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JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
REPORTS TO:
DEPARTMENT:
DIVISION:
Species Trade and Policy Officer
Head of Species & Forests
Species & Forests
Programmes
JOB PURPOSE:
Within WWF-UK, provide the technical authority on species conservation and wildlife trade issues.
To ensure that WWF-UK makes a strong contribution to the delivery of WWF’s Global Species
targets and milestones ensuring that trade in endangered species is reduced or eliminated,
populations of priority species are stabilised or increased and that their critical habitats are
safeguarded. Provide key inputs to the Communications and Fundraising Divisions of WWF-UK.
ORGANISATION CHART:
Head of Species & Forests
¦
Species Trade and Policy Officer
DIMENSIONS:
- Working closely with the WWF International Global Species Team, the Species Trade and Policy
Officer will work in coordination with Species staff in the WWF Network, other wildlife
conservation NGOs and TRAFFIC (the joint wildlife trade programme of WWF and IUCN),
support WWF-UK fundraising efforts and support species-related media work, working with
WWF-UK’s Communications Division.
- Supports the disbursement of £1.5 million sterling.
- Given the importance of species in fundraising and communications with the public for WWF UK
the jobholder will also help to ensure a high profile in the media for species issues and will ensure
that there is an exciting flow of stories suitable for fundraising audiences. The jobholder is
expected to have a high level of technical knowledge and be able to provide detailed inputs to
fundraising and communications, as well as to Network positions on species conservation issues.
- Fundraising: species content drives approximately 2/3 of fundraising effort.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Species Trade and Policy Officer will:

Fulfil a Network-agreed role on Wildlife Trade which involves participation in the development
and implementation of wildlife trade strategies as well as oversight and management of wildlife
trade projects and activities, as required.

Take the WWF-UK lead on advocacy, lobbying and policy work that relates to key Species
conservation and wildlife trade issues with the UK government and the EU, as appropriate.

Assist the Head of Species & Forests in defining WWF-UK’s contribution to targets and
milestones of WWF’s Global Species Programme that relate to Species Trade and Policy, to
include implementation strategies in collaboration with TRAFFIC, appropriate partners and
WWF-UK staff.

Support relevant staff in the Species & Forests team in the preparation and approval of project
concepts and proposals, project implementation and in the assessment of the capacity of
partners to implement agreed projects, as appropriate.

Provide high level technical expertise to staff in the Species & Forests team responsible for
regions where there are priority species present.

Work with others to identify potential donors, primarily Government Aid Agencies (GAA) and
WWF-UK fundraising staff (SRM).

Provide support to the Communications Division in the development of species and traderelated communications materials and products.

Help partners identify communications opportunities.

Via the Head of Species & Forests, report on progress made on Species Trade and Policy every
six months for Trustees.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
This position works with TRAFFIC and the WWF International Global Species Team to develop
strategies and implement projects that lead to the protection and conservation of WWF priority
species, and/or to the mitigation of key global threats to these species.
PERSON SPECIFICATION

Advanced degree in zoology or related environmental discipline, or commensurate experience.

A solid knowledge of species issues and professional experience in the sector for at least five to
seven years.

Proven field experience and an understanding of developing country and livelihoods
perspectives.

Proven policy expertise in wildlife conservation, and the ability to carry out direct policy work
in the UK as well as to support Network priorities and initiatives.

Familiarity with international policy institutions related to species conservation and wildlife
trade.

Cultural sensitivity and ability to respect and work well with people from different
backgrounds.

Excellent presentation and communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work well and
be a strong advocate with governments, other organisations (outside and within the WWF
Network), and the media.

Proven ability to operate within and, where appropriate, lead a virtual team (with key players in
the WWF Network and other NGOs) is essential.

The commitment and drive to achieve challenging goals; a problem-solving attitude is essential.