Position title: Head (Field Conservation)
Reports to: Director of Conservation and Science
Location: 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. As one of WWF’s international hubs, WWF-Singapore supports a global network spanning over 100 countries. WWF Singapore works closely with local stakeholders towards a greener and more sustainable Singapore and the region around us. We work to address key conservation areas, such as climate change, sustainable finance, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, marine conservation, and sustainable production and consumption, through collaboration, education and outreach efforts involving the community, businesses, and governments. For more information, please visit wwf.sg.
Major Functions:
The Head is responsible for administration, development and overseeing 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 resilient mindset and adaptive project management experience, 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. Good knowledge of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is a plus. The chosen candidate will play a crucial role in advancing WWF-Singapore’s strategic interests around conservation 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 will be leading and management of day-to-day administration of all team activities and staff, interns and volunteers. The post holder works in cross-functional programme teams including closely with but not limited to 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, employee communications, as well as peer-support to fellow Heads to develop a stronger team, united in our 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: Work with other WWF offices and local partners to identify and/or co-design conservation projects with the aim of delivering high impact outcomes that align WWF and major donor interests. Ensure selected projects follow WWF standards with cross-departmental support, especially with the fundraising department. Work with the Director and other team members to identify and implement innovative conservation techniques to projects and outreach to various stakeholders.
● Programme management: Act as the primary profit & loss owner for field team unit, ensuring that every project is delivered to a high quality, on time, and is adequately costed and fundraised, so as to ensure the financial sustainability of the unit and its projects. Ensure that projects are delivered against SMART objectives, outcomes and indicators. Coordinate and lead the team to deliver the programmes as needed. Report on project progress to the senior management team and board members as required. Ensure the project dashboard is updated. Attend calls with other WWF offices and partners on project progress. Lead on Nature Theme meetings and attend other theme meetings as representative. Ensure WWF Environmental and Social Safeguards framework is adhered to.
● Fundraising: Work with field team members on proposals to secure funding for the projects by working closely with the Growth and Partnerships 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 WWF overseas teams and WWF Singapore including corporate partnerships, philanthropy as well as education and outreach teams. This may include delivering talks, webinars, community engagement initiatives and media engagement as needed. Guide the content and fact-check all communications-related materials relevant to the portfolio, working closely with and supporting the growth and partnerships teams. Head will also be required to ensure the team is able to produce and deliver communications such as op-ed pieces and deliver social media and other communications material with a calendar of field team work communication output. Oversee relevant content for annual reports and internal and external impact reports.
● Internal & external engagements: Act as WWF-Singapore’s co-focal point for WWF Practices with relevant staff and ensure cohesion and strategic alignment between WWF Singapore and the broader WWF network following key Forest/Biodiversity/Oceans Practice developments and initiatives within the Network and relaying relevant information to the WWF Singapore conservation, and growth and partnerships teams. Contribute and oversee the
review of position papers and reports. Represent the office at local NGO consultations as needed.
● Thought leadership: provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise especially in the areas of wildlife, 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. Input into Singapore government reviews and consultations as needed.
● Staff management: Manage the day to day activities of the field team staff including contract staff, interns and volunteers. Provide strong and effective leadership, guidance, goal- setting and constructive feedback, and fostering a positive work environment that aligns with WWF Singapore’s mission and vision.
Required skills and competencies:
● Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of local and Asian forest, wildlife, coastal and marine ecosystems, their biodiversity, and the factors impacting their health and resilience; Knowledge and experience of NbS for ecosystems a plus. Experience in policy work will be an advantage.
● Strategic Thinking: The ability to think strategically to align efforts with broader organizational goals in the context of Singapore, Asia Pacific and beyond as needed. 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 elsewhere 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 conservation and donor impact is crucial.
● Workplan, Project and Budget Management: Excellent ability to prepare and manage work plans, projects and budgets in a timely, accurate and realistic manner. The applicant 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. Be able to manage programmes and projects effectively and with agility. Be able to embrace change and identify innovative opportunities for improvement. Flexibility in thinking and resilience to change is a must.
● Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Demonstrate strong decision-making, negotiation 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 applicant 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 applicant must be able to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and other departments. Comfortable with speaking to the media.
● 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. Some periodic travel will be expected. There will be some after work hours and weekend engagements and meetings (time off will be given).
Adhere to WWF’s values, which are: 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 a related field is preferable but candidates with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply
● Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing, mentoring and leading staff
● Proven success in the development and execution of strategies and project plans
● Knowledge and experience of working in a multi-stakeholder environment
● Knowledge and experience of the not-for-profit sector, especially environmental non- government organizations, is highly advantageous
You need to:
● Be a mature self-starter with a high level of drive and energy.
● Be results-focused and a dynamic personality who is solutions-oriented, is resourceful, has a growth mindset and is collaborative.
● Empower and mentor others, being able to work both independently and as part of a team according to task requirements.
● Work proactively and effectively with key stakeholders in industry, and be able to mobilise their active participation.
● Have great organisational skills, attention and dedication to details.
● Be able to handle coordination of various stakeholders and/or partners on complex projects.
● Be able to think strategically and apply this to design and execution of plans.
● Have proven experience in stakeholder relationship management.
● Adhere to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.
This job description covers the main tasks. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.
What WeOffer:
· A flexible and supportive work environment.
· Opportunities for connecting professional development and growth with a passion for nature and the environment.
· Access to a global network of highly skilled professionals and leaders in the field, offering valuable learning and collaboration opportunities.
