Myanmar: Freshwater Programme and Policy Manager

Background

WWF-Greater Mekong – on the ground in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – is working to conserve the region’s biodiversity and build a secure and sustainable future for people and wildlife. WWF has a long history of engagement in the Greater Mekong. We helped establish conservation programmes in Thailand in the early 1980s, have been active in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam since 1990, and established a presence in Myanmar in 2013. WWF-Myanmar’s conservation plan is founded on implementing a ‘Green Economy’ approach in policy decisions and natural resource management across sectors, working with government, industry and civil society partners to ensure that, as the country develops, it doesn’t squander the natural riches that so many depend on and that drive a sustainable economic future.

I.Major Function

The Freshwater Programme and Policy Manager is responsible for the leadership, strategic development, management, and resourcing necessary to lead WWF Myanmar water programme.

Major Responsibilities

· Lead the development of WWF Myanmar Water Programme, including strategy, work plans, and fundraising for projects

· Ensure a coordinated approach aligned with WWF’s Green Economy policy programme, especially as it relates to renewable energy, and the sustainable business development sector; as well as field programmes

· Identify priorities for site/landscape-scale interventions to specifically address freshwater biodiversity (e.g. surveys) in the DTL (Tanintharyi Region and Karen State in particular), Ayeyarwady (Delta and basin-wide), and possibly also the Salaween River.

· Represent WWF-Myanmar at a strategic and technical level in all relevant fora

· Engage government, private sector, and civil society on water stewardship and river basin management policy, and on hydropower sector in context of WWF’s Alternative Vision for Myanmar’s power sector (de-emphasising large hydro, and use of tools for sustainable hydro planning)

· Develop and maintain a network of contacts, and actively seek to build strategic alliances and partnership with other NGOs, international and national organizations, donors and other potential partners in order to promote and implement the WWF-Myanmar water programme plan

· Support capacity building of Myanmar nationals in the fields of water stewardship, IRBM, water security, watershed management, sustainable hydropower development, and freshwater biodiversity conservation

· Act as focal point for WWF GMPO Regional Lead for Water and Energy Security Hub

· Act as the WWF Myanmar Focal Point for WWF global Freshwater Practise

· Lead and coordinate fundraising/proposal development for WWF-MM water programme

· Work with Communications Team on developing strategic water programme communications and advocacy, as well as production and organization of press releases, media, campaigns and related events

· Ensure the annual programme report and technical project reports (TPRs) are timely submitted to WWF Int’l and relevant donors

· Facilitate knowledge exchange between WWF-Myanmar and rest of the WWF Network**II.** Requirements

1.Education and Qualifications

· Master’s degree in water resource management, environmental or conservation management, development studies, or in relevant fields

· Qualification in Project Management

· Academic training or a degree in business administration or business management is an advantage

2.Knowledge

· Thorough understanding of water, socio-economic, hydropower and development issues in Myanmar

· Knowledge of the policy/institutional context related to water management in Myanmar

· Excellent understanding of development partnerships, fund-raising, donor strategies, functions, governmental and international relations

3.Experience

· At least 7 years of practical experience in leading and managing water management and freshwater-related conservation initiatives, at least 3 years of which should ideally be in Myanmar/SE Asia/Asia.

· Proven experience of managing freshwater related projects and programmes funded by a diversity of sources including governments and aid agencies, private sector donors.

· Experience of working and negotiating with donors at all levels, and working with key regional and international institutions e.g. ADB, ASEAN, and the Mekong River Commission. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating action plans.

Closing Date: 1 April 2018 (Sunday)

Interested candidates should email vacancy.mm@wwfgreatermekong.org, with ‘Freshwater Programme Manager Application’ in the subject line, or send a hard copy cover letter and curriculum vitae in English to 15C, Than Taman Street, Dagon Township, Yangon, stating the position title applied for. Email application documents should be addressed as Document_Yourfullname.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.