institutional due diligence practices.
Demonstrated experience conducting human rights assessments and risk assessments and to develop appropriate methodologies.
Understanding of gender integration, Indigenous Peoples rights.
Experience developing policies, guidance documents, and operational procedures.
Professional Skills
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
Effective at organization, time-management, and self-directed field work.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Strong stakeholder engagement and interview skills.
Ability to work effectively across cultures and multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to influence and support change across diverse country programs.
How to apply
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience should apply through the application tab by October 30, 2026. We review received applications on a rolling basis.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensure that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate against employment based on age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.
#LI-AS1
- Salary Range: $70,000
Regional Human Rights Specialist, Africa · Wildlife Conservation Society