Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since become a leading global conservation organization. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and promote sustainable solutions. WWF is grounded in scientific research and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. The organization boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million globally, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in leading the Global Coordination Unit (GCU) in support of the Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI), a transformative 5-year global project aimed at empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities in their stewardship of lands and biodiversity. This position involves overseeing the successful delivery of all project components, managing a diverse team, and ensuring that the project aligns with both Indigenous priorities and GEF requirements. The Project Manager will be responsible for day-to-day project management, monitoring and evaluation of project activities, and fostering collaboration among various partners. This role is unique as it requires balancing the needs of Indigenous communities with the operational demands of a global project, making it essential for the Project Manager to possess strong intercultural communication and leadership skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Delivery of Project Components: Lead the review and approval of annual work plans and budgets for Component 1 partners, provide necessary technical inputs, and support self-strengthening plans. Coordinate the delivery of Components 2 and 3, including the design and implementation of the Youth Policy Leaders program. Ensure successful delivery of Components 4 and 5 with GCU staff support.
• Project Management: Oversee day-to-day management, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities as outlined in the project documentation. Organize regular virtual meetings with partners, manage workflows for the Indigenous Global Steering Committee, and develop the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the global HCI.
• Staff Management: Supervise GCU staff, including various officers and assistants, and prepare terms of reference for recruiting consultants and staff.
• Reporting: Collaborate with the MEL Officer to aggregate information and prepare semi-annual Project Progress Reports. Ensure timely delivery of financial reports and co-finance reporting.
• Quality Assurance: Provide quality assurance for project activities and ensure compliance with GEF and WWF standards.
• Partnerships: Coordinate with co-financed projects, attract additional partners, and manage stakeholder engagement to ensure gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated throughout project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 10 years of technical working experience, including at least five years in project management. A Bachelor’s Degree is required, with a post-graduate degree in a relevant field preferred. Candidates should have substantial experience working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and local community organizations, demonstrating a track record of culturally sensitive collaboration. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for interacting with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous representatives, government officials, and donor staff. Familiarity with the Convention on Biological Diversity and experience in delivering technical and financial reporting to donor agencies are also required. Additionally, candidates should have experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and leading teams across different time zones and cultures.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, with a preference for those holding a post-graduate degree. The educational background should align with the thematic areas of the project, such as conservation, environmental science, or sustainable development, to ensure a strong foundation for the responsibilities of the Project Manager.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of technical working experience, with at least five years specifically in project management. Candidates should have experience supporting Indigenous peoples and local community organizations, as well as a demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-country projects. Experience in leading teams and coordinating sub-grant partners is essential, particularly in a cross-cultural context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with advanced proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese highly preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in Brazil, Cambodia, or Kenya. Applicants must be nationals legally authorized to work in Brazil or Kenya, as employment visa sponsorship and relocation are not provided for these locations. For Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries willing to relocate may apply, with potential visa sponsorship available. The position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.