Team Leader, Kudat-Pitas Seascapes

Job Details

A Kudat - Pitas Seascape Team Leader position has the main responsibility to assist the Marine Habitat Manager, WWF-Malaysia, to address issues related to marine issues, in line with 17 SDG goals, and is responsible for the Marine Habitat Pillar and contributes to the Marine Species and Footprint Pillars - as outlined in the WWF Malaysia Marine Programme Phase 3.5.

• Obj 1.1:By 2030, national and state-level policy instruments for marine environmental conservation and management supports 30% expansion of Malaysia's protected and conserved areas in ocean and coastal biomes.
• Obj 1.2:By 2025, TMP and Semporna PCA are effectively managed with measurable improvement in marine and coastal biodiversity management, resilience to the impact of climate change, connectivity and equitable benefits to the local coastal community.
• Obj 1.2.2:By 2025, fish bombing occurrences in Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) and Semporna are reduced by 50% compared to baseline.
• Obj 1.2.3: By 2025, develop climate change adaptation strategy through marine habitat social-community to enhance the adaptive capacity of humans and the resilience of coral reefs in Semporna and TMP.
• Obj 1.2.4: By 2025, 5 coastal community areas in Sabah are designated as LMMAs/ICCAs by indigenous local communities and strengthened
• Obj 1.3: By 2025, 4 critical marine habitats are protected or/and managed and rehabilitated.
• Obj 2.2: By 2025, poaching of turtle nests does not exceed 10%* of total nesting, and direct take shows a downward trend** through effective enforcement and prosecution.
• Obj 3.2: By 2025, Sustainable Fisheries Initiatives covering 3.4 million hectares are implemented in at least 3 seascapes (including 2 WWF seascapes covering 1.3 million ha

The incumbent, as a staff member of the Conservation Department, will be guided by and contribute towards the achievement of the WWF-Malaysia Strategy 2021–2030, WWF Roadmap 2030, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Specifically, the position will support and contribute to WWF-Malaysia’s 2030 Goals 4 (Marine Coastal and Important Area Conservation), 5 (Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture), 6 (Turtle Conservation), and 8 (related organizational KPIs) through work within the Kudat-Pitas Seascape. This contribution will focus on integrated conservation and habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries management, community-based resource governance, policy advocacy, stakeholder partnerships, and risk management, in alignment with the broader Marine Programme.

Key Outputs

• Conservation and restoration initiatives for critical marine habitats and species (e.g., coral reefs, turtles) are effectively planned, coordinated, and supported by the Kudat-Pitas Seascape team, contributing to measurable improvements in ecosystem health.
• Community-based fisheries and resource management systems (e.g., LMMA/OECM) are established and supported through effective coordination and capacity building, contributing to reduced destructive fishing practices and improved sustainable livelihoods.
• Sustainable coastal development guidelines for Tun Mustapha Park, ESSF compliance, and operational risk management systems are effectively coordinated and maintained under the Team Leader’s oversight.
• Strategic partnerships and collaborative management frameworks with government, civil society, communities, and private sector actors are maintained and strengthened to support Kudat-Pitas Seascape conservation goals.
• Sufficient financial and technical resources are mobilized and effectively managed, with high-quality reporting and communications systems in place, to ensure Kudat-Pitas Seascape initiatives are adequately funded, well-governed, well-communicated, and contribute effectively to organizational KPIs.
• Robust, up-to-date baseline ecological and socio-economic data on marine critical habitats, species, fisheries stock status, and coastal communities is maintained and strategically used to inform, guide, and adapt conservation strategies for the Kudat-Pitas Seascape.

Major Activities

• Coordinate and monitor work plan development and implementation to ensure activities align with the Planned Intermediate Results (PIRs) and objectives under the Marine Programme 3.5, with a particular focus on the Kudat-Pitas Seascape.
• Lead and coordinate the planning, implementation, and adaptive management of conservation and habitat restoration activities for critical marine habitats and key species (e.g., coral reefs, turtles) in line with WWF-Malaysia’s 2030 conservation priorities for the Kudat-Pitas Seascape.
• Ensure the development, continuous updating, and quality assurance of baseline ecological and socio-economic data on marine habitats, species, fisheries stock status, and coastal communities, and promote its strategic use to inform and adapt conservation strategies, planning, and reporting.
• Guide and coordinate the development, consultation, and adoption of sustainable coastal development guidelines for TMP; ensure compliance with the ESSF, including mitigation measures and grievance mechanisms; and manage a comprehensive marine risk register and OSH plan for the team.
• Oversee the implementation of strategies to reduce fish bombing and climate change impacts, and support the establishment of community-based managed areas through LMMAs/OECMs, in partnership with government, industry, and local communities.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with government, communities, civil society, research institutions, and the private sector to strengthen collaborative management; support policy advocacy for OECM frameworks, climate change adaptation, and illegal fishing; and participate in relevant working groups (e.g., ACAI Resilient Habitat)
• Support the design and delivery of capacity building and training for team members, communities, and partners; ensure succession planning and professional development to sustain team capacity.
• Coordinate funding proposals and donor pitches, maintain donor relationships, ensure high-quality reporting, and collaborate with the Communications team to develop and deliver communications that showcase Kudat-Pitas Seascape progress, impact, and lessons learned.

Requirements

Specifications

• A related degree in Marine Science, Biodiversity and Ecology, with at least five (5) years of working experience in conservation or related fields.
• Climate (change) and/or Marine Spatial Planning and/or GIS experience preferred.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision, both in the field and in the office.
• Must be computer literate and have the ability to use appropriate technology for presentation to partners, stakeholders, and potential donors.
• Excellent written and oral skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Organizing and management skills are required.
• Good interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, versatile ability to work in a team and work independently.
• Good understanding of current issues especially knowing environmental and conservation issues.
• Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

Salary Range

RM3,500 - RM4,800

**Applicants whose expectations exceed the posted budget may not be considered. Kindly apply only if the budget is acceptable.

Contact Information