Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Research Officer

Role Overview

Bincike International is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Research Officer to lead efforts in combating Illegal Wildlife Trafficking (IWT) and Illegal Mining activities. The successful candidate will conduct critical research, gather intelligence, and monitor threats within Protected Areas in Nigeria and along transboundary corridors, specifically focusing on borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. This role requires a professional capable of understanding the convergence between wildlife crime and illicit extraction activities.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Intelligence Gathering

• Conduct field-based and desk research to map illicit supply chains related to wildlife trafficking and illegal mining in target Protected Areas
• Investigate the operational overlap between poachers and illegal miners to understand financing and logistical routes
• Monitor trends in the trafficking of endangered species (flora and fauna) and mineral resources

Transboundary Monitoring

• Assess cross-border smuggling routes used for trafficking wildlife products and solid minerals
• Collaborate with regional partners to track movement across Nigeria's borders

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with relevant government agencies (e.g., National Park Service, NESREA, Nigeria Customs Service) and security agencies to support enforcement efforts
• Engage with local communities to understand the drivers of illegal mining and poaching and develop community-based reporting mechanisms

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain a secure database of incidents, actors, and seizure data
• Produce high-quality situation reports, policy briefs, and risk assessments for organizational management and donors

Required Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Criminology, Environmental Science, Zoology, International Relations, or related field