The Wilder Institute Ghana team is growing and we are looking for a fixed term, full time Conservation Program Associate to support our conservation work and programs in Wechiau, Ghana. The Program Associate will support the start-up, implementation, and growth of conservation and community-based initiatives under Wilder Institute Ghana.

This role will be instrumental during the ramp-up phase of projects by offering operational support and oversight. As program activities become more established, the Program Associate will provide subject matter expertise in agribusiness to strengthen community-led agricultural initiatives that align with conservation goals.  The program associate will share their passion for community development, sustainable livelihoods, and wildlife conservation with colleagues, partners, and communities. They will be adaptive and collaborative in their approach in dynamic field environments. 

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Location: Wechiau, Ghana

Contract:

Start Date: October 2026 or as soon as possible
End Date: December 2029

What you will do:

Project Support and Implementation

Assist with the coordination and implementation of new and ongoing program activities on the ground in line with conservation and community development goals.
Support the establishment of operational systems and logistics needed for effective program delivery in rural or remote areas.
Contribute to the development of implementation plans, standard operating procedures, and workflows.
Support partners in the implementation of projects at landscape level through effective collaboration.
Support the development and execution of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program outputs and outcomes.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with local communities, government representatives, NGOs, and private sector partners.
Support stakeholder meetings, community workshops, and outreach events.
Facilitate clear, culturally sensitive communication between Wilder Institute Ghana and participating communities.

Agribusiness and Livelihood Development

Provide technical guidance and support on sustainable agriculture and agribusiness practices tailored to local needs and ecological contexts.
Lead in the development of Green Value Chains in the Agriculture sector and facilitate links to both local and international markets.
Assist in developing, piloting, and scaling agricultural initiatives that improve livelihoods while supporting conservation outcomes.

Other Duties

Participate in cross-functional meetings and activities with Wilder Institute (Canada) and Wilder Institute Ghana staff and international collaborators.
Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols in all work environments.
Other duties as assigned in the Program Manager, Operations Manager or leadership team.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you will bring:

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, agribusiness, environmental science, international development, rural development, or a related field.
2-4 years of relevant experience supporting program implementation in conservation, livelihoods, or community development contexts, including field-based or rural environments.
Experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or value chain development, including support to livelihood and market-based initiatives.
Experience coordinating program activities, logistics, and working with international or multi-site teams.
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with local communities, government stakeholders, NGOs, and partners in in culturally diverse settings.
Project management experience (formal or practical) and familiarity with related tools is an asset.
Experience with donor reporting, contract monitoring, and health and safety protocols in field settings is preferred.
Familiarity with budgeting, procurement, and general program administration processes.
Fluency in English (written and spoken) and at least one relevant Ghanaian language (e.g., Ewe, Twi, or Wala) is required.
Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office.
Ability to bring together details and information to analyze and move forward with a decision that supports the programs objectives
Collaborative work-style that builds trust and communication within their work teams
Approach community and relationship building with cultural awareness and sensitivity
Knowledge of conservation, non-profit, or international development sectors is preferred.
Familiarity with data or business management tools is preferred.

Working Conditions:

Based (living in) project locations, which may include field work/conditions which may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, sunburn, working with field equipment such as trucks, ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases, and working in rural areas and/or remote communities.
Office work involving long periods of sitting at computer work stations.
Travel or reside in field locations or project communities as necessary.
Driving on highways, dirt roads, and occasional air travel.
Work schedule based on a 40hr work week.
Travel between project sites and head office as necessary.
Flexible schedule to accommodate working across multiple time zones (Ghana and Canada).

The Wilder Institute Ghana may require outdoor work and staff must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute’s Ghana follows the advice of local weather authorities when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Wilder Institute Ghana Offers:

We offer competitive compensation!
A fun, rewarding work environment dedicated to driving forward inclusive, sustainable conservation.

Are you ready to join a leader in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

Watch this videoabout the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
Fill in the Application questions:
- Confirm eligibility to work in Ghana.
- If hired, when would you be available to start?
- Please briefly describe how your experience and skills would align with this position.
- Do you have a valid driver’s licence?
- What are your salary expectations?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Ghana.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by our application deadline: August 19, 2026.

The Wilder Institute strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard, and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

This position is an existing vacancy within our organization. The Wilder Institute uses basic knockout questions in application to support screening; applications are otherwise assessed and selected by real humans.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed, and a final decision has been made.

The Calgary Zoo

New Jobs

Conservation Program Associate - Wechiau - WI Ghana