Anthony Agbor
Yaoundé
Summary
An accomplished conservation and sustainable development expert with 17+ years of experience managing projects funded by leading organizations like USAID, EU, World Bank, German Cooperation and GEF. Expertise in conservation research, nature-based solutions, community development, and carbon marketing, supported by over 35 co-authored scientific papers in renowned journals. Extensive international experience across Africa, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Germany, Mali, and Senegal, providing deep environmental insights. Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills crucial for successful project outcomes and forging partnerships with stakeholders and local communities. Track record of managing grants and contracts exceeding $40 million, with a focus on community development, protected area management, REED+ protocols, and REDD+ strategies for local community engagement and benefit sharing.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
10
10
Certification
10
10
Countries of Work Experience
40
40
Managed grants and contracts exceeding USD 40 million.
10
10
Organizations I Have Worked With
35
35
Number of co-authored scientific publications
Work History
Director, Faro Landscape
African Wildlife Foundation
03.2024 - Current
- Strategic leadership of the Faro Landscape Program, ensuring excellence across technical, financial, and managerial domains.
- Development and execution of AWF's strategy for the Faro landscape, guiding investments and securing support from key donors and stakeholders.
- Establishment of sustainable partnerships and donor portfolio, actively involved in proposal development and submission.
- Representation of AWF at national and international levels, aligning with national strategies and fostering collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders.
- Implementation of adaptive management practices for effective progress monitoring, strategy adaptation, and alignment with regional conservation efforts.
- Oversight of daily operations, including team leadership, financial management, program monitoring, and compliance with donor and organizational policies.
- Managing an accumulative budget and contracts of more than $8 million.
Africa Forest Programme Lead
Birdlife International
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Led the implementation of BirdLife's Forest Conservation Strategies in the GFWA, aligning actions with priorities and coordinating more than 15 projects in 13 countries.
- Created a flagship Forest Initiative for Africa, increasing BirdLife's impact in safeguarding African forests.
- Established a community of practice for forest conservation, promoting knowledge sharing in Africa.
- Strengthened collaboration with other BirdLife Africa initiatives and 126 partners for integrated conservation efforts.
- Explored innovative financing mechanisms to ensure long-term forest landscape management.
- Provided strategic oversight for ongoing projects, ensuring efficient management and productive partnerships.
- Supervised the existing portfolio of forest conservation projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality reports.
- Developed new forest conservation projects to address emerging gaps and challenges.
- Mobilized resources by cultivating donor relationships, developing strong proposals, and securing more than $11 million in funding.
- Promoted BirdLife's achievements globally and facilitated the dissemination of successful forest conservation actions.
- Worked with software development and testing team members to design and develop robust solutions to meet client requirements for functionality, scalability, and performance.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement, leading to a more efficient development cycle.
- Designed intuitive user interfaces that enhanced overall product usability and customer satisfaction levels.
- Enhanced software functionality by identifying and resolving complex coding issues.
- Consistently met project deadlines by effectively managing priorities and maintaining a strong work ethic.
Director, Conservation and Impact
Nature Conservation Organization GmBH
06.2020 - 12.2022
- Provided technical expertise on community development strategies, capacity building, participatory planning, community engagement and oversaw the management of six protected areas in Cameroon.
- Offered technical guidance on nature-based solutions, encompassing climate adaptation, ecosystem-based approaches, and biodiversity conservation and REDD+ initiatives.
- Conducted assessments and studies related to community development and nature-based solutions, including analyzing policies, laws, and regulations for improvement opportunities.
- Developed and implemented community development and nature-based solutions projects, overseeing budgets, timelines, and deliverables. Managed an accumulative budget and contracts of $7 million.
- Collaborated with technical experts and project partners to ensure the effective execution of community development and nature-based solutions activities.
- Delivered training and capacity building support to project staff, community members, and local partners to promote sustainable development practices.
- Monitored and evaluated project outcomes and impacts, identifying areas for enhancement.
- Actively participated in relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning on community development and nature-based solutions.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Biodiversity Technical Specialist
African Parks Network
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Provided technical expertise to the project team for designing and implementing conservation and management activities in O’dzala-Kokoua National Park.
