Program Development Officer

Mission of the WWF Tigers Alive Initiative

Increase the wild tiger population to at least 6,000 by 2022, through conservation in 13 priority landscapes.

In 2010, tiger range countries, WWF and partners committed to double the number of wild tigers by 2022 (a goal called TX2). In 2016, at the half-way point to 2022, the global estimate of tiger numbers showed that, for the first time ever, the population of tigers in the wild was more than previous estimates. The new estimate had raised to around 3900 tigers, but to take that number over 6000, as our goal demands, a great deal of work still needs to be done.

Recognising the critical role of financing in the success of TX2 the Tigers Alive launched a six-year 200m USD campaign in 2016 to ensure that WWF has the partnerships and investments needed to deliver on TX2. This Network Executive Team endorsed campaign, together with the collective effort of our conservation partners and local stakeholders in the tiger landscapes, is establishing the strong financial platform required to achieve the TX2 goal. 

WWF is the largest and most influential tiger conservation organisation and much of the success of this important one-time-only global effort depends on the contribution from WWF. Building on success to date, WWF intends to achieve one of the greatest conservation victories in history – bringing the tiger back from the brink of extinction.

Purpose of the job

Support programme development and resource mobilisation for WWF’s global tiger programme to help meet the six-year, 200m USD Tx2 Campaign target involving 37 country offices across the network. A key team member of the Tigers Alive Initiative responsible for monitoring and evaluation and helping coordinate one of the most ambitious fundraising efforts for a single species recovery program ever conducted.

Major Activities

1.     Funds raised and channelled to the needs of the WWF TAI

2.     Timely submission of high quality technical reports

3.     Quality project proposals developed and distributed

4.     Donor communication assets designed and circulated

5.     Coordination of fundraising and resource allocation

6.     Enhanced monitoring and evaluation of the programme

7.     Efficient and effective coordination of the Tx2 Fundraising Steering Group and support to related working groups

WWF-TIGERS ALIVE

To support the fundraising needs of the TAI:

1)    Support management of the Tx2 Campaign to raise 200m by the end of Dec 2022 including coordination of the network Tx2 Campaign Steering Committee,

2)    Help identify, analyse and communicate funding needs to both WWF Network offices and external donors (via donor relationship managers if needed).

3)    Liaise with WWF donor gatekeepers and in some cases donors themselves on resource mobilization opportunities

4)    Maintain a high level of interest from donors (both internally and externally) on the global goal to double wild tigers by 2022 through effective and regular communications

5)    Monitor and track funding opportunities

6)      Identify new funding opportunities in pursuit of the US$ 63m funding need across the 13 countries.

To monitor and evaluate the progress of the TAI:

1)     Coordinate the development and implementation of the programmatic monitoring, learning and reporting system

2)     Responsible for timely and effective technical reporting for Tigers Alive Initiative based on network procedures and contractual obligations

3)     Analyse data and trends in conservation and fundraising sector order to identify new funding opportunities and key investment priorities for targeted interventions.

4)     Monitor, collate and track tiger conservation funding income and distribution for the WWF network

To ensure effective donor communications and proposal development

1)       Develop fundraising packages to cover the needs of the program and quality assets (pitch decks, engagement material, reports etc.) for engagement with current and potential donors.

2)       Develop project proposals in partnership with future project managers within Tigers Alive Initiative or the 13 implementing country offices.

3)       Develop and share relevant updates on projects to support effective engagement with donors via national offices

4)       Edit and proofread proposals, marketing materials, articles, and relevant website content.

In addition, the Program Development Officer will be expected to represent the Tigers Alive Initiative internally and externally at the request of the Director of Development and Communications particularly with regard to the TX2 campaign and will need to perform various duties as part of the core team of the Initiative as requested.

 Specifications

1.     University-level qualifications with related academic and professional background in the field related to nature conservation, biological/social sciences, and/or project planning and management. Masters level degree would be an advantage.

2.     At least 3 years of working experience, preferably in nature conservation project implementation and management

3.     Proven experience and success in fundraising for conservation projects

4.     Experience in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation schemes

5.     Demonstrated experience in project design and financial management skills a plus

6.     Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, supported by good IT skills (including competence in MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint) and knowledge of publication design and production software would be an advantage.

7.     Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to develop relationships with a wide range of audiences.

8.     Able to work in a team as well as independently (including remote working).

9.     Fluency in English; other languages would be an asset.

10.  Good understanding of current issues and trends in biodiversity conservation; initiative to keep up to date on environmental and conservation issues and knowledge.

11.  A positive and proactive attitude: Ability to balance "analysis" with "doing" while setting high standards for self and committing to organisational goals.

12.  A passion for wildlife conservation and a good understanding of current issues and trends in the sector; initiative to keep up to date with relevant issues and knowledge

13.  Field project experience is an added advantage

Working Relationships

1.     Whilst establishing a one-to-one relationship with the Director of Development and Communications, the incumbent is also expected to work closely with all members of the Tigers Alive team and other relevant network colleagues.

2.    The incumbent will work closely with fundraising professionals across the WWF network. Building and maintaining professional relationships with this network of expertise will be essential to the position.

3.    The role includes work with a variety of individuals, internally (landscape coordinators and staff, fundraisers and communicators) and externally including potentially representatives of tiger conservation organisations, donors, and private companies.