The Head is responsible for the administration, development, and oversight of a portfolio of international, regional, and local conservation projects. They ensure that projects and initiatives are aligned with best practices and international WWF standards. This position demands strategic thinking, a flexible and resilient mindset, and adaptive project management experience, along with close collaboration with internal and external WWF colleagues and stakeholders, particularly for fundraising and contract management.

The candidate must have a good understanding of the key principles of biodiversity conservation. Knowledge of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is a plus. The chosen candidate will play a crucial role in advancing WWF-Singapore’s strategic conservation interests in Asia and beyond. The candidate must be comfortable representing WWF-Singapore within the WWF network and with external stakeholders.

A major aspect of this role is leading and managing the day-to-day administration of all team activities, including staff, interns, and volunteers. The post holder works in cross-functional programme teams, collaborating closely with departments such as Operations, Finance, Fundraising, and Communications, and with other WWF offices for project-related matters.

As a member of WWF-SG’s Extended Leadership Team, the Head will play a key role in identifying and addressing challenges, enhancing employee communications, and providing peer support to fellow Heads to build a stronger, united team in pursuit of WWF’s mission.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee conservation programmes for WWF-Singapore: Work closely with the Director of Conservation and Science to identify suitable terrestrial and marine projects in Singapore and elsewhere that align with office and network strategy.
• Project design: Collaborate with other WWF offices and local partners to co-design conservation projects aimed at delivering high-impact outcomes that align WWF and major donor interests. Ensure selected projects adhere to WWF standards, with support from the fundraising department. Work with the Director and team members to identify and implement innovative conservation techniques and engage various stakeholders.
• Programme management: Act as the primary profit & loss owner for the field team unit, ensuring project delivery is of high quality, on time, and financially sustainable. Projects should align with SMART objectives and indicators. Lead the team to deliver programmes, report progress to senior management and the board, and update the project dashboard. Represent WWF in Nature Theme meetings and other theme discussions. Ensure adherence to WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards framework.
• Fundraising: Collaborate with field team members to secure funding for projects, working closely with the Growth and Partnerships department. This includes donor and stakeholder engagement, presentations, and reporting on key conservation projects and programmes.
• Communications and outreach: Develop initiatives in collaboration with other WWF teams, including corporate partnerships, philanthropy, and education outreach. Deliver talks, webinars, community engagement initiatives, and media engagement as needed. Ensure communications materials are fact-checked, relevant, and aligned with project objectives. Oversee the team’s output in terms of communications, social media, and contributions to annual and impact reports.
• Internal & external engagements: Serve as WWF-Singapore’s co-focal point for WWF Practices and ensure strategic alignment between WWF Singapore and the broader WWF network. Review position papers and reports. Represent WWF-Singapore at local NGO consultations as needed.
• Thought leadership: Provide expertise in wildlife, ecosystems, and NbS to ensure priority conservation strategies and goals are informed by the best available science. Input into Singapore government reviews and consultations as needed.
• Staff management: Manage day-to-day activities of field team staff, including contract staff, interns, and volunteers. Provide leadership, goal-setting, feedback, and create a positive work environment aligned with WWF Singapore’s mission and vision.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with local and Asian forest, wildlife, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Knowledge and experience with NbS for ecosystems is a plus. Experience in policy work is an advantage.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align efforts with broader organizational goals in the context of Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. Ability to identify synergies between WWF Singapore’s conservation strategies, other WWF offices, and evolving donor priorities.
• Workplan, Project and Budget Management: Proven ability to manage work plans, projects, and budgets in a timely, accurate manner. Experience optimizing resource allocation to maximize project success and impact.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Strong decision-making and negotiation skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and perform risk assessments.
• Technical Writing and Communication: Strong technical writing and communication skills for reports, policy papers, and public speaking. Ability to collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
• Leadership and People Management: Provide leadership, mentorship, and opportunities for team members’ professional growth. Periodic travel, after-hours, and weekend engagements are required (time off will be provided).
• Adhere to WWF’s values of Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, and Courage.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience preferred.
• An advanced degree in environmental science, botany, zoology, geography, ecology, forestry, conservation biology, or related fields is preferred, but candidates with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing, mentoring, and leading staff.
• Proven success in strategy development and project execution.
• Experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly environmental NGOs, is highly advantageous.