WWF-Singapore is seeking a skilled and motivated professional to lead and support the delivery of its forest conservation and nature-based solutions (NbS) programmes across Southeast Asia. As Lead, Forest NbS, you will play a key role in implementing WWF-Singapore’s regional forest and wildlife initiatives, applying science, policy, and partnerships to protect, restore, and sustainably manage forest ecosystems that deliver benefits for biodiversity, climate, and people.
The role requires strong technical knowledge of tropical forest ecology, restoration, protected area management and wildlife conservation biology, as well as a solid understanding of the carbon, biodiversity, and community co-benefits of forest landscapes. You will coordinate programme activities, manage regional projects and budgets, and contribute to the design and operationalisation of WWF-Singapore’s Forest NbS strategy.
As part of the NbS leadership team, you will lead the development and implementation of on-the-ground field projects across Southeast Asia, ensuring high-quality delivery, measurable outcomes, and alignment with regional and global priorities. You will engage with government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, and academic partners to scale impact, share knowledge, and promote innovation. Success in this role requires strong operational skills, technical knowledge, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to evidence-based, inclusive conservation solutions. Please note this role requires travel to remote field sites in Southeast Asia for project monitoring and evaluation and stakeholder engagement as and when needed.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Delivery & Operational Leadership
· Oversee delivery of the Forest NbS portfolio in collaboration with regional WWF offices across Asia-Pacific and select partners in Singapore, ensuring objectives, timelines, and budgets are on track and aligned with strategic priorities.
· Lead day-to-day operations of the Forest NbS team, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure team members are supported in workload planning, coordination, and high-quality project delivery across local and regional programmes.
· Partner with WWF-Singapore’s Operations, Fundraising, Stewardship, Legal, and Finance teams to manage budgets, track expenditure, and ensure compliance with organisational and donor requirements.
Technical Support, Partnerships & Donor Engagement
· Oversee the review of technical progress reports, donor reports and deliverables, and communication materials, liaising with implementation partners, donors and other stakeholders both within and beyond WWF-Singapore to receive and provide timely and accurate updates on project progress and impact.
· Support project pipeline planning, proposal development, and portfolio-level strategy, coordinating within WWF-Singapore and with regional offices and other key partners to advance forest conservation priorities.
· Represent WWF-Singapore in WWF network calls/workshops, strategic sessions, technical working groups, and donor engagements, and occasionally serve as spokesperson in expert panels, media appearances, or other public events.
· Contribute to digital transformation, promoting the use of innovative technologies like AI to improve programme efficiency.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
· Lead the development and implementation of robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems, including reporting frameworks, indicators, and knowledge management tools to ensure measurable biodiversity, climate, and community outcomes at the project level.
· Promote adaptive management and knowledge sharing across projects and at the programme level, facilitating internal and regional learning and showcasing results across the portfolio.
· Organise workshops, meetings, site visits and draft reports or other written communications, as required, on key topics relevant to the Forest NbS portfolio (e.g., forest landscape restoration, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable production and consumption, and sustainable tourism).
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the tasks expected proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.
Required Qualifications and Skills
· Master’s degree or PhD in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or related field.
· 8-10 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
· Technical knowledge of tropical forest ecology, restoration, and wildlife conservation, ideally with experience directly implementing field conservation in Southeast Asia.
· Demonstrated experience designing and implementing MEL or adaptive management frameworks.
· Strong project management, budgeting, and partnership coordination skills.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; experience in donor reporting and stakeholder engagement.
Desirable
· Experience coordinating with stakeholders in Southeast Asia and/or working with indigenous peoples or local communities is highly desirable.
· Familiarity with forest certification or sustainability standards and voluntary carbon and biodiversity markets.
· Knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism.
· Fluency in one or more Southeast Asian languages (e.g. Bahasa Malaysia / Indonesia, Thai, Vietnamese, Khmer) is a plus.
What We Offer
· A leadership opportunity to shape WWF-Singapore’s forest and climate portfolio, contributing directly to the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems.
· A collaborative, mission-driven environment with opportunities for regional exposure, professional growth, and meaningful impact.
If you are interested in this role, please apply using this link.