ThaiNGO

1. Major Functions:

The Program Manager – PAs will lead WWF Thailand’s support to Government of Thailand agencies in the gazettement process of new protected areas, support management of new protected areas, and collaborate closely with the Senior Program Manager – OECMs to ensure consistency and complementarity of the two closely-related conservation efforts.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support DNP in the gazettement of new protected area – National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and  Non-Hunting Areas -- by identifying scientific, social, or political barriers to gazettement and seeking solutions;
• Advise the Senior Program Manager - OECMs in the event that proposed protected areas that are not gazetted so that they can be evaluated for OECM status;
• Support development of strong management standards in new PAs, such as management plans and SMART patrol systems;
• Collaborate closely with academic entities (Kasetsart University and others) to ensure that proposed protected area gazettement decisions are scientifically credible and that needed research activities are identified;
• Maintain collaborative and trusted partnerships with key departments in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental (MONRE) such as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Protection (DNP), the Royal Forest Department (RFD), the Office of National Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and other government agencies, academics, and local and international NGOs;
• Coordinate with and support rights holders and duty bearers of potential protected areas, ensuring that  WWF’s commitments to equity and rights are met;
• Coordinate closely with the  the Senior Program Manager – OECMs to ensure that the 30 by 30 Program operates seamlessly;
• Maintain a high degree of knowledge on protected area policy and management to share with WWF Thailand staff;
• Supervise consultants as needed;
• Ensure timely completion of permitting and reporting to Thailand government agencies;
• Maintain strong  donor relationships;
• Develop M&E plans;
• Ensure program compliance with all WWF safeguards requirements (risk/quality assurance/ESSF);
• Support other work as required.

3. Profile:

Required Qualifications       

• Graduate degree in wildlife or conservation biology, natural resource management, or related fields;
• At least 10 years of experience (Thailand preferred) in protected area management or biodiversity conservation. Experience in a Government of Thailand agency or relevant INGOs preferred;
• Demonstrated expertise in wildlife, landscape, and/or connectivity program development;
• Strong understanding of land conservation processes and forest laws that support community participation and empowerment.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to interact at all levels of national, international, multicultural, and multilingual organizations;
• Familiarly with governmental and non-governmental environmental conservation initiatives, key players, and challenges in Thailand, in particular, strong familiarity with Thai conservation agency culture and procedures;
• Fluency in Thai and competence in English.