Job Description
Job Title:
Law Enforcement Co-ordinator, Cameroon
Section (optional):
Regional Programmes
Department:
West and North Africa Conservation Programme
Directorate:
Conservation Programmes
Responsible to:
Cameroon Country Manager
Current job holder: N/A
Approved by:
Head of Department/ Director:
Jonathan Baillie
Job Description
Key Purpose of the Job
This post will oversee all aspects of ZSL’s work to support law enforcement and address
illegal wildlife trade in Cameroon. ZSL Cameroon is currently expanding its wildlife protection
activities to combat poaching and trafficking through; establishing field based information
gathering networks, supporting arrest operations against traffickers and strengthening
judiciary follow up of court cases. This will primarily focus on illegal wildlife trade affecting
two priority landscapes for the programme, the Dja complex and Lake Ossa/Douala-Edea.
Activities include; the management of community surveillance networks, providing support to
project teams and partners on law enforcement operations and procedures; establishing and
managing information gathering networks and judiciary follow up of court cases. In
collaboration with the country manager and relevant project staff the post holder will develop
and implement a law enforcement strategy, to be integrated into the Cameroon Country
Strategic Plan. The post-holder will also provide technical input on project development,
design, delivery and reporting. He/she will assist with maintaining existing and developing
new, relationships and partnerships with relevant stakeholders including Cameroonian
authorities, judiciary, donor agencies, local and international NGOs, private sector actors,
research institutions and local communities.
The post will be based at ZSL’s office in Yaoundé, main field sites in the East Region and
Lake Ossa with regular national and regional travel as required.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Law Enforcement
 In collaboration with ZSL’s Country Manager relevant project staff and project partners to
develop and implement a law enforcement strategy.
 Lead implementation of law enforcement activities in priority landscapes to improve
effectiveness of support to control poaching and illegal wildlife trade
 Develop written guidelines and procedures for all relevant law enforcement activities.
 Management of field based information networks to include overseeing collection,
exploitation and transmission of sensitive information.
 Provide support to project and partner teams in the planning and execution of enforcement
activities (targeted arrest operations, drafting and forwarding court complaint reports,
judiciary follow up of court cases etc…) in the field.
 Ensuring country manager, relevant colleagues and key partners are kept up to date on
emerging issues related to poaching, illegal wildlife trade, judiciary system, corruption,
security etc…
 Monitor and assess the performance of law enforcement activities carried out in various field
sites and provide technical assistance where necessary.
 Maintain a confidential and secure database of law enforcement data.
 Support relevant government authorities to set up effective informant networks and provide
ongoing technical support as required.
 Oversee the implementation and management of Community Surveillance Networks in
priority landscapes.
 Engage with key stakeholders working within the judicial system in order to improve law
enforcement, and deliver appropriate sentencing for serious wildlife crime in accordance with
Cameroon law.
 Follow up on, record (and where necessary attend) court cases involving serious wildlife
crime.
Programme development, co-ordination and support

Work with project managers to ensure successful delivery of projects to a high standard.

Lead on project development and writing of fund raising proposals for law enforcement work
as appropriate.

Provide technical advice and support to staff and partners, in line with ZSL’s experience, to
ensure the quality of outputs and maximum impact of the programme in Cameroon.

Travel to project sites and other localities as necessary for project activities.

Work with the programme team to build the institutional capacity of local partners.
Reporting and Communications

Ensure technical and financial reports to ZSL, donors and partners are produced on time
and to a professional standard.

Represent ZSL at key fora, meetings and workshops and develop ZSL’s profile in Cameroon
and the wider region as required.

Assist the Country Manager with building and maintaining strong, open and regular
communication with key local partners, and ensure their consultation and inclusion in the
design and implementation of all project activities in Cameroon.
Expectations of job holder

To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects
of the post holder’s work.

To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work
and responsibilities attached to this post.

Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake
recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training
as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be
encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in
consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience

Experience of living and working in developing countries, ideally Central Africa.

A higher degree (MSc or above) in a subject related to conservation/natural resource
management or equivalent level of work experience in a relevant field.

Strong experience in the field of law enforcement (anti-corruption, anti-poaching, wildlife law
or/and protected area management).

Proven capacity building skills, experience in developing training resources and delivering
training.

Experience in project design, planning and management desirable.

Experience of managing relationships with relevant partners.

Experience of technical and financial report writing.
Knowledge

A good understanding of current international and Africa specific illegal wildlife trade issues.

Good understanding of intelligence management systems especially regarding sensitive
information. Good understanding of relevant legal and procedural systems.
Skills & Abilities

Fluent spoken and excellent written French essential.

Ability to communicate in English desirable.

Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Good cultural awareness and able to work effectively in different cultural environments.

Strong organisational skills, with ability to carry out multiple tasks to deadlines.

Personable and ability to work both within a team and with minimal supervision.

Motivated.

Effective networking and people skills.

Ability to manage enforcement databases.

Excellent report-writing skills.
Other Requirements

Driver’s license preferred.

Able and willing to work long hours and over weekends when required.

Willing and able to travel to and spend time in project sites in Cameroon.
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