Senior Officer, Forest

Job Posting Organization:
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is an independent conservation organization that has been operational for over 60 years. With a presence in more than 100 countries, WWF is dedicated to sustaining the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. The organization focuses on addressing the most pressing environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, by advocating for policy changes and implementing conservation strategies on the ground. WWF aims to engage diverse stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and governments, to foster a global movement for environmental sustainability and restoration.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer, Forest is a pivotal role within the Conservation Policy and Technical Support Unit (PTSU) at WWF Madagascar. This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical support in forest conservation and governance. The Senior Officer will lead national policy advocacy efforts, develop WWF's positions on forest-related issues, and support landscape programs in implementing effective conservation strategies. The role requires a deep understanding of forestry and environmental management, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to drive impactful conservation outcomes. The Senior Officer will also be involved in partnership development, knowledge management, and capacity building, ensuring that WWF's conservation goals are met through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Officer, Forest will undertake a variety of duties, including leading national policy advocacy work related to forest conservation and governance, providing strategic orientation on these topics, and developing WWF's positions on relevant issues. The officer will offer technical support and guidance to landscape programs, ensuring effective implementation of conservation strategies. Additionally, the role involves initiating and managing partnerships at both national and international levels, representing WWF in relevant forums, and contributing to the development and reporting of programs and projects related to forest carbon initiatives. The Senior Officer will also be responsible for knowledge management, capacity building, and communication efforts, ensuring that lessons learned are documented and shared effectively within the organization and with external partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a master's level degree in forestry or a related field, along with a minimum of 7 years of experience in forestry or environmental management. Proven experience in forest carbon initiatives is essential, as is a strong understanding of forest policy and institutional frameworks in Madagascar. Experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and leading teams is also required. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Malagasy, French, and English are mandatory, along with proficiency in computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, and negotiation skills, as well as a proactive attitude and the ability to work independently while being an effective team player.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's level degree in forestry or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of forest conservation and governance, as well as for engaging in policy advocacy and technical support activities. A strong academic foundation in environmental management principles and practices will be beneficial for the candidate to succeed in this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in forestry or environmental management. This experience should include a proven track record in forest carbon initiatives and a solid understanding of forest policies and frameworks, particularly in Madagascar and the broader African context. Experience in leading teams, managing projects, and collaborating with various stakeholders is essential for achieving the desired conservation outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in Malagasy, French, and English is mandatory for this position. These language skills are critical for effective communication with local communities, stakeholders, and international partners. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to WWF's global initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as B1- IPE 52 and is offered as a CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée). The role is based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and involves supervising Forest Officers. The job description may evolve to meet organizational needs, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early, as WWF reserves the right to close the advert early. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply.