ThaiNGO

Position Title : Senior Program Manager, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and Tenasserim Corridor
Department : Conservation
Work location : Bangkok
Report to : Conservation Director
Supervises : Senior Project Officer, Project Officers, Finance and Admin Officer
Employment duration : 12-months with possibility for extension

Background

The Senior Program Manager for the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (KKFC)/Tenasserim Corridor (Corridor) will oversee all aspects of the programs to ensure the successful achievement of their objectives. The KKFC is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich biodiversity and being home to several endangered species, including the Indochinese tiger, Asian elephant, and numerous other wildlife species. The adjacent Corrido, comprised of both public and private lands, is a critical linkage zone between KKFC and the Western Forest Complex, Thailand’s core tiger range.

These programs are  pivotal in safeguarding these critical habitats against the growing threats of illegal wildlife trade, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. In KKFC, the primary goals of the program includes strengthening law enforcement and anti-poaching patrols through the use of the SMART Patrol tool, conducting comprehensive research and monitoring of tiger populations and other key wildlife species, and implementing strategies to reduce human-elephant conflict around Kuiburi and Kaeng Krachan National Parks.

The Senior Program Manager will concurrently lead a multi-faceted program to restore the Tenasserim Corridor, the 120 km-long natural linkage between Thailand’s two primary tiger ecosystems, the Western Forest and KKFC. This program collaborates with local communities, provincial, national, and Royal agencies, and small and large landholders to designate protected areas,  to improve policies to maximize connectivity for wildlife movement, to identify OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) on lands outside of protected areas, to identify mechanisms  to include local communities in conservation activities and support livelihoods, and to assess and mitigate the impacts of existing and planned linear infrastructure barriers to wildlife movement (roads, high tension lines, etc.). Our ultimate goal is to stop forest fragmentation and establish a positive trajectory of restored habitat connectivity, ultimately leading to improved movement of a range of wildlife species throughout the corridor.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement workplans consistent with program objectives and the WWF Thailand 5 year strategy.
• Supervise project officers and contractors;
• Maintain strong familiarity with relent conservation tools such as camera trapping methodology, elephant response methods, and SMART techniques;
•  Maintain positive program relationships with local community leaders, Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Protection, Royal Forest Department, other government agencies, academics, and local and international NGOs;  design and lead related meetings and workshops as needed;
• Ensure timely completion of permitting and reporting requirements of Thailand government agencies;
• Monitor deadlines and tangible achievements;
• Provide strong, transparent leadership to the KKFC and Corridor program teams to achieve successful completion of goals.
• Manage the budget with the Conservation and Finance departments to guarantee financial accountability and transparency in the program budget.
• Participate in and advise the team on program activities e.g. protected area management, patrol enhancement, DNP staff development, community involvement, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat improvement.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between all program partners and stakeholders.
• Work with the M&E Manager to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program impact and progress.
• Work closely with the ESSF Manager in identifying potential risks to the program and developing mitigation strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and lessons learned for internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in conservation, forestry, natural resource management or related fields or equivalent experience.
• 5 years in wildlife conservation, protected area management, field biological survey, ecology, and/or project management.
• 1-3 years as program manager of a complex project with several team  members.
• Experience in scientific-based research analysis, project management, and proposal development.
• Experience in partnering with local communities and indigenous groups;
• Strong leadership abilities and effective communication skills in diverse culture settings.
• Strong familiarity with governmental and non-governmental conservation initiatives and challenges in Thailand.
• Fluency in Thai and English

Working Relationships

Internal: WWF-Thailand Conservation, Finance, and Communications staff, as well as WWF Asia Pacific specialists and WWF-Network donor offices (WWF European and other national offices).

External: Community leaders, Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and Royal Forest Department leadership, Royal Project officials, community, provincial and military representatives, individual protected area and wildlife breeding center managers, and wildlife researchers, as well as academic and INGO partners.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the 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.

To apply the position, please send updated CV to hr.th@wwf.or.th