Wildlife Expert

The Wildlife Expert role contributes to WWF’s mission and to the strategic objectives of WWF Romania and WWF-CEE by promoting and implementing integrated solutions for the conservation and management of wildlife species, primarily large carnivores, in support of sustainable development in the region. The main action areas include: conservation of species of conservation interest targeted by WWF Romania as a foundation for biodiversity conservation; protecting the ecosystems on which these species depend; maintaining ecological connectivity at the landscape level; and developing measures and public policies that support the maintenance or improvement of the conservation status of these species of conservation interest.
The role also contributes to reducing conflicts and improving coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The activity is based on directly addressing threats to target species and on developing, in partnership with stakeholders, effective coexistence solutions that are feasible and adapted to the national and local context, where appropriate. The conservation of wildlife species of conservation interest is approached in an integrated and transdisciplinary manner, taking into account ecological, economic, and social implications.

Your duties will include:

• Planning and/or implementation of the monitoring framework for species of conservation interest in priority areas, with the aim of collecting data on species presence/distribution, the use of ecological corridors, recorded damages and conflicts, etc.
• Analyzing and interpreting collected data, including through desktop research, in order to propose solutions and measures that contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of populations of species of interest.
• Contributing to the development of studies regarding species of interest, identifying examples of good practices, analyzing technical documents, specialized studies and scientific articles, and proposing and substantiating solutions and measures in support of species conservation.
• Developing and maintaining databases that support strategic decision-making.
• Developing and supporting capacity-building activities related to wildlife conservation (guidelines and brochures, trainings, workshops, specialised conferences).
• Support the implementation of projects together with project team members, actively participating in project activities related to the species of interest.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of project results/deliverables, as well as to the required technical reporting.
• Contribute to the development of new concepts and funding proposals in order to attract national and international funding in the field of conservation and management of wildlife species.
• Provide technical expertise for the development, implementation, and monitoring of national policies related to wildlife species of conservation interest, supporting the transposition of objectives from EU legislation, particularly the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
• Contribute to legislative and public consultation processes by providing technical analyses and scientifically grounded proposals aimed at improving the conservation and management framework for wildlife species and combating poaching.
• Represent WWF in relevant working groups and multi-stakeholder platforms (wildlife species, biodiversity in general, ecological connectivity, restoration, etc.).
• Support the identification and protection of priority areas for biodiversity, particularly critical ecological corridors and favorable habitats for species of interest.

We expect from you:
Adhere to the WWF mission, as well as LIVE in line with the WWF Values: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration

Knowledge:

• A university degree in Biology, Ecology, or another field directly related to wildlife species management.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the challenges faced by the wildlife conservation sector and biodiversity conservation in general.
• A good understanding of EU policies related to biodiversity conservation (the Habitats Directive, the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the Nature Restoration Law, etc.).
• Experience related to ecological connectivity for large mammals constitutes an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 1–3 years of work experience in the field of large mammal conservation, including monitoring using camera traps and other tools.
• Experience in research and monitoring activities is considered an advantage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical thinking.
• Strong communication skills for preparing technical materials.
• Prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines and results-oriented approach.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Romanian and good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong team spirit.
• Commitment to the mission and values of WWF and motivation for nature conservation.
• Advanced use of the Microsoft Office suite.
• GIS experience (considered 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: 24.03.2026. Please understand that we can only reply to short-listed candidates.