Manager/Senior Manager, Marine Nature-based Solutions

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World Wide Fund for Nature

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Singapore, Singapore

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Position title: Manager/Senior Manager, Marine Nature-based Solutions

Reports to: Director, Climate & Nature-based Solutions

Location: Singapore

Purpose of the Role:

WWF is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead its marine conservation and nature-based solutions (NbS) strategy. As the Marine Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing WWF’s marine conservation agenda, integrating science, policy, and partnerships to protect and restore ocean ecosystems. The role requires deep technical knowledge of marine ecosystems like mangroves, corals, seagrass, kelp and their impact on nature, climate, and people. It also involves representing WWF externally, and building partnerships with government, civil society, media, academia, finance, and business.

As part of the NbS Leadership Team, you will lead the development and operationalisation of WWF’s conservation and climate strategy for oceans. This includes scaling up marine-focused programs, integrating local and regional portfolios, and driving innovation to deliver measurable conservation and restoration outcomes. Strategic thinking, influence across diverse sectors, and a commitment to inclusive, science-based solutions will be essential to your success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Development

  • Develop Marine conservation programmes to deliver on WWF-SG's Theory of Change and WWF’s Global Roadmap 2030 WWF is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead its marine conservation and nature-based solutions (NbS) strategy. As the Marine Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing WWF’s marine conservation agenda, integrating science, policy, and partnerships to protect and restore ocean ecosystems. The role requires deep technical knowledge of marine ecosystems like mangroves, corals, seagrass, kelp and their impact on nature, climate, and people. It also involves representing WWF externally, and building partnerships with government, civil society, media, academia, finance, and business.
  • As part of the NbS Leadership Team, you will lead the development and operationalisation of WWF’s conservation and climate strategy for oceans. This includes scaling up marine-focused programs, integrating local and regional portfolios, and driving innovation to deliver measurable conservation and restoration outcomes. Strategic thinking, influence across diverse sectors, and a commitment to inclusive, science-based solutions will be essential to your success in this role.
  • Develop and scale flagship programmes in priority seascapes across ASEAN, in collaboration with local conservation teams.
  • Lead the Marine NbS unit , managing budgets, timelines, and teams with the growth & partnerships team to ensure financial sustainability.
  • Mobilise cross-sector stakeholders to advance WWF’s goals for oceans, marine ecosystems and coastal areas.
  • Collaborate with Fundraising and Finance teams to develop proposals, manage programme governance, donor reports, and support fundraising events.
  • Mentor and guide the Marine NbS team , including their skills development, progression pathways, and performance management.

2. Technical Expertise & Project Management

  • Manage project delivery on time and on target , including workplans, budgets, staff, consultants, and reporting, in line with WWF standards.
  • Lead quality assurance initiatives , including but not limited to project co-development, coordination, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), and implementation.
  • Support strategic outreach initiatives and missions , to engage companies, financial institutions, policymakers, civil society, and potential donors for ocean focused programmes.
  • Manage partnerships and grants , ensuring successful delivery and acting as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Contribute to digital transformation , promoting the use of innovative technologies like AI to improve programme efficiency.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Impact Evaluation

  • Develop thought leadership material and guidelines to advance WWF-SG’s leadership across the Marine NbS programmes.
  • Support local and regional campaigns to promote planet-friendly diets, eco-tourism, sustainable seafood and plastic smart cities. Ensure alignment with WWF’s global frameworks and share insights across the network.
  • Collaborate with strategic communications, education & outreach teams, and external partners to create tools and guides for triple benefit NbS and blue carbon.
  • Organise workshops and meetings with internal and external stakeholders when needed.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the tasks expected proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.


Required qualifications and skills

  • Master’s or PhD in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Resource Management or related fields
  • 6-8 years’ experience in marine focused programme management, environmental management, natural resource management and project management
  • Strong knowledge of quality assurance systems, monitoring and evaluation, GIS and remote sensing, blue carbon and NbS-specific training is preferred
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Proficient in digital tools, including AI applications

Desirable

  • Familiarity with sustainability standards (e.g., ASC, MSC)
  • Knowledge of marine-related policy frameworks and international climate/nature agreements
  • Successful grant management experience

What We Offer

  • A leadership role in one of the most critical areas of nature and climate.
  • A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
  • Access to WWF’s global network, tools, and expertise.