Country Manager, WWF - PNG Country Programme

• Global organisation working locally towards a People & Nature Positive Pacific
• Collaborate & innovate with communities to deliver WWF’s Strategic Plan
• Port Moresby based; PNG nationals & Pacific Islanders are strongly encouraged

WWF in the Pacific

A People and Nature Positive Pacific will only be possible if we build it together. The Pacific region is globally significant for biodiversity. For more than 35 years, WWF has worked across the Pacific to sup-port solutions that connect people and nature, from community-led conservation and sustainable liveli-hoods to national and regional action.

In Papua New Guinea, WWF-Pacific works with communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and partners across the region to support community-led conservation and strengthen climate resilience. Guided by our Strategic Plan, Pacific Pathway 2030, we are working towards thriving biodiversity, elevat-ing nature, and transforming food systems across the Pacific. We believe lasting conservation happens when communities lead, traditional knowledge is valued and diverse voices are part of the work.

In Papua New Guinea, our teams work alongside communities across Madang, Central Province and New Britain, helping to create pathways for people and nature to thrive together. Whether you work in programmes, operations, finance, communications, ICT or leadership, there is a place for everyone on this journey.

The Role

Based in Port Moresby, PNG, the Country Manager provides strategic and operational leadership, guides the country programme’s strategic direction, and ensures alignment with WWF-Pacific and global priorities. The role involves high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising and donor liaison, policy advocacy and partnership building to drive conservation outcomes.

Leading a team of close to 30 staff, the Country Manager oversees financial sustainability, operational efficiency, reporting, risk, and compliance management. Other key responsibilities include fostering an organisational culture that emphasises staff engagement, learning, innovation, high performance and inclusion, while supporting the professional growth and well-being of all staff in collaboration with the regional leadership team. The Country Manager will also bring communities, government, partners and staff together, creating space for local leadership, innovative thinking and collaboration to develop solutions that reflect Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultures, biodiversity, and priorities.
This vacancy is open to all applicants. However, priority will be given first to Papua New Guinea nationals, followed by citizens of other Pacific Island countries.

Skills Required

Ideally, you will hold an advanced degree in a conservation or development-related subject and be an influential, well-respected leader with substantial experience in senior leadership roles, mobilising teams and partners, including in PNG. You will have a strong understanding of PNG’s socioeconomic, cultural and political dynamics. You will have managed and developed programmes or institutions, ideally in conservation or natural resources, although experience in international development or related fields may also be considered. Strong expertise in programme management and in planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning would be an advantage. A demonstrated commitment to WWF’s values of courage, respect and collaboration, together with personal integrity, is essential.

You should have experience in developing fundraising opportunities that have secured restricted and unrestricted funding, including from major donors, foundations, governments and multilateral organisations. You will be skilled in financial management, budget planning, risk and crisis management and the development of funding frameworks to support financial sustainability.

You will also demonstrate strong negotiation, collaboration and influencing skills, and have built trusted networks at senior levels across government, business, non-profit, scientific and political communities. You will have a track record of leading, supporting and empowering cross-functional teams, together with a clear commitment to developing and motivating staff.

If you would like to be part of WWF’s solution to support community-led conservation and climate resilience across Papua New Guinea, and supporting a People and Nature Positive Pacific aligns with your career objectives, please submit your résumé and cover letter addressing the selection criteria, quoting reference #1461510. Alternatively, to request a full information pack, please email officeadministrator@ngorecruitment.com. Please do not send applications to this address.

WWF is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates of all cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.