02-Sep-2026

Ishasha Sector Manager, QEPA

Uganda

Global Conservation Full-Time

GLOBAL CONSERVATION

Job Description

Reports to: Steering Committee

Positions Managed: Heads of Departments, Law Enforcement Advisor, Finance Coordinator and others as required.

Location: Ishasha Sector, QEPA, CMP Main Office

Country Program/Sector: WCS Uganda

Position Type: Full-time

Scope/Capacity: Site-Ishasha Sector, Uganda

Coordinates with: WCS Uganda, EAMWIO Region team, APAMU team, CWT Program, QEPA senior management

Job Purpose

The Sector Manager will lead the management of the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, under a new Collaborative Management Partnership (CMP) between WCS and UWA. The Ishasha Sector Manager will be responsible for oversight of daily operations, resource allocation, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and building and maintaining a high performing team of staff across sector departments. He/she will also need to coordinate and liaise regularly with partners and stakeholders.

This position provides a unique opportunity to scale up operations in one of Uganda’s premier protected areas, resulting in an effective and adaptive species recovery and habitat management program, that enhances tourism and benefits to local communities, and the long-term sustainability of the Ishasha sector.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead the daily management of the Ishasha Sector through the direction of the Sector Management Unit (SMU), including the direct supervision and coordination of departments, administrative, operational and technical teams, allocation of resources, liaison and coordination with partners and stakeholders.

• Lead the development of a Sector Management Plan (SMP) for the Ishasha Sector, aligned with the QEPA General Management Plan, along with annual workplans and budgets.

• Hold Sector Management Unit meetings at least once per month for the purposes of detailed planning, prioritization, information-sharing and coordination amongst departments in overall delivery of the GMP.

• Ensure oversight and management of Ishasha personnel, motivate staff to consistently achieve high standards of performance, and create a working culture based on performance, professionalism and accountability, to ensure that site objectives are achieved and staff achieve high levels of job satisfaction.

• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports, workplans and budgets to the Steering Committee, highlighting activities, deliverables and implementation challenges and make recommendations relating to staff performance, discipline, training and career development as needed.

• Serve as the secretariat for Steering Committee meetings.

• Support the development of proposals and funding opportunities, timely reporting and compliance with donor regulations. Ensure the implementation of the monitoring, evaluation and learning framework in Ishasha.

• Ensure system-wide recognition of a human rights-based approach to conservation in Ishasha

• Assess and manage risks to Ishasha operations, ensuring contingency planning is in place for security, financial, logistical and operational risks.

• Oversee consultants and contractors as required, ensuring timely deliverable of services to a high standard.

• Coordinate key stakeholder collaborations and engagements for Ishasha sector.

• Other duties as required.

Qualification Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of field experience in a project management position in complex, multicultural and remote environments, preference within a protected area or conservation context

• Leadership skills and demonstrated experience in coordinating, inspiring and managing a large and diverse team

• Practical decision-making skills, critical thinking and ability to multi-task and problem solve

• Technical skills in conservation biology, protected area management, eco-tourism

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills

• Strong negotiation and conflict mitigation skills

• Adept with common software packages such as Microsoft Office for the production of documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

• Fluency in English

• Good experience in human and financial management, providing training or building capacity in field teams.

• Previous experience with international conservation organizations

• Commitment to the values and mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience should apply through the application tab by September 18th, 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.

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Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience