COUNTRY PROGRAM STAFF
Dr Simon Lugandu: COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Dr Simon Lugandu is a seasoned conservationist with over 30 years of substantial experience in the field at local, national, and regional levels undertaking various functions including programme management, legal representation of organisations, networking with government partners including the Tanzania government agencies and departments, nongovernmental organisations and private sector. His career began as a Forestry Officer, after completing the Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree from Sokoine University of Agriculture, before moving to conservation programme management. He has a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, USA and a PhD in Forest Management from the Open University of Tanzania. Prior to joining the Wildlife Conservation Society Dr Simon worked with WWF where he served as the Conservation Manager/ Head of Programmes.
Noah Mpunga: TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Noah joined WCS Tanzania in 2003 as a Conservation Biologist, primarily researching carnivores and primates of the Southern Highlands. Prior to this he worked with Dr Daniela De Luca studying carnivore distribution and abundance in Udzungwa National Park and Rungwe Nature Reserve. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and a Masters Degree in Corporate Management.
Leyla Ayamba: COUNTRY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
Leyla is a seasoned Human Resource Manager who joined WCS in February 2021, bringing with her 12 years of extensive experience in HR management. Her expertise encompasses recruitment, performance management, training and staff development, as well as the implementation of grievance and disciplinary procedures, employee retention strategies, engagement initiatives, and succession planning. Before joining WCS, Leyla excelled as a Senior Human Asset Management Officer in Organizational Development at Dangote Cement Limited and served as the Country HR and Office Administrator for the British Council in Tanzania. Her academic background is equally impressive, with a Bachelor's degree in Law and a Master's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management from Tumaini University in Dar es Salaam. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the Institute of Project Management, underscoring her commitment to professional growth and excellence in her field.
Elizabeth George: COUNTRY PROCUREMENT,LOGISTICS & ADMIN MANAGER
Elizabeth is an accomplished certified procurement and logistics specialist with over 10 years of robust experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Procurement and Logistics. Since joining WCS in February 2025, she has leveraged her expertise, building upon a solid foundation from her previous roles—including serving as a Procurement, Logistics, and Administrative Officer at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and excelling as a Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Wildlife Fund.
Elias Marwa: COUNTRY FINANCE DIRECTOR
Elias is a highly skilled certified public accountant who joined the organization in January 2021. With over 14 years of experience in the accounting field, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Master of Science in Finance and Investment from Coventry University. Prior to joining us, Elias made significant contributions at World Vision Tanzania, where he excelled in roles such as Cluster Accountant, Senior Accountant – Reporting and Fixed Assets Management, and Senior Grants Finance Officer.
Hamisi Idrissa Sadallah: COUNTRY FINANCE MANAGER
Hamisi holds an MBA in Finance and Banking from Mzumbe University in Morogoro and CPA1 from Dar es Salaam. Before joining WCS, he worked with the Family Planning Association of Tanzania as a System Internal Auditor, Area Manager Area Finance and Administrative Officer and Area Accountant. He also worked with Tanzania Central Freight Bureau (SUMATRA) as Assistant Accountant and was dealing with foreign agency’s disbursement accounts. He has been working for WCS Tanzania Program as a Country Finance Manager since 2008.
Prisca Mwani: Country Finance Coordinator
Clara Mjinja: Country Finance officer
Grace Mushumbusi: Office Attendant
Abdallah Mzali: Office Guard
MBEYA OFFICE STAFF
Noah E. Mpunga: TECHNICAL ADVISOR Noah joined WCS Tanzania in 2003 as a Conservation Biologist, primarily researching carnivores and primates of the Southern Highlands. Prior to this he worked with Dr Daniela De Luca studying carnivore distribution and abundance in Udzungwa National Park and Rungwe Nature Reserve. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and a Masters Degree in Corporate Management.
Sophy J. Machaga: SHCP DIRECTOR Sophy joined the program as a Conservation Biologist in 2003 to carry out field research. She is responsible for research design, collection and collation including GIS data and map-making for the project. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology and has been trained in GIS.
