Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime.
All around the world, people are waking up to the devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss. The situation today is worse than the darkest predictions of just ten years ago, pushing billions of people to the edge and threatening lives and livelihoods. At WWF, we are facing our biggest crisis – and our biggest ever opportunity – to create a better future for people and nature. With over 60 years of experience and an active presence in more than 100 countries, we work to achieve both on-the-ground and global policy action, from protecting and restoring species and their habitats, to transforming markets and policies toward sustainability.
Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from conservation science and advocacy to HR and finance. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us tackle this enormous global challenge and drive the urgent conservation impact needed to restore our planet.
What We Do
We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. From individuals and communities to businesses and governments, we are part of a growing global movement calling for bolder action on climate and nature, demanding that world leaders set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. WWF works to address the most dominant drivers of nature loss through system-wide changes in how food and energy are produced and consumed, and in how financial systems are structured. By implementing change in every country, we aim to drive visible and positive impacts on the ground, helping to restore nature in the most critical places around the world, from the Amazon to the Coral Triangle.
Engaging everyone means addressing the barriers to participation faced by some groups in society, including local communities. Conservation will only be sustainable if it is owned by, and benefits, local people. That’s why Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be at the centre of action on climate and nature. WWF is committed to using its resources and global network to support these communities in creating together the most effective solutions where they live.
Humanity is still in time, we have a clear pathway to solve this crisis. At WWF, we call on everyone to join the global movement, change how we live, and take action now.
Title : Senior Officer, Forest
Department : : Conservation Policy and Technical Support Unit
Supervised by : Policy and Technical Support Unit Coordinator
Supervises : Forest Officers
Classification : B1- IPE 52
Contract type : CDI
Location : Antananarivo
Date : October 2026
I. Mission of the Department:
To drive the implementation of the WWF Madagascar conservation strategies and plans to achieve transformational and lasting conservation outcomes and impacts.
The Policy and Technical Support Unit (PTSU)’mission is to provide technical and policy expertise needed to achieve the conservation goals set for WWF MDCO through 1) technical support to landscape teams and action plan implementation and 2) thought leadership, policy advocacy and partnership management at national and/or international levels as needed.
II. Major Functions:
The Senior Officer Forest provides thought leadership and strategic orientation on policy and advocacy and provides technical support to landscape programs ‘teams in Forest conservation and governance (forest restoration, reforestation, sustainable management of timber and non-timber forest products, reduction of pressures on forests, forest carbon)
III. Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Policy work
- Lead the national policy advocacy workstream related to Forest conservation and governance;
- Provide strategic orientation on Forest conservation and governance;
- Lead the elaboration of WWF MDCO required positions with respect to Forest conservation and governance topics.
Support to landscape’s programs
- Provide technical support and strategic guidance on Forest conservation and governance, including related to development and implementation of sub-national frameworks.
Partnership development and networking
- Initiate and contribute to national and international partnership development on Forest conservation and governance.
- Manage strategic relations with national and international partners on Forest conservation and governance
- Participate in WWF network community of practices and initiatives related to Forest conservation and governance, and act as focal point
- Represent WWF in relevant fora nationally, regionally and internationally when Forest conservation and governance are concerned
Programs and projects development and reporting
- Ensure thought leadership on and technical assistance to WWF MDCO work on forest carbon.
- Coordinates Forest sub-program inputs, including the development of yearly operational plan and program reporting
- Coordinates PMELs inputs for Forest sub-program
- Provide technical assistance in proposal development, specifically where Forest conservation and governance are relevant
- Ensure, with PMELs, reviews and evaluation of projects, specifically those which include Forest conservation and governance.
Knowledge management / capacity building / communication
- Lead on identifying, documenting and sharing lessons learned on Forest conservation and governance
- Lead on the development of technical reference frameworks, scientific analysis on Forest conservation and governance, including in collaboration with relevant scientific research institutions
- Ensure capacity building for staff and partners on Forest conservation and governance
- Maintain a technical and technological watchdog on Forest conservation and governance
- Works closely with the Communications and Conservation teams to develop relevant content
Perform other duties as assigned in line with his/her functions and profile.
IV. Profile :
- Required Qualifications and experiences:
- At least a master’s level degree in forestry
- At least 7 years of experience in the areas of forestry or environmental management, including proven experience in forest carbon initiatives
- Good understanding of forest policy and institutional frameworks in Madagascar; understanding of forest policies in Africa region is an advantage.
- Experience in collaborating with various stakeholders and leading, managing and coordinating teams to achieve results.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, fluency in Malagasy, French and English languages;
- Excellent computer knowledge (word-processing, spreadsheet, e-mail…).
- Required Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation competence;
- Strong leadership, management and negotiation skills;
- Proactive attitude and ability to take initiative and work independently;
- Excellent team player with good networking and interpersonal skills;
- Sharing WWF’s values: Courage, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration
V. Supervisory control :
- Ensure that the supervised staff perform his tasks in accordance to the ToR;
- Give support/ advice to the supervised staff;
- Perform a periodic assessment for a better performance.
VI. Working Relationships:
- Internal:
The Senior Officer Forest interacts regularly with:
- Conservation Manager
- Other PSTU members and other national experts
- Landscape Managers and teams
- WWF Forest network initiatives (regional & international)
- Other department members
- Relevant WWF-International and WWF Network staff in fulfilment of duties.
- External:
The Senior Officer Forest interacts with organizations, donors, government, aid agencies and foundations, private sector at national and international level, working on Forest conservation and governance.
This job description covers the main tasks. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.
Please upload your covering letter and CV in English. Priority will be given to applications with both documents indicated.
Work permit restrictions may apply.
If you are currently employed by WWF international please apply via Canopy and Search Jobs
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
At WWF, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and unbiased consideration for all candidates regardless of their background. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Skills Required
- Master’s degree in forestry
- At least 7 years of experience in forestry or environmental management
- Proven experience in forest carbon initiatives
- Good understanding of forest policy and institutional frameworks in Madagascar
- Understanding of forest policies in the African region
- Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders
- Experience leading, managing, and coordinating teams
- Fluency in Malagasy, French, and English
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent computer knowledge, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Strong leadership, management, and negotiation skills
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Strong teamwork, networking, and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to WWF values: courage, respect, integrity, and collaboration
What We Do
WWF International is an independent global conservation organization working to stop the degradation of the natural environment and build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. Its work protects biodiversity and endangered species, restores forests, freshwater and ocean ecosystems, promotes sustainable food systems, and advances climate action. WWF also works with communities, businesses and governments to shift policies and markets toward sustainability.