- Oversaw day-to-day park operations, including managing staff, coordinating activities, and maintaining infrastructure and equipment. Oversaw the parks risks management strategy and put mitigation mechanisms.
- Developed and executed strategies to tackle significant conservation challenges in the park, such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
- Ensured that all park activities adhered to national laws, regulations, and policies, as well as African Parks' procedures. Promoted knowledge sharing and learning within the park team and with external stakeholders.
- Maintained effective communication with stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.
- Ensured participatory and gender-sensitive implementation of park activities, addressing the needs and priorities of all stakeholders, especially local communities.
- Monitored and evaluated park activities and outcomes, tracked progress against targets and indicators, and identified areas for improvement.
Programme Director
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
05.2012 - 07.2017
- Oversaw day-to-day field operations of the project across three countries, including managing staff, coordinating activities, and ensuring timely and budget-compliant project deliverables.
- Maintained effective communication with stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.
- Managed and coordinated the implementation of the project's research and monitoring activities, encompassing data collection, entry, and analysis. Managed more than $10 million in grants and contracts.
- Monitored and evaluated project activities and outcomes, tracked progress against targets and indicators, and identified areas for enhancement. integrating lessons learned into project design and implementation.
- Prepared and submitted progress reports to Max Planck Institute and other stakeholders, and disseminated project results through various channels, such as reports, workshops, and conferences.
- Managed project risks and implemented appropriate measures to mitigate them effectively.
- Managed project finances, ensuring expenses adhered to the project budget and relevant financial regulations.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
Project Coordinator & Community Development Specialist
Conservation International
01.2011 - 04.2012
- Coordinated the planning and execution of conservation projects, including the development of project timelines, budgets, and work plans. Coordinated the first nationwide wildlife survey.
- Collaborated with project partners to design and implement community development activities, emphasizing sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, and social inclusion.
- Conducted community assessments to understand local needs and priorities, crafting culturally sensitive, inclusive, and participatory community engagement strategies.
- Designed and executed capacity building initiatives for community members, local partners, and project staff on topics like natural resource management, conservation planning, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Coordinated with technical experts and project partners to ensure the effective implementation of community development and conservation activities.
- Supported the development and execution of communication and outreach strategies to boost community engagement and participation in conservation programs.
- Established and managed partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and stakeholders to advance community development and conservation objectives.
Project Coordinator
Zoological Society of London
01.2011 - 04.2012
- Fostered strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders, gaining insights into their conservation and sustainable development needs, priorities, and concerns.
- Developed and executed culturally appropriate, inclusive, and participatory community engagement plans, utilizing tools like stakeholder analysis, social surveys, and focus group discussions.
- Collaborated with communities to identify and prioritize development needs, facilitating community-led initiatives that promoted both conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
- Guided community-led planning processes for sustainable development, identifying funding opportunities, and establishing partnerships with local and international organizations.
- Provided training and capacity building support to community members, local partners, and project staff on topics including sustainable livelihoods, environmental management, and community empowerment.
- Ensured that conservation projects were designed and implemented inclusively, equitably, and for the benefit of local communities. Facilitated communication and information sharing among communities.
Programme Coordinator
Worldwide Fund for Nature
01.2010 - 07.2010
- Coordinated and managed all aspects of the Vondrozo Forest Corridor Programme, from project design to implementation and monitoring. Managed project risks and implemented mitigation measures effectively.
- Liaised with various stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.
- Managed and coordinated the implementation of conservation and sustainable development activities, such as forest restoration, community-based natural resource management, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Ensured that project activities adhered to national laws, regulations, and policies, as well as the policies and procedures of the Worldwide Fund for Nature.
- Promoted participatory and gender-sensitive project implementation, addressing the needs and priorities of all stakeholders, particularly local communities.
- Prepared and submitted progress reports to the Worldwide Fund for Nature and other stakeholders, disseminating project results through various channels like reports, workshops, and conferences.
- Managed project finances, ensuring expenses were in line with the project budget and financial regulations.
Team Leader & Research Coordinator
Wildlife Conservation Society
11.2007 - 01.2010
- Led and managed the research teams, providing guidance and support for effective research implementation in Takamanda National Park & Ebo forest. Designed and executed research projects and surveys focusing on wildlife populations, habitat use, and ecological factors in Cameroon.
