Department : Sustainable Market Program / Agri-Forestry, Conservation
Work location : Surat Thani, Thailand
Report to : Agri-Forestry Project Manager
Technically report to : N/A
Supervises : N/A
Employment duration : 12-month with possibility to extend
Background
As the world’s growing population reaches the shortage and unsustainability of food and natural resources, WWF Thailand is now launching its forest restoration project to assist local communities and guide business operators towards a more regenerative production and responsible consumption practice. This project is aligned with WWF’s mission to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF Thailand plans to achieve this by engaging with local communities with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and consumers, to drive forest landscape restoration actions.
The Project Field Officer will be instrumental in executing the IKEA Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) project by coordinating with stakeholders, overseeing field activities, and ensuring the achievement of project goals. This role involves close collaboration with smallholder farmers, who are responsible for restoring forests on communal land while practicing agroforestry, as well as with technical experts and partner organizations to enhance restoration efforts in line with WWF’s conservation objectives.
The primary focus of this position is to foster meaningful engagement with local communities involved in forest restoration and agroforestry on communal land. The officer will primarily work on the IKEA Partnership 8 project, engaging with key stakeholders in national forest areas. Additionally, they will facilitate communication and collaboration among various actors in the restoration process, promoting regenerative agriculture, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and equitable benefits for local communities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Liaise and build relationships with WWF Network Forest landscape restoration under IKEA projects to understand and communicate WWF’s requirements, stakeholders/platforms/partnership situation to technical providers to ensuring the effective and efficient project implementation.
- Work closely with stakeholders, including smallholders in rubber, oil palm, durian, and other plantations, as well as WWF and technical providers, to support the design and implementation of adaptive forest restoration interventions for the IKEA 8 project.
- Assist the Project Manager in developing work plans and activity schedules, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and timelines.
- Prepare progress reports, manage project budgets, and handle advance clearances in compliance with WWF’s financial requirements, while providing administrative and logistical support for project-related activities.
- Collaborate with academic institutions, key partners, and local communities to ensure project outputs are delivered effectively and on time
- Support the organization of field surveys, stakeholder meetings, and workshops, including collecting financial documents and receipts for financial reporting and clearance.
- Assist consultants in facilitating workshops, training sessions, and on-ground project activities.
- Coordinate with government and private sector partners to gather and analyze GIS data, develop spatial maps, and prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with WWF’s safeguard policies, including risk assessment, quality assurance, and environmental and social safeguards (ESSF).
- Provide additional support as needed to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Social Sciences (Community Development), Environmental Science, Business Administration, or in relevant fields.
- 3-5 years relevant experience in project coordination, project management, community development, Agroforestry, forest landscape restoration, and knowledge of Multi-Actors-Platform/Partnership
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the forestry sector, rubber plantations, agroforestry systems, reforestation, and silviculture in Thailand and/or other ASEAN countries.
- Thai native with proficiency in both spoken and written English. Ability to understand and communicate in the Southern Thai dialect, as well as effectively engage with local communities, will be considered an advantage.
- Possesses strong networks and good relationships with relevant stakeholders related to the work.
Working Relationships
Internal
- Forestry Practice Manager – Learn project scope and requirements and obtain consultation for project implementation, support and involves in work plan/activity plan of the projects IKEA 8 with actions and time schedule.
- Forest Landscape Restoration Coordinator – Share knowledge and information, coordinate and provide support as requested
- Finance Division – Project expense management and report
- WWF GMP and Forestry Network – Seek necessary advice
External
- Technical provider and consultants to support the identification and refining of restoration interventions for smallholders under IKEA 8 project requirements.
- Government at sub-national, private sectors and local and community stakeholders, – Engage with stakeholders to understand their current situation and to provide information to successfully establish a forest landscape restoration intervention adapted to the local context towards the outcomes of the IKEA 8 project.
- Forest Landscape Restoration Platforms – Understand existing International/national/local economic crops in the working area, i.e., oil palm, rubber, fruits trees market/platforms and adapt the stakeholders engagement and forest restoration intervention techniques/model to stakeholders at all levels.
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.
To apply the position, please send updated CV to hr.th@wwf.or.th
