Senior Program Manager, Forest Conservation Program

Major Functions:

The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for overall program management to achieve the program’s goals and targets, and ensure all activities comply with project agreements, WWF’s contractual obligations, and donor requirements. The Senior Program Manager will take full responsibility for the technical, financial, and administrative aspects of the project.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and adaptive management of projects across designated forest landscapes and key freshwater river basins through developing, managing, and monitoring program workplans and budgets to optimize resource allocation and project efficiency.
• Provide oversight and professional development for program staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ensure that conservation interventions result in significant and scientifically measurable increases in forest quality or quantity and wildlife habitat restoration.
• Identify opportunities to leverage the program through grants, partnerships, and collaborations. Formulate long-term program forest and wildlife habitat restoration strategies and actionable plans aligned with the latest ecological research and in line with WWF Thailand’s conservation strategy.
• Represent the organization in forest and wildlife forums, policy discussions, and public engagements to advocate for conservation priorities.
• Provide advanced technical guidance on forest and wildlife habitat conservation methodologies, including ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and habitat connectivity.
• Ensure the integration of cutting-edge scientific research and best practices into all program activities.
• Oversee robust data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific reporting to inform evidence-based decision-making and demonstrate conservation outcomes.
• Advocate for policies and legislative measures that support and enhance forest and wildlife conservation at local and national levels.
• Develop and disseminate comprehensive reports, scientific publications, and other communication materials to highlight program achievements and challenges.
• Communicate program progress and impacts to donors, partners, and the WWF network.
• Report on activities according to donor requirements and M&E plans;
• Ensure program compliance with all WWF safeguards requirements (risk/quality assurance/ESSF)
• Support other work as required.

Required Qualifications:                                                                                                      

• Advanced degree in conservation biology, forest management, landscape ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 7 years of research and/or management of complex forest conservation projects involving multi-stakeholders; connectivity conservation experience highly desirable.
• Understanding of forest ecosystem characteristics, threats, socio-economic contexts, and conservation opportunities in Southeast Asia, optimally including familiarity with forest and wildlife policy and management approaches used by Thailand’s Royal Forest Department and Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.
• Strong understanding of land conservation processes that support community participation and empowerment.
• Demonstrated success in managing interdisciplinary teams and complex conservation projects.
• Advanced program management skills, including proficiency in budgeting, strategic planning, and impact monitoring.
• Fluency or near-fluency in English required and Intermediate Thai highly desired

This JD covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.