Together we are building a future where all Pacific peoples and nations are empowered, climate resilient and prosperous, with nature thriving and visibly recovering — a “People and Nature Positive Pacific”. 

WWF’s work in the Pacific spans three countries with offices in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji, where our regional hub is based in Suva. Since the mid 1990s we have been working hand in hand with local partners and communities to protect and restore the region's astonishing natural heritage. In Papua New Guinea, for instance, WWF is working in the third largest tropical rainforest in the world, home to a staggering 7% of the world’s total number of species. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands host part of the Coral Triangle, where 76% of all coral species are found. Fiji meanwhile is home to the world’s third longest continuous barrier reef system that supports some of the only coral reefs thought to remain under current climate change scenarios.

Across the region, significant challenges, from deep sea mining, deforestation, overexploitation of fisheries, plastic pollution to the ubiquitous threat of climate change threaten the balance of these unique, irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots. But with communities as our invaluable partners, the opportunities for meaningful change are also limitless.

WWF-Pacific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

About WWF-Pacific

WWF-Pacific works toward a People and Nature Positive Pacific through locally led conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable blue-green economies. Guided by its Pacific Pathway 2030 Strategic Plan, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community-led conservation, WWF-Pacific works with partners to deliver nature-based solutions, strengthen community governance, and promote inclusive blue-green economies. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Country Manager PNG and technically to the Regional Conservation Director, the Conservation Programme Manager will provide strategic leadership, programme oversight, and conservation expertise to deliver WWF-Pacific’s conservation goals in Papua New Guinea.

Based in Papua New Guinea, this role is suited to a dynamic and experienced professional passionate about conservation, programme management, stakeholder engagement, and driving measurable impact for people and nature.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for WWF Papua New Guinea’s conservation programmes
• Lead and support programme teams to ensure effective delivery of conservation outcomes
• Oversee programme planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, donors, communities, NGOs, and regional stakeholders
• Support donor engagement, fundraising initiatives, and proposal development
• Provide policy advice and contribute to advocacy on conservation and sustainable resource management issues
• Ensure compliance with WWF policies, safeguards, and quality assurance processes
• Promote Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across programmes and projects
• Support strategic communications and awareness initiatives to showcase WWF conservation impact
• Drive innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence across conservation programmes

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or related field
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in programme or project management within conservation, marine, or biodiversity-related sectors
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
• Strong background in coastal and marine planning, conservation, or natural resource management
• Experience working with communities, government agencies, donors, and development partners
• Proven experience in programme planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting
• Strong policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising skills
• Excellent communication skills in English and Tok Pisin
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments
• Commitment to WWF values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit in ONE PDF:

• 📄 Cover Letter
• 📄 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Email: ppo.hr_pngrecruit@wwfpacific.org
Subject Line: WWF Vacancy: Covservation Programme Manager

Deadline: All Applications must be received before COB 26 May 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will be disqualified.

WWF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.