Programme Officer, Tiger Habitat (Management Effectiveness)

PURPOSE OF JOB

The main function of this job is to improve the tiger habitat within Peninsular Malaysia via Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) subsequently contributed to the overall goals and objectives of WWF-Malaysia's Tiger Conservation Programme. CA|TS is a global accreditation scheme that encourages tiger conservation areas to meet the minimum standards for effective management of tiger habitat.

This position will be leading the CA|TS objective under the Tiger Conservation Programme Strategy and the activities will be focusing predominantly on-site level work in the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa landscape, and at the national level work in ensuring the advocacy of CA|TS implementation in Malaysia.

This position will be based in the Perak State Forestry Department and Gerik, Perak with periodic trips to WWF-Malaysia Petaling Jaya office. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with his/her direct supervisor, the Manager, CA|TS and Project Management as well as Perak State Forestry Department especially in ensuring the delivery of all objectives and key activities under the CA|TS Objective of the Tiger Conservation Programme Strategy.

While the incumbent is responsible for specific deliverables related to the Tiger Conservation Programme, he/she will also be guided by and is expected to contribute towards the achievement of WWF-Malaysia Strategy 2021-2030 and Global Programme Framework (or their revised versions) directly or indirectly.

KEY OUTPUTS

1. Complete the assessment using the management effectiveness tool (CA|TS) for the identified sites.
2. Identified, planned and support relevant capacity building activities for identified sites aligned with the CA|TS standards.
3. Formalization of the collaboration between the Perak State Forestry Department and WWF-Malaysia.
4. Development of Malaysia's CA|TS Handbook and training modules.
5. Prepared necessary documentation and reports on land use, land use changes and the status of saltlicks and HCVs within Tiger Conservation Programme Landscape.
6. Advocate for the protection of forests and ecological corridors essential for maintaining security and connectivity of tiger habitat within the WWF-Malaysia Tiger Conservation Programme Landscape.
7. Regular updates on the status and the function of saltlick and other relevant HCV in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1) Assist with the gathering of data and completion for the CA|TS assessment for Temengor, Gerik, Banding and Amanjaya Forest Reserves.

2) Compile, process and analyze camera-trapping data from surveys in targeted forest reserves within the WWF-Malaysia Tiger Conservation Programme landscape. Produce surveys reports with management recommendations on best practices and ensure the reports are shared with relevant stakeholders for further actions.

3)Conduct ground-truthing to:

• verify the land use information within the WWF-Malaysia Tiger Conservation Programme Landscape and obtain information on current and prospective land development projects, where possible
• update the status of saltlicks and other relevant HCVs within the landscape

4) Support mini workshop series to complete the CA|TS assessment with implementing agencies particularly the Perak State Forestry Department (PSFD).

5)Assist in completing the CA|TS dossiers for Temengor, Gerik, Banding and Amanjaya including developing CA|TS evidence database.

6) Assist in planning, implementing and supporting relevant CA|TS capacity building activities for Perak State Forestry Department (PSFD).

7) Assist with facilitating changes required to finalized the document on MoU which will include relevant collaborative activities between Perak State Forestry Department and WWF-Malaysia.

8) Assist the team in organizing Focus Group Discussion/ Workshop to finalize the CA|TS Handbook.

9) Support the team in developing CA|TS Training Module for implementing agencies including organizing socialization workshop and/or discussion with relevant stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of the various mechanisms/structure in forest reserve within PM (legal framework) and its operational implication (staffing, budget, legal power, etc.).

• Good understanding of High Conservation Value (HCV), Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), and Wildlife Management.

• Understanding relevant national/state policies related to forested area including forest reserves definition, National Forestry Policy, National Forestry Act 1984, National Policy on Biological Diversity 2030 and others.

• Understanding of the issues within the forested area from the perspective of applicable legislation, managing authorities, land ownership, etc.

• Working experience with government authorities is an advantage.

• Excellent proficiency in professional Bahasa Malaysia and English, both writing and verbal communication.

• Being able to accept new challenges and work collaboratively with the various stakeholders (both internal and external)

RESPONSBILITIES

Apart from executing the major activities listed above, the incumbent is also responsible for the activities listed below:

1. Undertake day-to-day activities under the Tiger Conservation Programme Strategy and associated projects.
2. Provides technical input pertaining to protected areas for conservation work in priority protected areas.
3. Coordinate and actively participate in internal and external meetings, related to management effectiveness of tiger habitats as and when required. This includes organizing stakeholder meetings as and when necessary.
4. Ensure that the relevant work components of the Tiger Conservation Programme Strategy and associated projects are implemented within the allocated budget and that project funds are spent in a timely and appropriate manner.
5. Represent the Tiger Conservation Programme team and, when necessary, WWF- Malaysia on issues related to management effectiveness of tiger habitats in the local and international arena via participation in conferences, workshops and meetings.
6. Ensure delivery of quality project outputs that are consistent with the targets and milestones of the Tiger Conservation Programme Strategy and associated projects.
7. Supervise Daily Paid Assistant(s) / Casual Worker(s) / Volunteer(s) / Intern(s) as and when they are required
8. Provide technical support pertaining to CA|TS related matter to the Head of the Tiger Conservation Programme in any reasonable form and manner that may include preparing technical power points, providing technical comments and recommendations, reviewing technical documents, drafting official letters and making contact with key external persons related to the work on CA|TS.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. A degree or higher in conservation biology, natural resource management, forestry or its equivalent.
2. Experience in auditing or working within certification schemes such as MTCS, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or other conservation-related standard is an added advantage.
3. At least 1-2 years of working experience on conservation, natural resource management, and wildlife protection or its equivalent. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.
4. Good knowledge of protected areas, management effectiveness, wildlife ecology, natural resource management and forest sustainability are definite advantages.
5. Excellent written and oral skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
6. Must be computer literate and have the ability to use appropriate technology for presentation to partners, stakeholders and potential donors.
7. Experienced in organizing, coordinating and managing events are preferred. Possessed strong administrative skills.
8. Must possess a valid driving license, and having off-road driving experience is a plus.
9. A mature individual who is able to work with minimal supervision and willing to take up challenges.
10. Pleasant disposition, hardworking, team player, committed, dedicated and focused to the conservation cause.
11. Good interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, versatile ability to work in a team and work independently.
12. Good understanding of current issues especially having knowledge on environmental and conservation issues.
13. Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.
14. Adheres to WWF's brand values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
15. Demonstrates WWF behaviors in ways of working: strive for impact, listen deeply, collaborate openly and innovate fearlessly.

Salary Range

RM3,000 - RM3,600

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