About WWF-Singapore
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

The Manager of the Forest Conservation Programme is responsible for developing and overseeing a portfolio of regional conservation projects with a special focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southeast Asian forests, ensuring that projects and initiatives are aligned with best practices and international standards. This position demands strategic thinking, robust project design and adaptive project management experience, and close collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders, particularly for fundraising and contract management. The Manager must have a good understanding of the key principles of high-quality Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. The chosen candidate will play a crucial role in advancing WWF-Singapore’s strategic interests around forest conservation in Southeast Asia and engaging with the Southeast Asian Climate and Nature-based Solutions Coalition (SCeNe Coalition) to advance WWF’s interests and position on NbS for Climate. The Manager must be comfortable representing WWF-Singapore within the WWF network and with external stakeholders.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Forest Conservation Programme for WWF-Singapore: Take ownership of the forest conservation strategy and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Project design: Design impactful projects with cross-departmental support, especially with the fundraising department. Work with WWF offices in the region to identify and/or co-design forest conservation projects with the aim of delivering high impact outcomes that align WWF and major donor interests.
• Programme management: Develop and oversee the delivery of a workplan and budget for a portfolio of projects, monitoring project progress and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance in accordance with WWF standards. Ensure that projects are delivered against SMART objectives, outcomes and indicators. Coordinate and lead meetings to deliver the programme. Monitor and report progress to the senior management team and colleagues as required.
• Fundraising: Secure funding for the programme by working closely with the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising (MCF) department. This includes donor and stakeholder engagement and presentations, and reporting on key conservation projects and programmes.
• Communications and outreach: Develop and deliver initiatives working in collaboration with other teams, including Corporate Partnerships and Education and Outreach. This may include Green Talks, webinars and community engagement initiatives. Guide the content and fact-check all communications-related materials relevant to forest conservation and NbS, working closely with and supporting the MCF teams.
• Internal engagements: Act as WWF-Singapore’s focal point for the WWF Forest Practice and ensure cohesion and strategic alignment between WWF-Singapore and the broader WWF network following key Forest Practice developments and initiatives within the Network and relaying relevant information to the WWF Singapore conservation, and MCF teams. Contribute actively to the review of position papers and reports.
• External engagements: Represent WWF-Singapore on the Portfolio Workstream within the SCeNe Coalition, defining criteria for high-quality triple benefit NbS and coordinating with the wider WWF network to ensure alignment with Network positions related to engagement with Carbon markets, mitigating reputational risk. Foster collaborative relationships outside of WWF.
• Thought Leadership: provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise especially in the areas of forest ecosystems and NbS to ensure that priority conservation strategies and goals are grounded in, and informed by, the best available science and best practices within the WWF network and in the market.
• Staff management: Manage staff including interns and volunteers for the programme, providing effective leadership, guidance, goal-setting and constructive feedback, and fostering a positive work environment.

Required Qualifications:

• 6-8 years of professional experience in forest conservation and nature-based solutions. Candidates with 3-5 years of direct experience in these areas are encouraged to apply.
• An advanced degree in environmental science, ecology, forestry, conservation biology, sustainability, or a related field is preferred but candidates with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in a non-profit environment would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the subject matter – (i) Forest Ecology and Conservation: In-depth knowledge of forest ecosystems, their biodiversity, and the factors impacting forest health and resilience. (ii) Principles, strategies, and practical implementation of NbS for forest ecosystems. This includes knowledge of sustainable land-use management, reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry, and other NbS approaches that contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and the advancement of community livelihoods and human wellbeing. Knowledge of the following will be an added advantage: (i) Carbon Markets and climate finance: familiarity with carbon markets, an understanding of the regulatory frameworks and standards related to carbon credits and the application of climate finance to promote greater ambition in tropical forest conservation. (ii) Sustainability Standards: awareness of international sustainability standards and certifications related to forest management, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and other relevant criteria for sustainable forest practices. A commitment to continually grow, update and communicate subject-matter knowledge, and to apply knowledge to work plans and the wider work of the organization.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think strategically and apply this to the programme and to align efforts with broader organizational goals in the context of Singapore and the region. The chosen candidate should be able to identify synergies among the conservation strategy of WWF-Singapore, those of various WWF offices in the region and evolving donor priorities and ensure that the programme’s activities are directed toward achieving the intended objectives effectively. The ability to make informed decisions and prioritize actions that yield the greatest impact is crucial.
• Workplan, Project and Budget Management: Ability to prepare and manage work plans, projects and budgets in a timely, accurate and realistic manner in accordance with best practice. The Manager must have a proven track record of optimizing resource allocation to projects, ensuring that funds are directed towards initiatives with the highest potential for success and impact. Manage programmes and projects effectively and with agility. Embrace change and identify innovative opportunities for improvement.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Demonstrate strong decision-making skills and the ability to solve complex problems. This can involve analysing information, evaluating options, and making informed decisions that align with the organization’s objectives. The Manager should be able to perform proactive risk assessment and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential challenges.
• Technical Writing and Communication: Strong technical writing skills to prepare and review reports, policy papers, and communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences is a must. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including public speaking, are essential. The Manager must be able to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
• Leadership and People Management: Provide effective leadership and guidance to team members and others as required to deliver the programme. Provide mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth to team members. Take a proactive approach to self-development and learning.
• Adhere to WWF’s values, which are: Collaboration, Integrity, Respect and Courage

Working Relationships:

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to changing organizational needs.

Interested candidates should email a CV and a cover letter to the HR Department (Email: hr@wwf.sg). Please indicate the position ‘Manager, Forest Programme’ being applied for in the subject line.