Vicky F. Mbofu: SHCP ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Vicky joined WCS as a research assistant in 2010, conducting social economic surveys on human-wildlife conflict assisting then PhD student Claire Bracebridge (now Ruaha-Katavi Technical Advisor). 3 months later she was employed as Social Economics Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Fredy W. Mdemu: ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR (COUNTRY PROGRAM) Fredy has been the program finance manager since 2009. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance and Banking from Tumaini University, Iringa College. Before joining WCS he taught at secondary school and college level in Iringa and Mbeya.
Prisca Mwani: SHCP Finance Manager Prisca joined WCS in 2020. She holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in Finance and Banking from Tumaini University in Iringa as well as a BA in Accounting and Finance from the Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies. Prior to joining WCS, Prisca worked as an accountant at Ilula Orphan Program, Tumaini University’s Makumira-Mbeya Centre and Tanzania Electricity Supply Company TANESCO Mbeya.
Anthony Ernest Minazi: ASSISTANT EDUCATION COORDINATOR Anthony initially joined WCS as a volunteer in the education department in 2013 and was employed after one year. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism and Nature Conservation.
Faraja Dembe: ASSISTANT COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER Faraja started volunteering for WCS in 2013 and after showing keen learning was taken on full time in 2014. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Development Studies.
Sylvanos Peter Kimiti: SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT Sylvanos manages research teams in all the program’s field activities. He has risen from Logistics Officer in 2003 then Research Assistant to his current role.
Obadia J. Mwaipungu: RESEARCH ASSISTANT Obadia joined WCS in 2003 and has worked on research in the Southern Highlands. Prior to joining the program he worked for various private companies after completed secondary education.
Ayubu Kajigili: RESEARCH ASSISTANT Ayubu started volunteering for WCS IN 2008, assisting with field activities. He was taken on as a research assistant in 2009 and has advanced secondary level education.
Willy Mwalwengele: RESEARCH ASSISTANT Willy first worked for WCS in 2003. He continues to assist in the preparation and implementation of field projects, supporting the work of Project Coordinators and Conservation Biologists. He is also responsible for financial management of Research Assistant funds and coordination of other research assistants.
Buto K. Mwamboneke: DRIVER AND MECHANIC Buto joined WCS in 2003 and is responsible for the program vehicles, driving project staff and visitors as well as assisting the team in various other activities. He has a certificate in mechanics.
Ramadhani S. Mduruma: DRIVER After working on two temporary assignments, Ramadhani joined WCS full time in 2008. In addition to driving, he assists with research and education activities. He holds a secondary education certificate and driving license.
Jane S. Lugome: OFFICE ATTENDANT Jane has been with the program since 2003 since when she has become familiar with research activities and learnt how to take care of flora and fauna specimens brought to the office for identification and study. She has a primary education certificate.
Joshua E. Nsagaji: OFFICE GUARD Joshua joined WCS in 2003. In addition to working as a guard he takes care of the garden and assists with project logistics and stores.
Leba Mwanahewa: OFFICE GUARD Leba joined WCS in 2005. He takes care of general office security and equipment as well as assisting in field logistics and maintenance of the office grounds. He holds a primary education certificate.
Eliah H. Mwasyove: OFFICE GUARD Eliah holds a primary education certificate and joined WCS in 2006. He is responsible for taking care of office equipment and assisting with logistics and stores.
RUAHA-KATAVI PROGRAM STAFF
Aaron Nicholas: PROJECT DIRECTOR Aaron has managed the WCS Ruaha-Katavi Landscape Program since Feb 2014. He has more than 21 years of experience in African conservation, he has worked previously for WCS in Rwanda and Cameroon and for other conservation organisations in Kenya, DRC and Namibia. Aaron has co-authored a number of Regional Action Plans, helped establish five new protected areas, managed transboundary relationships and is also a qualified pilot. He coordinates the WCS aerial program under SHARPP.
Michael Lesecha: ASSISTANT PROJECT DIRECTOR Michael joined WCS in 2019. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Prior to joining WCS, Michael was a Data and Statistics Officer under the Directorate of Conservation Services at the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority Head Quarters in Morogoro. Before this, he worked as a Wildlife Officer (Game Officer II) in Rukwa Game Reserve and as a logistics officer for Offgrid-electric Tanzania, providing affordable solar electricity to communities in Simiyu region. He has additional experience in wildlife management and biodiversity research in the Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha, Serengeti and Saadani National Parks.
