Posted on September, 09 2014

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Senior Program Officer for Wildlife Conservation. The African Species Conservation Officer is the thought leader for WWF’s African flagship species work (elephant, rhino and great ape).  As the primary link between African field-based programs and the Washington DC headquarters, s/he works closely with both our Africa program offices and headquarters staff on species conservation and with other initiatives (community-based conservation, anti-poaching, and geographic programs) that include conservation and management of African species to ensure programmatic synergies and form close alliances. S/he is responsible for initiating, developing, and coordinating transformational species conservation initiatives with multiple partners. S/he communicates the nature and results of the work to interested institutions, governments, partner organizations, and the public.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

1.      Management of a portfolio of species conservation projects and contributes to other species projects.

2.      Develops transformative projects on African species conservation.

3.      Ensures harmonization of species conservation with other WWF initiatives.

4.      Provides technical support to projects within the wildlife and other goal portfolios.

5.      Collaborates and coordinates with the African Species Action Plan coordinators.

6.      Keeps abreast of the latest conservation, development and political issues impacting Africa; disseminates this information within WWF, and uses this information to adapt WWF’s conservation approach to emerging opportunities. 

7.      Develops strong inter-organizational partnerships on species conservation.

8.      Identifies fundraising needs and opportunities, develops proposals, engages with and reports to donors.

9.      Serves as a WWF spokesperson in media interviews, events and in public fora.

Minimum Requirements

1.      A Master’s degree in ecology, conservation, wildlife biology or natural resource management is required.

2.      At least 6 years’ experience in conservation, wildlife ecology, protected area management, anti-poaching operations, community-based conservation or a related field required.

3.      A minimum of 1 year experience living and working in Africa required

4.      Working knowledge of community-based conservation, protected area management and/or anti-poaching strategies approaches highly desirable.

5.      Must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

6.      Administrative and management skills essential.

7.      Strong interpersonal/cross-cultural/diplomatic skills required.

8.      Proven fundraising ability and a track record working with key donor institutions (e.g. USG, foundations, multi/bi-lateral agencies)

9.      Fluency in French helpful.

To Apply:

-          Please visit our careers page and submit an on-line application.

-          The most compatible browser that supports the application process is Internet Explorer 7, or version 8 and 9 in “compatibility mode”.

-          Submit cover letter and resume to http://www.worldwildlife.org/careers, job #15028

-          Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone. 

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and veteran or disability status.