ThaiNGO

Background

The Greater Mekong region, including Thailand, is a critical area in the global illegal wildlife trade. Thailand is a source, transit and destination country for a number of the most threatened and lucratively traded wildlife species including tiger, Asian and African elephant, rhino, bears, and pangolins. Eliminating illegal wildlife trade is a priority of WWF in which WWF Greater Mekong has identified closing illegal wildlife markets as a Big Win – a conservation achievement capable of stimulating attention and leveraging commitment.

Illegal global trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products is responsible for a significant reduction of wildlife populations in Southeast Asia. WWF aims to end illegal wildlife trade through a comprehensive approach and improved regional cooperation. Desired outcomes for the activity include reduction in consumer demand for wildlife products, improved enforcement of existing laws, policies, and agreements related to wildlife crime, and improved cooperation and collaboration among regional, international, and inter-institutional law enforcement players. The keystone of the program is operationalizing the WWF network’s High Impact Initiatives (HII) on “Closing Down Ivory Market” and “Phasing Out Tiger Farms.” These projects aim to engage with policymakers at the right level to advocate for policy change. We are working toward the goal of having Thailand commit to banning domestic ivory markets and phasing out tiger farms. Apart from policy advocacy, WWF has been at the forefront of innovation within the field of Social and Behavioural Change Communications (SBCC), running demand reduction campaigns with relevant stakeholders targeting specific consumers. In addition, we are also implementing a regional project, “Fighting Wildlife Trafficking in the Golden Triangle,” designed to reduce trafficking of wildlife in key target locations and provinces in Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand which fall within the trafficking hot-spot known as the Golden Triangle. The project aims to connect anti-trafficking efforts at the provincial and trans-boundary levels and close regulatory loopholes in order to widen the net that targets criminal activities that occur in and transit through these provinces and their borders. A multi-partner, multi-country approach is used to foster improved knowledge on wildlife crime dynamics, and to enhance information and data sharing among law enforcement within and among the three countries.

WWF-Thailand, as part of WWF-Greater Mekong and the regional project, is looking for experienced Thai candidates for the position of Senior Officer – Illegal Wildlife Trade Program, based in Bangkok, Thailand, with some national and regional travel.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Take the lead in coordination and administrative support for project implementation and delivery of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Program in Thailand, as determined in the program activities and work plan.
• Coordinate and work with Conservation Director WWF Thailand on IWT activities implemented in Thailand as agreed upon in workplan.
• Support IWT program advocacy, campaigns implementation and communications activities in Thailand, in coordination with the relevant teams in WWF-Thailand, WWF-Greater Mekong IWT Program Manager and Communications Manager, WWF offices in the Greater Mekong countries and external partners in the region.
• Support strategic planning efforts to design effective national advocacy and communications to improve government interventions and reduce consumer demand.
• Take the lead in coordinating with the Thai government and relevant law enforcement agencies by ensuring effective implementation and delivery of IWT projects and activities aiming to build stronger relationships and maintain close collaborations with them.
• Liaise with relevant WWF programs and regional/national offices in the Greater Mekong region to coordinate on IWT activities and projects.
• Maintain a working knowledge of political, legislative, environmental, social and economic frameworks relevant to the IWT in Thailand, and support engagement of WWF teams in relevant dialogues and meetings.
• Conduct other tasks related to WWF’s IWT program, as assigned by the WWF-Greater Mekong IWT Program Manager and, occasionally, by Conservation Director for IWT activities in Thailand.
• Contribute to reporting and monitoring requirements by WWF Thailand and Greater Mekong

Required Qualifications     

• Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in natural resources and environmental management, conservation, communications, law, international relations, social science or in relevant fields.
• At least, 3-5 years, experience working and negotiating with government officials and/or donors.
• Experience working in multi-cultural environments and working with key organizations and institutions in Thailand.
• Familiarity with Illegal Wildlife Trade, Conservation, Law Enforcement, and Policy Advocacy are desirable.
• Fluency in Thai and English.

Working Relationships

Internal

• WWF Thailand Wildlife, Forest and DTL Landscape teams
• WWF-Greater Mekong IWT Program Manager and regional support staff (Communications, M&E, Finance) – help with Program Development, Communications, M&E, Finance, Policy.
• Counterpart IWT teams in other GMP countries i.e. WWF-Laos and WWF-Myanmar under the Fighting Wildlife Trafficking in the Golden Triangle project; and WWF-Vietnam and WWF-Cambodia on regional IWT issues and activities – Coordinate across the region for overall project delivery.
• TRAFFIC Southeast Asia – Share information with key project partner.

External

• Government agencies (Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Royal Thai Police, Customs Department, among others) at both national and provincial levels (specifically Chiang Rai province) – Coordinate and interact with government agencies responsible for reducing the Illegal Wildlife Trade.
• Relevant networks and organizations in Thailand – Coordinate with NGOs and other stakeholders working on wildlife crime.

This job description 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.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.