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 more than 5,000 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 will lead the WWF-US priority place program for the Amazon, acting as the primary expert and advisor on Amazon-related initiatives. This role involves developing and implementing the Amazon Priority Place strategy, ensuring alignment with WWF-US's broader goals. The Senior Director will oversee program execution, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising efforts, while also representing WWF-US in discussions related to forest conservation in Latin America. The position requires a strategic thinker who can adapt to changing contexts and balance long-term goals with immediate demands, ensuring effective delivery of results in conservation efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the WWF-US strategic plan for the Amazon, integrating actions across departments and engaging various stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of the Amazon priority place strategy, establishing annual goals and priorities.
• Lead execution of specific projects, ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards.
• Represent WWF-US in external stakeholder engagements, advising on conservation-related politics.
• Champion the Amazon and Latin American forests in public awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts.
• Identify solutions to challenges in conservation and ensure best practices are shared across teams.
• Build and lead a priority place team, providing supervision and support to staff and interns.
• Collaborate with Amazon country offices and other relevant units to achieve strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in biological conservation, natural resources management, international development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in managing complex conservation projects.
• Extensive field experience in the Amazon region.
• Proven networking abilities with key regional players.
• High-level diplomatic skills for successful negotiations with government officials.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as biological conservation, natural resources management, or international development. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in conservation principles and practices, with a focus on managing complex projects and initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, particularly in biological conservation and natural resource management. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and managing complex conservation projects, with extensive field experience in the Amazon region. Experience in networking with key stakeholders and government officials is essential, along with demonstrated leadership in project management.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is mandatory, with proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington, D.C., with 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 role may require domestic and international travel of up to 15%. WWF is committed to building a culture of inclusion and aligns with core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.