Species Programme Manager

Species Programme Manager

Location/Contract Details:
WWF office in Gland, Switzerland. Fixed-term contract (February 2014 – November 2014) 

Main responsibilities:

• Leads WWF’s policy work on wildlife crime (non-CITES), working closely with TRAFFIC, the WWF-International Hot House, ensuring WWF policy objectives for wildlife crime at the UN and other critical fora are achieved;
• Drives national level implementation of international policy commitments on wildlife crime, working with the Hot House and WWF / TRAFFIC networks to ensure national accountability and compliance with the range of international commitments made by governments in FY13 and 14;
• Close collaboration with the Conservation Communications Unit;
• Coordinates the WWF network on wildlife crime, including through production of regular updates, network calls etc;
• Manage development of specified innovative concepts around wildlife crime, as part of the wildlife crime programme evolution;
• Build network buy-in and ownership of the Wildlife Crime Programme, and ensure priority funding needs for FY15 are secured prior to launch of the programme on 1st July 2014;
• Ensure marine and timber content of the wildlife crime programme is well developed through a consultative process with the WWF marine and forest programmes, and relevant initiatives, programmes and network offices;
• Provide strategic guidance to WWF network on wildlife crime and broader species conservation work;
• Manages critical external partnerships essential to WWF’s wildlife crime and species conservation work;
• Conduct efficient monitoring and reporting of projects and programmes for which the position is accountable, according to defined structures and deadlines;
• Provision of technical support and guidance for the development of priority issues for the WWF Species Programme, including the development of technical hubs, climate change and species issues, etc;
• Provides crisis management for controversial species issues, in collaboration with the Communications Unit, Media Office and WWF Network;
• Act as a WWF spokesperson on species issues;
• Provides technical expertise & guidance on thematic/policy issues, as well as insights on global & regional trends and new issues. Advises the WWF Network and other staff as appropriate.

What you need:

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in policy and advocacy, and/or within conservation, preferably within a non-governmental organisation;
• Advanced degree or equivalent work experience in relevant discipline such as wildlife conservation, natural resources management, environmental policy, environmental law;
• Knowledge of and ideally experience working on wildlife crime as a thematic issue will be a distinct advantage;
• Experience in policy development and conducting advocacy with governments, preferably at a high or multi-sectoral level;
• Demonstrable experience in coordinating/leading remote teams, and ability to build strong collaborative working relationships;
• Strong communications and media skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, other languages (particularly French) an advantage;
• Demonstrated fundraising ability an advantage;
• Adhere to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position.

How to apply?

Upload your covering letter and CV on Linkedin. We will not accept applications without CV and covering letter. Please make sure they are saved together as one file.

Deadline for applications: 5th January 2014
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.