Assistant Manager, Terrestrial Mammals

WWF-Malaysia; Kuching; On-site; MYR 20,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international conservation organization based in Kuching, Malaysia, is seeking an Assistant Manager/Manager to coordinate activities under the Sarawak Conservation Programme. The role requires strong technical competency in wildlife management and biodiversity monitoring. Candidates should have a considerable background in conservation, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently. The position involves fieldwork in remote areas and requires proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Benefits

Salary range: RM5,000 - RM6,800

Opportunities for fieldwork

Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant experience in wildlife management or conservation biology.
• Two years of managerial experience.
• Field-based conservation experience in wildlife monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement biodiversity monitoring projects.
• Lead planning and evaluation of conservation initiatives.
• Prepare technical documents and reports.

Skills

Field-based conservation experience

Understanding of biodiversity monitoring

Interpersonal skills

Technical report writing

Proficient in GIS applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, or related field

Master’s or PhD in conservation-related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Purpose of Job

This position (Assistant Manager/Manager) carries the primary responsibility for coordinating and implementing both field and office-based project activities under the Sarawak Conservation Programme (SCP), with the main focus on biodiversity monitoring in selected areas within Sarawak’s priority landscapes.

The incumbent will work closely with other team members within the SCP, ensuring coordination and complementarity across activities within the same landscape and aligning with the SCP Strategy (FY26-FY31) document.

The position is based at WWF-Malaysia’s Kuching office, with significant time spent conducting fieldwork.

The incumbent will collaborate closely with his/her direct supervisor, Senior Manager (Thematic) Sarawak, and other colleagues to deliver the objectives and key activities under the Sarawak Conservation Programme.

As part of the Conservation Department, the incumbent will be guided by WWF’s Mission and Network policies, as well as the WWF-Malaysia Conservation Strategy 2021–2030, the Sarawak Conservation Strategy, and other relevant WWF-Malaysia strategies.

Major Activities

1. Programme Coordination; Strategic Implementation; and Monitoring and Evaluation
2. Lead the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of terrestrial mammal conservation initiatives under the Sarawak Conservation Programme (SCP), ensuring alignment with the Sarawak Conservation Strategy Document and other relevant thematic strategies.
3. Serve as the reference and resource person on terrestrial mammal conservation, providing technical guidance and advice to WWF-Malaysia and external partners, and ensuring that science-based approaches inform management decisions.
4. Coordinate and conduct wildlife and biodiversity monitoring in priority landscapes to gather ecological and habitat data, ensuring standardised methodologies, data quality, and proper archiving in the central biodiversity database.
5. Work closely with the Sarawak team, particularly Senior Manager (Thematic) Sarawak, and relevant stakeholders to analyse field data, identify conservation priorities, and propose strategic interventions for species and habitat management.
6. Support and guide Sarawak team members, partners, and community-based organisations to strengthen their technical capacity in wildlife monitoring and management through training, mentorship, and collaboration with relevant agencies.
7. Contribute to the preparation of technical documents, field reports, concept notes, and project proposals for the Sarawak Conservation Programme and related initiatives, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and WWF standards.
8. Represent WWF-Malaysia and the SCP in technical working groups, committees, and stakeholder forums on wildlife and biodiversity conservation; support advocacy for effective species and habitat management across multiple sectors.
9. Other Responsibilities:

• Engage proactively with other SCP components (e.g., Forests and Forest Systems, Policy, Community Engagement, etc.) to ensure integrated conservation outcomes.
• Participate wholeheartedly in WWF-Malaysia events and cross-functional initiatives requiring organisation-wide involvement.
• Provide technical support to the Senior Manager (Thematic) and Head of Conservation Sarawak, including preparing presentations, technical inputs, or reports, and carry out any other reasonable tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Position Expectations

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate strong technical competency, leadership, and collaboration in advancing terrestrial mammal conservation in Sarawak. This role involves extensive fieldwork in remote areas under challenging conditions.

Key outputs:

1) Effective Delivery of Programme Outcomes

Successful delivery of outputs and outcomes related to the Terrestrial Mammals Conservation Strategy, aligned with the planned results, landscape objectives, and overall goals of the Sarawak Conservation Programme (SCP).

2) Technical Implementation and Reporting

Clear technical guidance and coordination provided for the implementation of terrestrial mammal workplans and activities, ensuring the timely submission of quality outputs, including field reports, technical reports, quarterly progress updates, and project finance inputs, in line with the Sarawak Conservation Strategy Document.

3) Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Where feasible, effective partnerships and collaborations established with relevant agencies, research institutions, local communities, and other stakeholders to support the delivery of terrestrial mammal conservation outcomes and monitoring objectives.

4) Data, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management

Verified wildlife and biodiversity data collected, analysed, and maintained in WWF-Malaysia’s biodiversity database to support evidence-based planning, monitoring, and reporting for Sarawak’s conservation priorities.

5) Project Development and Resource Mobilisation

Technical inputs and proposals developed to secure funding and partnerships that strengthen the long-term implementation of terrestrial mammal conservation initiatives under the Sarawak Conservation Programme.

6) Participate wholeheartedly in the general activities of WWF-Malaysia, particularly events and activities that require the full support and participation of all staff members, whether or not the focus of any particular event or activity has any bearing on the job description and assigned project objectives and activities.

Specifications

Education and Experience

• A graduate, preferably with at least five (5) years of relevant experience in forestry, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or related environmental sciences; with two (2) years of managerial experience.
• Candidates with a Master’s or PhD in a related field are highly encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience in biodiversity or wildlife assessment will be an added advantage.

Field Experience

• Demonstrated field‑based conservation experience is highly preferred, particularly in wildlife monitoring, ecological surveys, or habitat assessments.

Knowledge of Local Context and Policy

• Good understanding of the landscape, forestry, and nature conservation context in Sarawak, including the timber and plantation sectors.
• Familiarity with wildlife policies, legal frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms that support conservation and aim to reduce wildlife trade or poaching activities.

Work Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including to remote field locations and rural communities.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of ecological census and biodiversity monitoring techniques, including wildlife observation, sampling, and data recording.
• Proficient in GIS applications (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial mapping and analysis related to wildlife habitats, land use, and ecological data.
• Competent in statistical analysis and data interpretation using appropriate tools for biodiversity and ecological assessments.
• Knowledge of wildlife conservation policy, data management systems, and reporting frameworks that contribute to national and regional conservation goals.
• Ability to develop, write, and present project proposals and technical materials to potential donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Computer literate and able to use relevant software for data management, analysis, and professional presentations.

Communication and Reporting

• Proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and English, both written and spoken.
• Strong ability to produce high‑quality technical reports, proposals, and donor‑ready presentation materials.

Personal Attributes

• Possesses strong interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, and versatility.
• Able to work under pressure, adapt to changing environments, and maintain professionalism in diverse settings.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of current conservation and environmental issues in Sarawak, with a commitment to continual learning on emerging topics.
• Pleasant disposition and a positive attitude toward teamwork and collaboration.

Salary Range

RM5,000 - RM6,800

Applicants whose expectations exceed the posted budget may not be considered. Kindly apply only if the budget is acceptable.