Programme Officer, Marine Conservation (Plastic Initiative)

Purpose of Job

WWF-Malaysia Marine Programme has developed a strategy to conduct habitat protection for the critical coral reefs and turtle habitats in the Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape to meet the need to increase the resilience and adaptation of the marine habitat and coastal communities in Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape.

Marine Conservation Officer (Plastic Initiative) Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape with the main responsibility to implement a work plan as in the Marine Programme Phase 3.5, Pillar 1, Objective 1.3; By 2025, 4 critical Marine Habitats are protected or/and managed and rehabilitated. The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Programme Officer, Community Engagement and Education (CEE), Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape Team Leader, Marine Pillar Strategy Manager(s) and as a staff of the Conservation Department, will be guided by and is expected to contribute towards the achievement of Goal 8 No Plastic In Nature (NPIN) of WWF-Malaysia Strategy 2021-2030.

Key Outputs

The expected outputs from Marine Conservation Officer, Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape, not limited to, are:

1. To ensure strategic and work plan implemented for Objective 1.3 (Critical habitat for coral and turtle are rehabilitated/ protected) based on Phase 3.5 and beyond WWF-Malaysia Marine Programme.
2. Collaboratively develop community waste management plans and sustainable financial mechanism for reduction of plastic leakage to the environment.
3. Provide reports and publish journals/articles on the management of critical habitats to reduce marine debris in Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape.
4. To ensure that the conservation objectives of the Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape project met through the engagement of stakeholders in the area through communication, education, participation and awareness outreach.
5. Establish good working relationships and support the implementation of CEPA initiatives and the integration of circular economy approaches that contribute to island-based waste management initiatives within the SempornaDarvel Bay Seascape, in coordination with project partners and multi-stakeholders including MAREA, SJ SEAS, ISKUL and the Semporna District Council.
6. Deliver and timely reporting of quarterly progress reports, technical project report, minutes of meetings and field reports to stakeholders as required by WWF-Malaysia's management in Marine Habitat Pillar objectives.

Major Activities

The Marine Conservation Officer, Semporna-Darvel Bay Seascape, will be responsible towards implementing the following activities:

1. Promote the No Plastic in Nature initiative and lead the implementation of the capacity building programme included educational and awareness campaigns, stakeholder workshop to reduce plastic leakage, promote community participation and behavioural change towards plastic use.
2. Organize and facilitate training workshops for the community, resort operators and relevant stakeholders to assess and support the set-up of the relevant platforms for habitat protection and mentoring programmes from the private agencies that includes an introduction to a circular economy and development and implementation of waste management mechanisms for island communities.
3. Monitor the waste production and analysis of the waste data in islands and tourism operators for the duration of the project and documenting lessons learned, best practices to go for case studies.
4. Implementation of any Plastic Smart Cities Strategies through four key focus areas :Reduction/ Reuse, Separate/ Collect, Recycle/Recover.
5. Contribute to the Plastic Smart City (PSC) Impact Monitoring Platform
6. Work collaboratively with regional platforms and partners (e.g., CTI-CFF, WWF-CTP) to support and coordinate regional actions in addressing plastic pollution and marine debris issues.
7. The incumbent seeks funding for program initiatives, maintains strong relationships with donors, and ensures compliance by preparing required reports and updates, as well as monitoring donor agreements.

Specifications

1. A minimum Bachelor's Degree and professional background in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management or any other related disciplines with at least (3) years working experience in conservation, marine coastal and ecosystem management work or related fields.
2. Must be able to work with minimal supervision, both in the field and in the office. Willing to travel and accommodate flexible working hours.
3. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, project management skills, innovative thinking, able to work in a team and work independently. Good understanding of current issues especially having knowledge on environmental and conservation issues.
4. Experienced in conducting field surveys/research, data collection and analysis, especially related to marine conservation, would be an added advantage.
5. Computer literate and has the ability to use appropriate technology for presentation to partners, stakeholders and potential donors.
6. Excellent written and oral skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia with proven persuasive communication skills to engage with a wide range of audiences.
7. Possess a valid driving license.
8. Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

Salary Range

RM3,000 - RM3,500

**Applicants whose expectations exceed the posted budget may not be considered. Kindly apply only if the budget is acceptable.