WWF GUIANAS
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Biodiversity Officer, Suriname
Reports To:
Country Manager Suriname
Supervises:
N/A
Grade:
Location:
Paramaribo, Suriname
Date:
I. Major Responsibility
Responsible for the achievement of WWF results in biodiversity conservation and management
in Suriname. Coordinates all activities pertaining to the PA, terrestrial species and the freshwater
conservation and management component (except water quality monitoring). Oversees and
supports project grantees. Ensures activities are implemented as per approved workplans and
budgets and in accordance with donor and grant agreements. Fosters the improved conservation
and management of PA, species and freshwater in the Guianas. Develops and maintains
partnerships. Facilitates exchange and synergy among stakeholders. Communicates results.
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities
1. Grants: Reviews proposals for grant funding submitted to WWF pertaining to the
Biodiversity conservation and management sector in Suriname, assist grantees with
project proposals if necessary, and make recommendations to the WWF Guianas Grants
Review Committee. Works closely with project implementers through regular meetings,
field visits, and through other means of communication to ensure the smooth
implementation of project activities. Monitors grant execution ensuring activities are
implemented as per approved workplan and budget and in accordance with terms of grant
agreements. Reviews grantee reports, ensuring their accuracy and completeness. Assists
in the identification and assessment of issues and/or events that may impact project
implementation and proposes appropriate actions to address them.
2. Technical Assistance: Provides technical assistance to grantees in areas such as:
Biodiversity conservation and management, biodiversity assessment and monitoring,
legislation and regulations improvement, capacity building, and WWF grant procedures.
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3. Collaboration: Develops and maintains professional relationships with representatives of
grantee organizations, relevant government agencies, other conservation organizations,
and other key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and management such as local
communities and their representative organizations. Shares information with others as
relevant. Fosters exchange amongst grantees and ensures linkages and synergy between
activities.
4. Communications: Works closely with the Communications Officer and others in the
continued development of the WWF Guianas biodiversity conservation and management
communications strategy. Actively contributes to the development of communication
materials. Assists in the implementation of campaigns to increase public awareness and
understanding of biodiversity conservation and management related issues. Ensures the
dissemination of communications materials.
5. Workshops: Assists in the planning and delivery of workshops. As agreed to by
supervisor, participates in relevant workshops conducted by other stakeholders.
6. Advocacy: Works with other WWF staff and with partners to formulate WWF Guianas
positions with respect to biodiversity conservation and management and ensures these are
communicated to the staff and all the relevant agencies.
7. Consultancies: Works with other WWF staff and key stakeholders and partners to
identify needs for short-term technical assistance, assists with the development of the
terms of reference and the selection of consultants, and facilitates and oversees the work
of consultants.
8. Workplans/Budgets: Develops annual work plans and assists in the preparation of
budgets.
9. Reporting: Keeps supervisor and colleagues informed of developments and issues.
Prepares and submits technical progress reports to supervisor and colleagues in the WWF
format. Prepares other reports as needed or requested. Submits trip reports to supervisor
and colleagues within one week of return from the field.
10. Finance and Administration: Ensures compliance with WWF Field Operations Manual
and WWF Guianas finance and administration procedures.
11. Monitoring and Evaluation: Contributes to developing a monitoring and evaluation
system for the project. Contributes to internal project reviews.
12. Funding Proposals: Works with other staff to design projects and develop funding
proposals with the aim to further develop and enhance the WWF Guianas program.
13. Professional Development: Monitors new technical information, policy developments,
issues and trends related to biodiversity conservation and management in Suriname and
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shares with others as needed. Continues to maintain status and progress in professional
field.
14. Other duties: Carries out other position-related activities as required and plays an active
role in the successful implementation of the WWF Guianas program.
III. Supervisory Responsibility
N/A
IV. Working Relationships
Good working relationships, both internal and external, are fundamental to this position.
1. Internal: Interacts frequently with colleagues of WWF Guianas and with staff of the
WWF global network. Maintains close working relationships with colleagues through
regular exchange of information, joint planning exercises, and collaboration in the
implementation of specific initiatives.
2. External: Develops and maintains professional relationships with representatives of
grantee organizations, relevant government agencies, other conservation organizations,
and other relevant stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and management.
V. Qualifications
Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:
1. Knowledge: A Bachelor’s degree or preferably a Master’s degree in Biology and/or
Environmental science related studies.
2. Experience: Have executed and have been involved actively in biodiversity related
studies and projects. Experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring of
projects.
3. Skills and Abilities: Excellent oral and written Dutch and English communication skills.
Knowledge of additional languages (sranang tongo) will be an asset. Must possess a
demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders and as a
member of a multidisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy and
flexibility. Ability to prioritize, initiates, and complete work with a minimum of
supervision. Requires excellent project management skills including project planning,
training, and monitoring. Must have working knowledge of basic Microsoft programs
such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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