Msafiri Mgumba: ASSISTANT ECOLOGICAL COORDINATOR Msafiri joined WCS in September 2014, having already spent 4.5 years working in the Ruaha landscape conducting research on antelopes with the University of California (Berkeley), and later, collecting data on human-carnivore conflict and carnivore ecology for the Ruaha Carnivore Project. During this time he also provided training and conservation education for local communities. Msafiri is keen to share his interest in wildlife to a wider audience and has regularly contributed to the Tanzanian magazine Kakakuona.
Montan Kalyahe: WILD DOG RESEARCHER Monty joined WCS in 2021 to lead a status survey for African Wild Dogs across the WCS landscape. Monty holds an MSc from the Durell Institute in the UK and previously studied carnivores for the Ruaha Carnivore Project and also worked for the WWF Selous Elephant Program. He is passionate about wild dogs and spends as much as 7 months of each year in the field studying them.
Deogratius Thomas: PROJECT FINANCE MANAGER Prior to joining WCS in 2019, Deogratius held the position of Grants and Finance Accountant for the Aga Khan Foundation in Tanzania, before which he served as Finance and Administration Officer for CARE International’s Kahama office and previously Finance Officer for the International Rescue Committee’s Tanga office. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy and has been an active member of Roots and Shoots for several years.
Fadhili Mohabe: PROJECTS MANAGER Fadhili holds an honours degree in Business Management & Business Information Technology from the University of Gloucestershire in the UK. He joined WCS in 2015 to manage the construction of detection dog units in Dar es Salaam port and airport and is now assisting the Ruaha-Katavi program with further project management. Prior to joining WCS he has held several managerial positions in Tanzania and the UK including Administrative and Maintenance office for the Swedish Embassy, the General Manager of Mohabe Bros, Marketing and Logistics Manager for the Tanzania Trade Centre and Services Manager for Ecovert FM.
Stanley Mbilinyi: ASSISTANT LANDSCAPE PROTECTION COORDINATOR Prior to joining WCS in 2019, Stanley was a Game Officer for the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), before which he held the position of Extension & Database Officer for PAMS Foundation’s Ruvuma Elephant Conservation Project. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture as well as certificates in BARRET radio training, basic and advanced SMART and basic ArcGIS.
Samuel Krahwinkler: CONSERVATION PILOT Samuel joined WCS in 2017, having previously worked as a commercial pilot for BUSH BIRD Aviation in Namibia. He has a MSc in Biology from the University of Salzburg in Austria, a first degree in Chemistry from the University of Innsbruck and is a trained paramedic. He had over 1,450 hours flying before joining WCS, following flight training at the 141 Flight School in Florida including extensive experience in bush flying.
Edmund Chota: LOGISTICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Edmund has worked for WCS for 10 years as a logistics and administrative officer and occasional driver. Edmund provides administrative support to the Finance Officer at RKLP, as well as overseeing use and maintenance of all office equipment and property. Edmund also has experience as an electrician.
Elisha Abraham Laizer: MOBILE MECHANIC / FLEET MANAGER Elisha joined WCS in 2018 with an impressive array of work experience and professional qualifications. Prior to joining the Ruaha-Katavi program, he worked with the United Nations for over a decade - both in South Sudan and DR Congo. Before this he was a workshop foreman for Toyota Tanzania for 4 years, having previously worked as a mechanic for Ker & Downey Safaris and Tanzania Big Game Safaris.
Kissah Yesaya: RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kissah first joined WCS in 2008 for SHCP, providing administrative support for the office. After a break, she joined RKLP in 2013 providing administrative support to the Finance and Administrative team, as well as conducting data entry for the ecology team. Kissah also cooks nutritious lunches and keeps the office clean.
Iddi Songolo Ally: GRADER OPERATOR Iddi joined WCS in 2019 bringing experience driving and operating machinery from Motomoto, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA). He is based in Chunya District and is responsible for grader operations in the Rungwa/Kizigo/Muhesi and Lukwati/Piti Game Reserves.
