WWF Project Manager HCI

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and is a leading global conservation organization dedicated to helping people and nature thrive. With a presence in over 100 countries, WWF collaborates with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and promote sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in scientific research and driven by collaborative efforts to conserve biodiversity, support resilient communities, and address the pressing challenges of climate change. WWF boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million members globally, reflecting its widespread support and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for the Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI) will play a pivotal role in leading the Global Coordination Unit (GCU) in supporting HCI partners and ensuring the successful delivery of all project components. This position involves supervising staff within the GCU, managing day-to-day project operations, and coordinating with various partners and specialists across multiple components of the project. The HCI is a transformative 5-year global initiative aimed at addressing systemic barriers that hinder Indigenous Peoples and local communities from effectively managing their lands and biodiversity-rich ecosystems. The Project Manager will be responsible for aligning project activities with the priorities of Indigenous Peoples and local community partners while also meeting the requirements set forth by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This role requires a unique blend of project management skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Technical Delivery of Project Components: Collaborating with Component 1 partners to review and approve annual work plans and budgets, providing technical inputs, and supporting self-strengthening plans. Leading and coordinating the delivery of Components 2 and 3, including the design and implementation of the Youth Policy Leaders program.
• Project Management: Overseeing day-to-day management, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities, ensuring alignment with the project objectives and targets. This includes managing workflows, developing annual work plans, and ensuring compliance with procurement and expenditure guidelines.
• Staff Management: Supervising GCU staff and preparing terms of reference for recruiting consultants and staff.
• Reporting: Collaborating with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer to aggregate information and prepare project progress reports.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring project activities meet GEF and WWF standards through quality assurance processes.
• Partnerships: Coordinating with co-financed projects and managing stakeholder engagement to ensure gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated throughout project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess key competencies such as strategic collaboration and leadership, intercultural and adaptive management skills, and results-oriented project management capabilities. They should have at least 10 years of technical working experience, including a minimum of five years in project management. A Bachelor's Degree is required, with a post-graduate degree in a relevant field preferred. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and local community organizations, demonstrating a track record of culturally sensitive collaboration. Familiarity with the Convention on Biological Diversity and experience in delivering technical and financial reporting to donor agencies are also essential qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree, with a preference for candidates holding a post-graduate degree in a relevant field. This educational foundation should be complemented by practical experience in project management and collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 10 years of technical working experience, with a focus on project management. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience supporting and working with Indigenous peoples and local community organizations, showcasing their ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with advanced proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese being highly preferred. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in Cambodia, with potential locations also including Brazil and 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 candidates applying to work in Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries willing to relocate may apply, with potential support for visa sponsorship and relocation costs based on budget availability. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the job's location, and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.