Overview

The mountains, savannahs and forests of Eastern Africa are some of the last remaining wilderness for mega-fauna and unique forest habitats on the African continent. The region is rich in forest ranging from open miombo woodlands, coastal forests and mountain forest, many of which of very high value in terms of biodiversity and endemism, as well as for sustaining the diverse and iconic fauna of the region. However, this globally important and unique natural resource base remains under threat from a variety of sources – agricultural and livestock expansion, uncontrolled fires, charcoal production, unsustainable logging and infrastructure development-driven both by local demand and drivers for resources as well as growing international market forces and investments in the region. At the same time, poor governance and low accountability, as well as lack of incentives for communities and other forest dependents, precludes responsible use of this rich natural heritage.

WWF has built up an important portfolio of work to address the challenges related to forest governance in the region. Building upon important successes, such as the signing of the Zanzibar Declaration on addressing Illegal Trade in Timber and Forest Products, the Regional Forest Programme Coordinator will take a lead on all aspects of this programme. 

Major Functions:

Work in close consultation with staff in participating Country Offices to implement activities throughout the region which will lead to the achievement of the goals set out in the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy.

Provide technical support to conservation work in participating WWF Country offices, ensuring alignment between Country Strategic Plans and the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy.

Coordination of (regional) partnerships including specific task forces, regional bodies and frameworks that will support the delivery of the Regional Sustainable Forests Programme 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Country offices in the delivery of the Regional Sustainable Forests Programme.
• Identify, cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships in the region to support the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy; in particular, liaise where appropriate with government institutions, national and international forums, professional forestry-related associations/commissions in the region and other partners / stakeholders, such TRAFFIC, the Southern African Development Community, East African Community, UNEP and FAO;
• Work closely with WWF policy staff in the region and the network to enhance bi-lateral and policy processes that contribute to the goals and objectives of the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy;
• Ensure integration between the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy and the conservation programmes of the participating WWF Country Offices (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar and Uganda), as well as with other WWF Initiatives and major programmes (e.g. Miombo);
• Ensure full alignment and coordination between the Regional Sustainable Forests Programme and the Global Practice on Forests;
• Facilitate cross-Network learning between the Regional Sustainable Forests Programme and other related or similar WWF initiatives;
• Provide strategic and technical support and guidance to key staff in country offices to enable them to engage in the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy implementation;
• Develop new, and support existing relationships with institutional donors for fund-raising and lobbying, and help develop fundraising proposals for donors in coordination with relevant WWF colleagues;
• Develop strategic alliances with forestry related business and industry;
• Prepare required forest policy, technical and briefing papers for the region;
• Work closely with the Communications Staff at participating country office, and other WWF communicators on outreach activities to support the Regional Sustainable Forests Strategy objectives;
• Ensure the preparation and timely submission to the donors of annual work plans and budgets as well as technical and financial reports according to agreed WWF Network standards,
• Profile:

Required Qualifications and Experience

• MSc degree or higher in the field of forestry or relevant environmental sciences;
• Technical proficiency in the field of forestry, natural resource management, international project management or international development;
• At least 8 years of professional experience of which at least 5 years in Eastern Africa working in a senior management position on major conservation programme, planning, development and implementation.
• Proven experience on engaging with actors at a high level – corporate and government;
• Strong understanding of sustainable forest management and responsible timber trade.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Good technical and organizational skills essential
• Strong project management skills at the international level and leadership skills
• Ability to open doors and build relationships of confidence with contacts in government, business, civil society and the donor community
• Experience in writing proposals and fundraising
• Excellent negotiation, diplomacy and lobbying skills |
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings
• Ability to work effectively in a virtual team located in multiple locations
• Willingness to travel extensively including to extremely remote locations
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English; Kiswahili and Portuguese an advantage;

How to Apply

Additional information: Detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained via http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/jobs/, Applications must include a complete CV with full contact details of three referees and should be addressed to the People & Culture Manager, via email to: hresources@wwftz.org by Friday, 27^th June 2019 at 4:30 pm.