- Ensured that research activities adhered to ethical standards and complied with relevant national laws, regulations, and policies. Oversaw Park management and law enforcement.
- Collaborated with stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.
- Managed and coordinated the implementation of conservation and sustainable development activities, such as community-based natural resource management and livelihoods.
- Promoted participatory and gender-sensitive project execution, addressing the needs of all stakeholders, especially local communities. Led the livelihood & community development programme.
- Prepared and submitted progress reports to the Wildlife Conservation Society and other stakeholders, disseminating project results through various channels, including reports, workshops, and conferences.
- Managed project finances, ensuring expenses were in line with the project budget and financial regulations.
Education
Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use
Yale University - Yale School of Environment
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, USA06.2025
Certificate in Conservation of Protected Areas - Protected Area management
University of Senghor
12.2023
Master of Research - Conservation & Sustainable Development
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
12.2010
Skills
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Communication and Negotiation
- Government & Stakeholder relations
- Conservation and Environmental Knowledge
- Staff development & Monitoring
- Financial management
- Field operations
- Strategic planning
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Project management
- Team management
- Strategies and goals
Alunni
Yale University - Yale School of the Environment 2024-2025 Cohort
Accomplishments
- Co-authored more than 45 scientific papers in some of the world’s most prominent journals, including Nature, Science, and Conservation Biology.
- Achieved a 30% reduction in reporting delays through effectively helping with the streamlining of data collection and validation procedures.
- Achieved 98% data accuracy by completing quarterly biodiversity assessments with precision and efficiency.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets that reduced supply shortages by 25% across field stations.
- Collaborated with a team of 10 researchers in the development of a community-based natural resource management strategy for protected areas in West Africa.
- Achieved a 40% improvement in team productivity by introducing Asana for project planning and task coordination.
- Supervised a team of 120 staff members across multiple field sites, ensuring consistent implementation of conservation protocols and operational standards
LANGUAGE
English
French
Spanish
Awards
Cuban greater funnel-eared bat - Natalus primus, Angelshark - Squatinusquatina, Siamese rosewood - Dalbergiacochinchinensis, Pygmy three-toed sloth - Bradypuspygmaeus, Slender loris - Loris tardigradus, Sunda pangolin - Manisjavanica, Dicerosbicornis
Affiliations
- Earthwatch
- Conservation International
- Rainforest Alliance
- African Wildlife Foundation
- Jane Goodall Institute
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- National Wildlife Federation
- Ocean Conservancy
- Defenders of Wildlife
- Center for Biological Diversity
- BirdLife International
- Coral Reef Alliance
COMPETENCE
- ArcGIS
- CyberTracker
- ODK
- R
- MaxQDA
- Marxan
- Collect Earth
- ENVI
Certification
- Project Management, Yale University - Jan 2024 to May 2024
- Licensed Environmental Consultant - 2019 to Present
- Wildlife Monitoring and Survey Techniques Training - March 2023 to April 2023
- Forestry and Land Use Planning License - 2020 to 2025
- Certified Conservation Project Manager, African Wildlife Foundation - 2021 to Present
- Three Cairns Scholar, Yale University - 2024-2025
Timeline
Director, Faro Landscape
African Wildlife Foundation
03.2024 - Current
Africa Forest Programme Lead
Birdlife International
01.2023 - 02.2024
Director, Conservation and Impact
Nature Conservation Organization GmBH
06.2020 - 12.2022
Biodiversity Technical Specialist
African Parks Network
08.2017 - 05.2020
Programme Director
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
05.2012 - 07.2017
Project Coordinator & Community Development Specialist
Conservation International
01.2011 - 04.2012
Project Coordinator
Zoological Society of London
01.2011 - 04.2012
Programme Coordinator
Worldwide Fund for Nature
01.2010 - 07.2010
Team Leader & Research Coordinator
Wildlife Conservation Society
11.2007 - 01.2010
Certificate in Conservation of Protected Areas - Protected Area management
University of Senghor
Master of Research - Conservation & Sustainable Development
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use
Yale University - Yale School of Environment
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