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.
