Principal Functions and Purpose of the position:
Effective conservation measures are needed before it’s too late. Currently, five per cent of Hong Kong waters are designated or planned to be established as marine protected areas (MPAs), while fishing and vessels are banned from less than 0.01% of Hong Kong waters. Scientists, conservationists and NGOs have been calling for 30 per cent of global waters to be designated as MPA by 2030. WWF Hong Kong is using an integrated approach of policy advocacy and site-based work to build capacity and engagement with ocean conservation and MPAs.
Our site-based work is focused on seven priority sites previously proposed for marine conservation, aimed at achieving an interim target of 10 % MPA for Hong Kong waters.
The position of Conservation Officer, Oceans will support both Marine Protected Area work and flagship species conservation work streams, according to operational needs.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Involve as project member on i) Marine Protected Area, ii) Flagship species conservation (cetaceans and corals) and iii) sustainable fisheries projects. Assist in developing and implementing plans to actively conserve the marine ecological hotspots and marine flagship species through campaigns and stakeholder engagement, assist in conducting related research, preparing reports etc.
- Assist in engaging ocean conservation related stakeholders, such as fishermen communities, vessel operators, and scuba diving community and businesses, to progress the goals of Marine Protected Area, flagship species conservation, and sustainable fisheries in Hong Kong
- Support and coordinate for ecological and social science surveys, monitoring and citizen science related to our site-based marine conservation programs
- Assist in policy lobbying and advocacy for effective legislation and other desirable framework, and also providing advice to government and other stakeholders through participation in meetings, working groups, committees etc.
- Raise WWF-Hong Kong’s profile by supporting media campaigns and interviews, communicating with the media, giving seminars and dealing with correspondences and enquires, in collaboration with internal communications team.
- Represent WWF-Hong Kong in different functions, meetings with government, and in negotiations to secure funds from potential donors.
- Other duties as required by operational developments.
Required Functional Skills:
- Degree holder in Environmental Science, Nature Conservation-related or Social Science discipline
- 2 years or more of relevant working experience preferably in nature and marine conservation or environmental management, ideally with experience in engaging a broad range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of research methods relevant to the work program is desirable
- Experience in fieldwork, including in adverse weather conditions
- Experience in programme management is an advantage
- First aid, swimming, driving license and/or scuba diving license preferable
- Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese (preferably both Cantonese and Putonghua)
- Proficient in computer skills, including MS Office; knowledge of statistical analysis software will be advantage
Required Behavioural Skills:
- A resourceful person, passionate in conservation issues and strong awareness of current policy issues.
- Out-going, collaborative, well-organized, highly-motivated and positive thinker with a ‘can-do’ attitude
- A committed team player with excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks
Interested candidates, please submit your application here.
This is a local position to be based in Hong Kong. We offer a 5-day work week and competitive rewards and benefits package to the right candidate. Interested party please apply with full resume, stating present and expected salary and available date. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
WWF, the World Wide Fund for Nature, a non-profit organization, headquartered in Switzerland, is one of the world’s most recognizable and respected independent conservation organisations.
To find out more about us, please visit our website at wwf.org.hk now.