Programme Manager - Great Sea Reef (IPE 53 Fixed Term Local Contract)

WWF FIJI

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:               Programme Manager – Great Sea Reef (GSR)

Department:                  Conservation

Reports To:                     Fiji Conservation Programme Manager

Supervises:                    GSR Community Development Coordinator, Community Development Officer, Macuata Project Officer, as well as consultants, interns, and volunteers associated with the GSR Programme

Location:                         Suva, Fiji

Date:                                July 2025

1. Mission of the Programme:

To deliver the conservation objectives of the organization using minimal resources to maximize impact through effective coordination with other departments and partners to mutual advantage.

2. Major Functions:    

Leads the strategic direction, implementation, and resourcing of the Great Sea Reef (GSR) Programme within WWF-Fiji’s Conservation Programme, in alignment with the WWF-Pacific 2030 Strategic Plan. Manages a portfolio of marine and related projects, ensuring strong technical delivery, risk management, compliance with donor and safeguard policies, and achievement of conservation outcomes. Oversees GSR team performance, planning, and reporting, while contributing to broader conservation and organizational strategic planning. Works closely with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to secure funding, support PMEL processes, and communicate impact. Enhances the visibility of the GSR Programme through collaboration with communications and ensures the integration of GEDSI and environmental and social safeguards throughout programme and project implementation.                                 

3. Major Duties & Responsibilities    

• Project and Programme Management:
  Develop and manage a portfolio of marine and related projects that contribute to WWF’s conservation objectives in the Great Sea Reef (GSR) seascape. Lead and oversee all aspects of programme and project planning, implementation, monitoring, analysis, problem-solving and reporting ensuring alignment with WWF and donor requirements.
  
  
• Strategic Planning and Delivery:
  Take overall responsibility for the strategic planning and implementation of the GSR Programme, goals and outcomes, ensuring technical and scientific credibility across all activities and in line with the WWF-Pacific Strategic Plan. Contribute to conservation department-level strategic planning and broader organizational planning, review and adaptive management processes.
  
  
• Team Leadership and Performance Management:
  Lead, mentor, and manage the GSR team and associated consultants, providing technical guidance, resources, and capacity building to support high-quality delivery. Guide staff development through the performance assessment system, ensuring regular one-on-one support and fostering personal and professional growth.
  
  
• Standards, Compliance and Risk Management:
  Ensure implementation of WWF standards and policies across the programme, including compliance with People & Culture (P&C), finance, admin and donor requirements. Conduct risk assessments, apply mitigation measures, and oversee occupational health and safety compliance in all work areas and field operations.
  
  
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
  Coordinate and collaborate with internal units, WWF partners, and external stakeholders to align on shared priorities and implementation.

• Funding and Resource Mobilization:
  Support financial forecasting; identify funding opportunities and develop concepts and proposals for review and approval. Lead the process of securing and managing project funding and ensure alignment with programme priorities and compliance obligations.
  
  
• Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:
  Collaborate with PMEL staff to plan and monitor progress against GSR Programme outcomes and indicators as outlined in the WWF-Pacific Strategic Plan. Participate in learning events and ensure timely planning, reporting and adaptive management based on results and learning.
  
  
• Communications and Knowledge Sharing:
  Contribute to the development and implementation of the communications strategies and plans. Ensure programme learnings, results and impact are documented and shared through reports, campaigns, media, and submissions to journals, conferences, and other platforms to strengthen the WWF-Fiji brand and influence.
  
  
• Safeguards and Inclusion:
  Work closely with the Fiji Safeguards and GEDSI Coordinator to integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion principles and environmental and social safeguard policies throughout project design and implementation. This includes applying Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), stakeholder engagement, risk analysis, and grievance mechanisms.
  
  
• Governance and Decision-Making:
  Make informed decisions on operational matters and programme delivery in consultation with the Fiji Conservation Programme Manager, providing strategic input on recruitment, staffing, and other performance-related matters.

4. Profile

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A relevant degree in marine science, environmental management, environmental economics, or a related discipline is required.
• Experience in socio-economic monitoring, and the development and implementation of marine conservation projects or programmes.
• At least 5 years’ experience in programme & project work. Preferably at least 3 to 5 years of experience in multi-disciplinary project management and multi-stakeholder initiatives in the natural resource management field would be advantageous.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English and iTaukei, and experience in engaging communities.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and implementation.
• Proven experience in managing & developing teams.
• Understanding of stakeholder networks and proven experience in engaging government and nongovernmental partners.

 Required Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated skills in management, motivation and development of staff.
• Knowledge of and experience with development and/or environment issues.
• Ability to manage high workloads, multitask, and prioritise effectively.
• Computer literacy & project management skills required.
• Excellent communications & interpersonal skills.
• Flexible approach and commitment to working as part of a team.
• Demonstrates behaviours aligned with WWF’s organizational culture: Strive for Impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly, and Innovate Fearlessly.
• Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

VI. Working Relationships:

Internal

• Work closely with the Fiji Conservation Programme Manager, Pacific Conservation Director, and GSR team, and engage in fundraising, communications, reporting, and capacity-building initiatives.
• When required, works with WWF network staff to ensure an awareness of current actions and developments.

External

• Build and maintain relationships with key partners, NGOs, donors, CROP agencies, scientific/academic bodies, government and community heads and businesses.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and reflects the proactive spirit expected of all staff. Additional tasks may be assigned based on organizational needs.