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