Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading global conservation organization founded in 196

• With a mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has more than 5 million supporters worldwide. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, and works collaboratively with governments, businesses, and communities to achieve its goals. WWF is committed to promoting sustainable practices and ensuring that the natural world can thrive for future generations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (SPO) will play a crucial role in leading WWF-US’s engagement in a significant externally funded initiative in the Western Pacific. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of reef-positive enterprises, which are essential for marine conservation efforts. The SPO will also contribute to WWF-US’s broader Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio, ensuring that the organization meets its fiduciary and compliance responsibilities while advancing innovative approaches to mobilize capital for conservation impact. The role requires strong collaboration with internal and external partners, effective project management, and the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder initiatives. The SPO will be responsible for ensuring high standards of conservation and community outcomes while representing WWF-US in external forums and donor engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Senior Program Officer include leading the Coral Reef Resilience Project in the Western Pacific, which involves project management for an externally funded initiative focused on reef-positive enterprises. The SPO will serve as the main point of contact, ensuring effective coordination with partners and fulfilling all fiduciary, reporting, and compliance obligations to the donor. This includes overseeing financial and programmatic reporting, budget management, and donor communications. The SPO will also provide strategic guidance to address implementation challenges and maintain high standards of conservation outcomes. Additionally, the SPO will support the overall Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio by leading or contributing to the design and implementation of new finance initiatives, identifying opportunities for pipeline development, and collaborating across WWF teams and country offices to advance finance objectives. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

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. The ideal candidate will 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, with the ability to explain complex financial and conservation concepts to diverse audiences. Experience collaborating with international partners, governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations is preferred, along with a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion within teams.

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 education is crucial for understanding the complexities of blended finance structures and innovative financing mechanisms that are pertinent to marine 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 necessary to effectively manage complex, multi-partner projects and to navigate the challenges associated with mobilizing capital for conservation initiatives.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial, especially in regions where WWF operates, to enhance collaboration with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as exempt and falls under the Senior Specialist job family. The role is full-time and involves significant project management responsibilities. The deadline for applications is set for October 202

• Candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume through the WWF Careers Page, referencing Requisition #2602
• WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.