DEADLINE: 20/05/2025

Forest and Market Transformation Manager

Full-time

WWF Uganda is hiring a Forest and Market Transformation Manager responsible for leading the development, planning, coordination, monitoring and implementation of projects in line with WWF UCO strategic objectives and donor requirements. The Forest and Market Transformation Manager will take a lead role in the following:

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Project Implementation

Contribute to the development of WWF-UCO’s strategic and annual work plans.
Develop project work plans and budgets aligned with donors’ priorities and WWF.
Ensure effective project execution, progress monitoring, and resolve operational challenges.
Manage project budgets and collaborate with the Finance team to facilitate audits.
Work with partners to strengthen forest and wildlife community governance models in priority landscapes.
Provide training on governance and rights-based tools, and support implementation of REDD+ initiatives.
Ensure effective coordination with the WWF-UCO Forest Programme and promote synergies across related project portfolios.
Guarantee compliance with WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF).

Resource Mobilization

Support in the identification of funding opportunities in line with WWF UCO’s resource mobilization strategy and build relationships with impact investors.
Promote research and innovation in sustainability tools aimed at improving environmental and social outcomes.

Partnership Management and Advocacy

Collaborate with the Regional Office, internal WWF-UCO teams, and stakeholders including NGOS’S, Government bodies, and Academia.
Build partnerships with government, CSOs, and the private sector to advance sustainable trade policy and practices.
Facilitate stakeholder dialogues on natural resource conflicts and represent WWF-UCO in national and international policy forums and discussions.
Advocate for policy reforms that integrate market-based conservation initiatives both at national and international level.
Ensure effective grants management and build capacity of subgrantee partners.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Collaborate with the MEL team to develop frameworks that track forest and biodiversity conservation outcomes and market transformation indicators.
Contribute to planning, reporting, and organizational learning, in line with WWF standards.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Wood Science and Technology, or a related field.
- A postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Natural Resources Economics, or a related field, and training in Project Planning and Management is an added advantage.
Experience:
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in implementing donor-funded projects, with a strong track record in project coordination and management.
- Deep knowledge and practical experience in climate finance and/or impact investing, along with the ability to manage complex process and information integration issues.
- A sound understanding of global environmental standards and frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Uganda’s National Development Plans is essential.
- Experience in coordinating capacity building needs assessments and leading the planning, development, and implementation of related initiatives.
- Proven ability to plan, budget, coordinate, and monitor both personal and team work plans is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
- Highly developed conceptual, analytical, innovative, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong research skills, excellent organizational and communication abilities, and a detail-oriented approach with the capacity to manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in multicultural, multi-interest, and multiethnic environments.
- Fluency in both spoken and written English is required.
- Adherence to WWF’s values of Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration is a must.

Application Procedure

Email an application cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and contact details of three (3) referees plus copies of academic qualifications (sent as one PDF document) clearly indicating “the job title” in the subject line to:

Email: recruitment@wwfuganda.org

Deadline for Applications: 20th May 2025

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Kindly note that due to the large volumes of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a diverse workforce.

About WWF Uganda

Industry: Management

Location: Uganda

WWF an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.