Programme Development Manager, WWF-Laos

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an independent conservation organization that has been operational since the late 1980s in Laos, officially establishing its office in 200

• With over 60 years of global experience and a presence in more than 100 countries, WWF aims to protect and restore species and their habitats while transforming markets and policies towards sustainability. The organization is committed to addressing climate change and nature loss, advocating for bolder action from world leaders to ensure a sustainable future for both people and nature. WWF's diverse team includes experts from various fields, including conservation science, advocacy, HR, and finance, all working towards a common goal of restoring the planet.

Job Overview:
The Programme Development Manager at WWF-Laos plays a pivotal role in leading the development and implementation of the fundraising strategy aligned with the ambitious 2026-2030 strategic plan. This position is not merely about securing funds; it focuses on building long-term partnerships with donors through mutual engagement and strategic planning. The manager will oversee the writing of high-quality project proposals and cultivate donor relationships to ensure the sustainability of WWF-Laos' conservation efforts. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Conservation Director, to ensure that the organization’s goals are met effectively and efficiently. The Programme Development Manager will also lead a small team, providing direction and support to enhance their capabilities in resource mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Development Manager will lead and manage the Resource Mobilisation unit, ensuring alignment with WWF-Laos' strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include developing a costed resource acquisition strategy, tracking resource mobilization performance, and adjusting strategies to improve funding success rates. The manager will support local capacity development through mentoring and knowledge-sharing, maintain a database of consultants for proposal writing, and prepare regular reports on fundraising performance. Additionally, the manager will lead the development of country-level funding proposals, coordinate multi-country proposals, and manage incoming funding opportunities. The role also involves analyzing donor priorities, establishing relationships with potential donors, and representing WWF-Laos in donor meetings and consultations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in business management, conservation, development studies, political science, or a related field. A minimum of 7-10 years of practical experience in a senior resource acquisition or programme development role is required, with at least 2 years in Laos or the Greater Mekong region. Demonstrated experience in developing competitive project proposals for various institutional donors is essential, along with a proven track record of securing large-scale funding. The candidate should have experience managing teams, a strong understanding of fundraising strategies, and familiarity with conservation issues in Laos.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as business management, conservation, development studies, or political science. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of resource mobilization and programme development within the conservation sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 7-10 years of experience in resource acquisition or programme development, with a strong emphasis on securing funding from bilateral and multilateral aid agencies. Experience in the Greater Mekong region, particularly in Laos, is highly desirable. The candidate should also have a history of managing teams and developing junior staff, as well as a proven ability to navigate inter-institutional relations with government and donor agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Lao and/or French is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the candidate's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position offers an initial contract duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is full-time and based in Vientiane Capital, Laos. Selected candidates are expected to be located in or willing to work from Vientiane Capital. It is important to note that WWF-Laos will not provide a relocation allowance for candidates applying from outside Laos, and any relocation arrangements will be the responsibility of the candidate. However, the organization will cover visa and work permit costs for the successful candidate and their dependents. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.