World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is Bhutan’s oldest conservation partner. The partnership began in 1977 through capacity development of local conservation staff. The support gradually evolved into a full country program with several collaborative conservation projects.

Recognizing the need to conserve Bhutan’s natural capital and immense biological diversity, WWF-Bhutan supports the Royal Government with various environmental conservation programs targeting immediate and longer-term conservation issues. The programs include research and study, education and awareness, promotion of sustainable livelihoods, and protection of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Addressing human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, and mitigation and adaptation to climate change are of paramount importance to WWF-Bhutan’s conservation works in the country. 

By working closely with the communities and the Royal Government on various educational, participatory and innovative initiatives, WWF-Bhutan strives to ensure a progressive convergence of nature, culture and economic vibrancy to build a future where people live in harmony with nature. 

Our vision

A sustainable and just Bhutan for nature and people

Our Mission

1. Sustain a healthy and resilient natural ecosystem with a viable wildlife population of ecological and cultural significance.
2. Inspire environmental stewardship to promote inclusive conservation and development.
3. Catalyze and support nature-based economy contributing to human well-being and resilient economic growth.

MAIN FUNCTION

The Sr. Program Officer for the Conservation Stewardship and Education Program will be responsible for defining and designing a program that promotes environmental and conservation stewardship through education, advocacy, and partnerships. The program will encompass youth engagement, faith-based conservation initiatives, and partnerships with the private sector and other non-state actors.

The position will also be responsible for operationalizing the program through the development and implementation of projects and activities that contribute to the program’s goals and outcomes.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement the Conservation Stewardship and Education Program and associated projects aligned with the WWF Bhutan Strategic Plan.
• Lead the design and delivery of stewardship initiatives through engagement with diverse groups, including youth, faith communities, and local communities:

             - Lead the design and delivery of youth engagement and environmental education programs.

             - Support the design and implementation of stewardship campaigns and community outreach initiatives.

             - Encourage volunteerism and citizen participation in conservation activities.

• Ensure effective program and project management by delivering appropriate technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs, while tracking progress through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. This includes developing annual work plans and budgets for the program.
• Facilitate innovation and learning within the program area.
• Explore opportunities and coordinate with other Practices to integrate conservation stewardship and education across programs and projects.
• Coordinate with Practice and Project Leads to develop and organize stewardship and education-related programs, including activities at the WWF Bhutan Education Centre.
• Convene cross-practice collaboration to strengthen collective action, learning, and knowledge management.
• Maintain records of program activities, participation, and outcomes.
• Document learning experiences, success stories, and program impacts.
• Contribute to program reports, communication materials, and knowledge sharing.
• Provide inputs at the outcome level, including budgets, forecasts, pipelines, and progress against outcomes to IPA in INSIGHT and other planning and reporting systems.
• Conduct program-level monitoring and reporting at the office and network level.
• Work closely with other Program and Practice Leads, including Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Safeguards, Gender, and Communications teams, to deliver program results aligned with the overall WWF Bhutan Strategic Plan.
• Contribute to implementing safeguards within the program, including conducting preliminary ES risk assessments in line with WWF's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) to identify potential ES risks, evaluate their significance, and ensure their consideration during project planning and design phases. 
• Oversee management and implementation of assigned projects, including development and implementation of ES risk management measures to address the identified ES risks in consultation with the Safeguards Specialist.
• Ensure consistent tracking and timely reporting of impacts & results on respective domain/practice to the relevant network partners, donor, systems and internal processes ( e.g. Insights, Annual reports and others)

Resource Mobilization

• Conceptualize project ideas and lead proposal development in collaboration with other units/departments
• Convene cross-practice Integration for joint fundraising.
• Provide and facilitate technical expertise (within and outside the program).
• Contribute to the program's annual resourcing plan.
• Actively explore and access funding opportunities internally (WWF network) and externally (e.g. competitive grants) for the program
• Support the acquisition and retention of donors

Communication

• Provide technical support for the program-related communications. (Events, campaigns, annual reports, etc.)
• Ensure the timely dissemination of information and updates to partners, donors, and relevant communities across the global WWF network.
• Contribute to program reports, communication materials, and knowledge sharing

Partnership and Networking

• Provide thought leadership on program-related subjects and external relationships, e.g., related to youth, faith, behavioural change, environmental education, etc.
• Maintain regular coordination among project partners/donors to ensure coherence and complementarity of project activities.
• Coordinate with network partners, government agencies, schools, and environmental partners to implement the program.
• Support the planning and organization of events, campaigns, and public engagement activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with key partners supporting education and stewardship initiatives.
• Engage in all WWF network events and community calls as the focal point for WWF-Bhutan.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the office strategic plan, implementation of the OD action plan and other office-level organizational processes.
• Undertake other tasks as requested and agreed with the Conservation Director

Working Relationships:

Internal: The Sr. Program  will have to work closely with WWF staff daily

External: Maintain close interaction with all staff and relevant colleagues across the WWF network, as well as with entities associated with WWF Bhutan’s work within and outside the Government, including conservation partners.

1. Education: Minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in conservation, environmental science, environmental education, or a related field.

2. Experience: At least seven (7) years of similar work experience is required. The candidate should be able to work independently, with minimal supervision and guidance from supervisors. 

3. Skills and Abilities:

  - Personal Attributes

• Energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about nature and conservation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse audiences, especially young people.
• Creative in designing engaging and interactive learning experiences.
• Disciplined, organized, and able to implement programs in a structured manner.
• Reliable and consistent in delivering responsibilities.

    - Professional Skills

• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to design and deliver educational and experiential learning activities.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage initiatives with multiple and competing priorities while delivering technical oversight, administrative coordination, and financial management.
• Ability to develop and coordinate programs and activities and work effectively with a wide range of partners and disciplines.
• Event planning and coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel to field offices and project sites as required.
• Excellent written and oral English communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Dzongkha and other national languages is required. The candidate should communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work under pressure while motivating teams, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills for partnership development and management.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams, partners and communities.
• Respectful of human and cultural diversity and able to work effectively in diverse teams.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

1. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

2. Contract Term for 3 years. Extendable based on individual performance and organizational needs.

3. Application Submission Deadline: April 12, 2026.

4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.