The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) seeks a Congo Basin Forest
Program Officer
Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home,
the Earth? Working with WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime:
All arou nd the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing
realization that nature is our life-support system. And that nobody will be spared from the
impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge.
Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging
from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from
anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife.
What we do:
We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the
benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government,
we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery
by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction
of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.
For our Congo Basin, we are looking for a dynamic and committed Congo Basin Forest
Program Officer.
Reports to:
Reports to: Conservation Director, Congo Basin
Dotted line reports: Host Country Director
Location:
Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo,
Duration:
Open ended
Mission of the Department:
Forests have been at the heart of WWF’s work in the Congo Basin since its establishment in
the Region, helping to move the forest sector towards sustainability and transparency; and
working to halt deforestation, helping to restore forests and putting deforestation-free
commitments into action.
There is increasing recognition of the global importance of the Congo Basin forests for nature,
climate and people. At the same time deforestation rates across the region are increasing.
This is a new role to enable WWF in the Congo Basin to strengthen its leadership on forests
in Central Africa and accelerate progress in delivering the Global Forest Practice Outcomes in
the Congo Basin.
Major Functions:
WWF is looking for a Congo Basin Forest Program Officer to support Cameroon, Congo
and Gabon teams in the evaluation of payments for ecosystem services and contribute to the
development of community forests. The position will be based in one of WWF Congo Basin
country, with frequent travel to other countries in the ecoregion, and is funded by WWF-France.The program manager will work in close collaboration with the various offices and the Congo
Basin Forest Hub Coordinator.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Congo Basin Forest Program Officer will report to the Forest Hub Coordinator to the
forest teams in Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville and Cameroon, with the following main
responsibilities:
 Manage the implementation of field projects in collaboration with WWF France,
Cameroon, Congo and Gabon offices, by preparing, managing and reporting to public
and private donors;
 Lead projects and provide technical support on the theme of community forestry;
 Develop payment for ecosystem services projects favorable to biodiversity and
climate, with private forest concessionaires and/or community forests.
Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies
Required qualifications
 Minimum BAC +5 training in ecology, management or forest economics (engineering
school or university),
 Minimum of 5 years of experience during with particular skills in the following:
- A practice of tropical forest management in the Congo Basin;
- An ability to develop and manage field projects;
- Proven knowledge of community forestry and the challenges of managing
biodiversity and carbon in the forest;
- Knowledge of payment mechanisms for ecosystem services (including REDD+) as
well as tools for managing and assessing biodiversity and carbon in the forest.
Required skills and competencies:
 French and English (oral and written);
 Capacity development and project management;
 Good oral and writing skills;
 Force of conviction, good capacities for animation, communication and adaptation to
different interlocutors, both in the public and private sectors;
 Ability to work transversally, in networks and in teams;
 Organization, rigor, autonomy.
Job conditions
 Position to be filled on an open-ended contract
 Remuneration according to profile and experience
 Plan regular trips to Gabon, Cameroon and Congo
Values & Behaviors :
 Aligns and identifies with the core values of the government of Cameroon and the WWF
organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.
 Demonstrating behaviors: Strive for impact, listen deeply, collaborate openly and
innovate fearlessly
 Acts with highest integrity, accountability, and transparency.Working relations
Internal – Works closely with Forest Practice, Forest Team Congo Basin, Conservation
Manager Congo Basin.
External – Creates and fosters close collaboration with external partners in governments,
intergovernmental institutions, local NGOs and local communities
How to apply?
Would you like to use your enthusiasm and expertise to help protect the environment, local
communities and WWF's objectives? Apply through the email adress: wwfgab@wwfgab.org
with "Congo Basin Forest Program Officer" in the subject line.
Deadline for applications: 11th August 2023.
Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under
serious consideration will be contacted for follow up.
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.