Assistant General Counsel – Africa

Responsabilités

Job Description Reports to: Associate General Counsel – Africa Position Managed: None Location: Kigali, Rwanda Country Program/Sector: Global Conservation Program – Africa Position Type: Full-Time Scope: The Assistant General Counsel – Africa provides comprehensive legal support to WCS’s operations in the Africa region, covering programs across 3 regions in Africa (Central, East, and Sudano-Sahel), through branch offices. Countries in scope include Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. This role will work closely with management and staff of WCS in the region and in New York to minimize risk and ensure legal and donor compliance of our field and program teams. This includes advising on contracts, compliance, governance, and legal risk management related to WCS’s field conservation programs and partnerships with governments, donors, and NGOs. About the Organization The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organisation established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, field presence in 56 nations, and experience of helping establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organisations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilisation of natural resources. About WCS in Africa WCS in Africa is organized across three regions. The Central Africa & Gulf of Guinea Region comprises country programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon, focusing on the conservation of globally significant tropical forest and marine landscapes. The Sudano-Sahel Region includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Chad, where WCS supports the protection and management of savanna and Sahelian ecosystems critical for biodiversity and local livelihoods. The East Africa, Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean Region encompasses Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and Madagascar, with programs spanning terrestrial and marine systems. Regional teams are located in the WCS Africa Hub in Kigali, Rwanda. Job Summary: The Assistant General Counsel – Africa is responsible for providing a broad range of legal services to support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Africa Program. Based in Kigali, Rwanda, this role will work closely with WCS management and field teams across the region to ensure legal, regulatory, and donor compliance. The position will provide direct legal support to WCS country programs, review and negotiate agreements, manage relationships with external counsel, and support policy development and compliance training. The role reports to the Associate General Counsel – Africa (based in the U. S.) and will collaborate with WCS colleagues in New York and globally to ensure sound legal governance, mitigate organizational risk, and advance WCS’s conservation mission. The WCS legal team currently has eight full-time attorneys, two part-time attorneys, one investigation and ethics lead, one paralegal, and one support staff. Start date is ASAP, or another mutually agreed date. Major Responsibilities: Contracting & Legal Advisory Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of agreements with a broad range of counterparties, including: Grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts with governments, multilateral organizations (e. g. World Bank, United Nations, African Development Bank), and private foundations and other funding sources. Management agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with government ministries; and Fee-for-service and consulting agreements, NDAs, data-sharing agreements, and commercial contracts (e. g. leases, licenses, purchase/sale agreements) with individuals, private foundations, for-profit companies, and other U. S. and international NGOs. Provide proactive legal guidance to support strategic initiatives, partnerships, and new program activities. Advise leadership on legal and compliance risks associated with new projects, grants, and policy engagements. Compliance & Risk Management Asist and advise program teams and country leadership on local law compliance (tax, labor and employment, registration) as needed and in consultation with outside counsel. Advise on the application of U. S. laws relevant to international operations (e. g., Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, OFAC sanctions, export control, anti-terrorism regulations). Advise on application of U. S. tax exempt organization rules (e. g., lobbying, commercial co-ventures, arrangements with for-profit entities, charitable giving). Advise on compliance with WCS’s Code of Conduct, internal policies and procedures, and donor requirements. Identify and mitigate legal and operational risks across Africa. Governance & Capacity Building Support the establishment and maintenance of compliant legal entities in African jurisdictions. Develop and conduct legal and compliance trainings for WCS country and regional teams. Contribute to institutional policy development and internal governance initiatives. Collaboration and Institutional Support Manage relationships and assignments with external counsel in Africa. Work closely with OGC colleagues, WCS management, and other departments in the development, guidance, and training on institutional policies, initiatives, and other matters. Perform other related duties as required to support WCS’ global legal and conservation mission in Africa. Qualification Requirements Job Qualifications: Education and Professional Requirements: Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, with eligibility to practice law while based in Africa. Minimum 4–6 years of relevant legal experience working in or advising at an international level, including experience working cross-culturally. Experience And Skills Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements across multiple jurisdictions. Experience with complex commercial, corporate, or NGO regulatory matters. Experience managing outside counsel in multiple jurisdictions. Excellent analytical skills and legal judgment, with the ability to balance risk and operational realities. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across language barriers, time differences, and diverse teams located remotely across a large geographic region. Ability to work independently and manage heavy workloads and competing priorities under tight deadlines. Ability to work effectively as part of a world-class, service-oriented, client-focused team, and to be a pleasant, collegial, and supportive colleague. Fluency in written and spoken English and French in a professional, business setting. Strong digital literacy and administrative skills relevant to legal practice. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to travel to locations in Africa (and potentially the USA). Application process Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply at the tab below by July 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a relocation package. WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. Salary Range Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a relocation package.