Senior Officer, Mangrove Conservation

Purpose of Job

This position supports mangrove conservation efforts in the RajangBelawaiPaloh region of Sarawak. The project aims to protect marine mammals, fisheries and other wildlife that depend on vital coastal and mangrove habitats, while also addressing the needs of local communities through sustainable resource use that supports livelihoods and economic activities. Its long-term vision is for local communities to gradually take on the responsibility for conservation management, ensuring the continued sustainability of mangrove ecosystems and related conservation benefits beyond WWF's direct involvement.

The position is responsible for leading the coordination, planning and implementation of mangrove conservation activities in Belawai, including technical reporting, implementation of work plans, and management of project budgets. The role works closely with local communities, replanting groups and relevant government agencies to ensure that mangrove conservation activities are effective, scientifically robust, and aligned with local needs. It encompasses both mangrove ecosystem conservation and community empowerment through sustainable livelihood initiatives. Key responsibilities include providing technical guidance, monitoring rehabilitation progress, facilitating knowledge-sharing to strengthen the capacity of local communities and partner agencies, and coordinating closely with the Belawai Marine Officer and project donors.

The work will be guided by the WWF Mission and Network policies, strategies set within the WWF-Malaysia Conservation Strategy, the Sarawak Conservation Programme (SCP) Strategy, WWF-Malaysia's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) and other WWF-Malaysia's conservation strategies relevant to Sarawak.

Key Outputs

1. Effective liaison and coordination with local communities, relevant government agencies and/or partners in the planning and implementation of mangrove conservation activities in the RajangBelawaiPaloh region.
2. Effective implementation of the project work plan and timely delivery of key outputs, including contributing to the preparation and submission of donor reports, monthly/quarterly progress updates, technical project reports, financial reports, field reports, and minutes of meetings.
3. Strong professional working relationships maintained with local communities, government agencies, partner organisations and other stakeholders to ensure collaboration, trust and smooth implementation of conservation activities.

Major Activities

1. Mangrove Conservation and Rehabilitation

a. Assess and identify degraded mangrove areas requiring rehabilitation, in close liaison with local communities and relevant authorities.

b. Coordinate mangrove replanting activities with local replanting groups, including scheduling, site arrangements and cost documentation.

c. Monitor, track and verify mangrove rehabilitation work conducted by local communities, through both reports and on-site field visits.

d. Review ongoing mangrove rehabilitation efforts and provide inputs and recommendations on follow-up actions, including continued planting or monitoring.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

a. Ensure partner agencies are well-informed and engaged in the implementation of mangrove rehabilitation and other related conservation activities. Key partners include Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Forest Department Sarawak, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Islam Kuala Rajang, Sarawak Tourism Board and other relevant agencies.

b. Coordinate multi-stakeholder meetings and engagement activities, when necessary, to facilitate collaboration and joint planning.

c. Collaborate with university partners and mangrove experts, as required, to support studies and research that enhance project effectiveness.

3. Community Livelihood Support and Development

a. Lead the coordination and implementation of community engagement and empowerment activities for mangrove conservation, including but not limited to capacity building for the Community Participatory Committee (CPC) and livelihood enhancement activities such as smokehouse projects and ecotourism.

b. Work closely with the Community Engagement and Education (CEE) Officer to support the development of ecotourism initiatives, including facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms and

working committees to ensure benefits are equitably shared with local communities.

c. Work closely with the CEE Officer to promote higher adoption of local smokehouse technology by cottage industries, reducing mangrove use through testing, training and workshops.

4. Awareness and Outreach

a. Work with the Communication Team as well as Community Engagement and Education Officer in awareness programmes related to mangrove conservation.

b. Work with the Communication Team in developing materials to raise local and public awareness, as well as to strengthen donor engagement and retention, for the RajangBelawaiPaloh project.

5. Monitoring the implementation of the work plan for Rajang-Belawai-Paloh conservation for its effective implementation and completion.

6. Contribute to the development of proposals to secure funding for mangrove conservation work in Belawai.

Specifications

1. Willing and comfortable working in field conditions, with a strong passion for conservation work and community engagement.
2. Must have experience in leading, managing, and monitoring projects.
3. Bachelor's Degree in Conservation, Social Science, Environmental Science, or related fields.
4. A degree with a focus on mangrove ecology is an advantage. Candidates with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
5. Experience in fieldwork related to mangrove conservation, stakeholder engagement, community engagement, and the use of GIS tools for data collection and monitoring is an advantage.
6. Mature, able to work with minimal supervision, and has the capacity to manage a team, make decisions or act on issues with professionalism.
7. Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Proficiency in a Sarawak native language is an advantage.
8. Computer literate, with the ability to use appropriate technology for presentations to partners, stakeholders, and potential donors.
9. Strong organisational, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
10. Good interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
11. Must possess a valid driving license and do not have any criminal record.
12. Good understanding of current environmental and conservation issues.
13. Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

Salary Range

RM4,300 - RM4,850

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