Senior Director, Amazon & Latin American Forests

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 approximately 6,000 employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management, with a mission to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director for Amazon & Latin American Forests at WWF is a pivotal role that leads the organization's strategic initiatives in the Amazon region. This position is responsible for developing and implementing the Amazon Priority Place strategy, which aims to integrate WWF's actions across various departments while engaging with key stakeholders such as the US government, private sector, NGOs, and donors. The Senior Director will also oversee forest conservation efforts in Latin America, ensuring that the strategies align with WWF's broader goals and priorities. The role requires a balance between long-term strategic planning and immediate program execution, adapting to changing contexts and stakeholder needs. The individual will serve as the primary expert and advisor on Amazon-related issues, representing WWF in external discussions and advocating for conservation efforts both in the US and globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Director will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Developing and managing the strategic plan for the Amazon, ensuring alignment with WWF's overall strategy and priorities.
• Overseeing the implementation of the Amazon priority place strategy, establishing annual goals and tracking progress.
• Engaging with external stakeholders, including donors and partners, to represent WWF's interests in Amazon and Latin American forest conservation.
• Leading fundraising efforts and building public awareness campaigns to support conservation initiatives.
• Identifying innovative solutions to challenges faced in conservation efforts and ensuring best practices are shared across teams.
• Managing a team of staff and consultants, providing leadership and support to achieve strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with various WWF departments and country offices to ensure effective program execution and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in biological conservation, natural resources management, international development, or a related field, along with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. Proven success in managing complex conservation projects and extensive field experience in the Amazon are essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong networking abilities with key regional players and possess high-level diplomatic skills for effective interaction with government officials. Excellent leadership, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to inspire and manage teams. Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is mandatory, and candidates should be willing to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree is required for this position, ideally in a field related to biological conservation, natural resources management, or international development. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in conservation principles and practices, as well as experience in managing complex projects in diverse environments.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of professional experience in biological conservation or related fields, with a proven track record of developing and managing successful conservation projects. Extensive field experience in the Amazon region is crucial, as is the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes. Candidates should also have experience in stakeholder engagement and fundraising efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is required, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Proficiency in English is also necessary, as the role involves communication with various stakeholders in the US and internationally. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington, D.C., and follows a hybrid work structure, requiring a minimum of two days a week in the office. The salary range for this role is between $136,500 and $196,10

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The organization emphasizes a culture of inclusion and collaboration, aligning with WWF's core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.