Forest Expert

The role of Forest Expert contributes to WWF’s mission and to the strategic objectives of WWF Romania and WWF-CEE by promoting and implementing integrated solutions for forest conservation and sustainable forest management, in support of sustainable development in the region.
The role also contributes to promoting higher value-added wood processing and green economic models that support climate change mitigation, increased value added along forest value chains, and the prosperity of forest-dependent communities.
Activities are based on directly addressing the root causes of challenges in sustainable forest management and on developing, in partnership with stakeholders, effective, feasible, and nationally adapted solutions. Forest conservation is approached in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner, taking into account ecological, economic, and social implications.

Your duties will include:

• Provide technical expertise for the development, implementation, and monitoring of national forest policies, supporting the transposition of objectives from the National Forest Strategy 2030 and EU legislation.
• Contribute to legislative and public consultation processes by providing technical analyses and well-founded proposals to improve forest governance, biodiversity conservation, and the fight against illegal logging.
• Represent WWF in relevant national working groups and multi-stakeholder platforms (forests, biodiversity, restoration, climate, bioeconomy).
• Support the identification and protection of priority biodiversity areas (10%), including High Conservation Value (HCV) forests and high-value mosaic silvo-pastoral landscapes.
• Contribute to the development, testing, and promotion of closer-to-nature forest management systems (CNFM).
• Support the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems with high ecological value (e.g. mosaic silvo-pastoral landscapes, riparian forests, critical ecological corridors, rare or threatened forest habitats), including within the framework of the National Restoration Plan.
• Contribute to the development and updating of national risk assessments and mitigation measures in line with EUDR requirements.
• Support the development and testing of innovative tools for monitoring timber traceability, verifying due diligence systems, and increasing supply chain transparency.
• Contribute to impact studies and analyses on the effectiveness of national control and law enforcement systems.
• Support the strengthening and improved implementation of FSC certification in Romania.
• Develop and support capacity-building activities (guidelines, trainings, workshops) for forest owners, managers, operators, authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of concepts, background notes, and project proposals to attract national and international funding in the fields of forests, biodiversity, and bioeconomy, leveraging WWF expertise in forest policy, sustainable forest management, conservation, combating illegal logging, and forest certification.

We expect from you:

• Adhere to the WWF mission, as well LIVES in line with the WWF Values: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration

Knowledge:

• University degree in forestry or another field directly related to responsible forest management or forest bioeconomy.
• Up-to-date knowledge of challenges facing the Romanian forest sector and integrated forest biodiversity conservation.
• Good understanding of EU forest-related policies (Habitats Directive, EU Biodiversity Strategy, EU Forest Strategy, EUDR, Nature Restoration Law, etc.).
• Knowledge of forest certification systems is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in forest conservation or the forestry sector.
• Experience collaborating with private sector partners, developing project proposals, and implementing and reporting on projects.
• Research experience is an advantage.
• Experience working in multicultural and virtual teams is an advantage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical and strategic thinking.
• Strong communication skills in developing technical materials.
• Strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines and a results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken Romanian and English.
• Strong team player.
• Commitment to WWF’s mission and values and strong motivation for nature conservation.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office.
• GIS experience is an advantage.

We offer

• The opportunity to make a difference – for Romania and WWF
• Challenging and fulfilling work in one of Europe’s most exciting eco-regions
• A friendly and highly professional working atmosphere in an international context
• Varying tasks and an independent work style
• A pleasant working atmosphere and a great learning environment

If you are interested in joining the global WWF team, email your application documents including your CV and cover letter (in English) to [email protected]. Application deadline: 23.02.2026. Please understand that we can only reply to short-listed candidates.