Omar Hemed: AVIATION ASSISTANT
Omar joined WCS as Aviation Assistant in October 2022. Holds an Undergraduate Degree in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife Management in Mweka. Omar is responsible for helping the WCS pilot prepare the WCS aircraft for flight as well as manage data recording in flight using an icon-based tablet system.
James Kasapira: DRIVER James joined WCS in 2017. He previously worked as Game Warden & Head Driver in Rukwa Game Reserve, before which he was a driver for National Housing Corporation (NHC). He also holds a Certificate in Wildlife from the Pasiansi Wildlife Institute.
John Chapile: OFFICE GUARD John joined WCS in 2010 as an office guard and gardener. As well as having green fingers, he works very efficiently in maintaining cleanliness and security of the office compound.
Issaya Mpwaga: OFFICE GUARD
Dr.Jean Mensa: MARINE PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Mensa completed his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences where he focused on numerical modeling of upper ocean currents. He then worked at Yale University on the dynamics of the Arctic Ocean before moving to RMS in London to work in the catastrophe modeling sector for the insurance business. After a career in academia and industry, Jean moved to Gabon to pursue his passion for marine conservation. As Marine Program Technical Advisor for the National Parks Agency of Gabon, Jean worked on a wide variety of conservation and management topics.
Benjamin Taylor: BAF PROGRAM MANAGER
Abdulrahman Abdalla: MARINE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Faraja Dembe: COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT LEAD
Pagu Julius Iswalala: MARINE SCIENTIST
Yussuf Yussuf: IUU Fisheries officer
Lusanda Allen Lusanda: FINANCE COORDINATOR-MARINE
Suzan Swai: FIELD LOGISTICS & ADMINISTRATION OFFICER -MARINE
Magreth Kasuga: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Mateso Buguse Mathias: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Abdallah Said Abdulla: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Jamila Said Hassan: MARINE FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Faki Haji Faki: MARINE JUNIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Juma Chumu Juma: DATA ENUMERATOR
Omar Said Omar: DATA ENUMERATOR
Abass Mshenga: DATA ENUMERATOR
Sabrina Ali Abdallah: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Mwajuma Twahil Said: OFFICE ATTENDANT
Masanja Masanja: OFFICE GUARD
Mohamed Bakari Mohamed: OFFICE GUARD
Iddi Khamis Abrahman: OFFICE GUARD
Massoud Faki Massoud: OFFICE GUARD
ZANZIBAR OFFICE
Dr.Jean Mensa: MARINE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Mensa completed his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences where he focused on numerical modeling of upper ocean currents. He then worked at Yale University on the dynamics of the Arctic Ocean before moving to RMS in London to work in the catastrophe modeling sector for the insurance business. After a career in academia and industry, Jean moved to Gabon to pursue his passion for marine conservation. As Marine Program Technical Advisor for the National Parks Agency of Gabon, Jean worked on a wide variety of conservation and management topics.
TANGA OFFICE
Dr.Johnson Mshana Grayson: TANGA REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Dr.Johnson Mshana joined WCS Tanzania Marine Program in 2020 as a fisheries management and conservation expert. Johnson is a passionate conservationist with ten years of experience working in complex marine and freshwater environments on the community fisheries co-management and marine protected area management. Johnson uses interdisciplinary and community-centered approaches to empower fishing communities to make informed decision-making around fisheries management, and find alternative ways to supplement income and food sources for sustainable development. Johnson served as the Chairman of the research committee of the Deep Sea Fishing Authority Tanzania, a governmental organization responsible for scientific advice on matters related to deep-sea fisheries. Johnson has a PhD and Msc in Marine Sciences from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Ismail Saidi: BLUE CARBON COORDINATOR
Tunu David Mwasomola: FINANCE AND LOGISTICS OFFICER
Gerald Temu: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Saudat Khatib Kipanga: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Pharles Ramadhan: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Nelson Damas: MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Fatma Zahriu: DATA ENUMERATOR
Hadija Mkieti: DATA ENUMERATOR
Anastazia Mwangwale: OFFICE ATTENDANT