Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (SPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to preserving the natural world and addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 5,000 employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and sustainable development, with a mission to create a world where people live in harmony with nature.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (SPO) will play a pivotal role in leading WWF-US’s engagement in the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) funded Solomon Islands Coral Reef Resilience Project. This position requires a strong focus on managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and ensuring compliance with fiduciary responsibilities. The SPO will also contribute to WWF-US’s broader Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio, working closely with internal and external partners to mobilize capital for conservation impact. The role demands a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate challenges in project implementation while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will lead the Solomon Islands Coral Reef Resilience Project, acting as the main point of contact and ensuring effective coordination with WWF-Pacific, UNCDF, and other partners. Responsibilities include overseeing financial and programmatic reporting, budget management, and donor communications to fulfill all fiduciary obligations. The SPO will provide strategic guidance to address implementation challenges, maintain high standards of conservation and community outcomes, and represent WWF-US in external forums and donor engagements. Additionally, the SPO will support the overall Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio by designing and implementing new initiatives, identifying opportunities for pipeline development, and collaborating across teams to advance finance objectives. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in blended and innovative conservation finance, particularly in marine conservation, is required. Strong project management and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Candidates should have proven experience working independently and collaboratively within a matrixed team environment, as well as strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary to convey complex financial and conservation concepts to diverse audiences. Experience collaborating with international partners, governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Business, Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, or Environmental Management. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage complex financial initiatives related to conservation efforts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in blended and innovative conservation finance, with a preference for candidates who have specific experience in marine conservation. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financing mechanisms and their application in conservation projects, as well as for managing multi-partner initiatives effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the regions where WWF operates, such as Pacific Island languages or other languages spoken by stakeholders in conservation projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Washington DC. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $84,800 and $106,00

• Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume through the WWF Careers Page, referencing Requisition #2602
• WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.