Managing Director, Sustainable Debt

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and is one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. WWF has nearly 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million globally, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Managing Director, Sustainable Debt will play a crucial role within WWF’s Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, leading the development and execution of a global strategy aimed at mobilizing financing from debt markets to support WWF’s nature and conservation priorities. This position will focus on both sovereign and corporate levels, requiring the MD to build and lead a team dedicated to identifying high-impact transaction opportunities. The role encompasses managing WWF’s engagement from the origination of transactions through to their closure, while also strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders, including sovereign entities, corporations, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and multilateral stakeholders. The MD will oversee initiatives related to debt conversions, sustainability-linked loans, and other sustainable debt instruments, ensuring that WWF’s contributions are credible, high-quality, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Managing Director include:

• Strategic Direction and Implementation: Originate, structure, and scale WWF's global sustainable debt portfolio to mobilize capital for conservation outcomes. This includes transaction origination, structuring, negotiation, execution, and oversight of sustainable debt initiatives.
• Corporate Debt Strategy Development: Enhance WWF’s reputation as a provider of science-based KPIs for new corporate debt instruments, fostering relationships with private sector firms aligned with WWF’s conservation priorities.
• Execution: Manage multiple large debt transactions under complex and changing political and economic circumstances.
• Management: Oversee a growing team within NFI, setting priorities and managing the Sustainable Debt Pillar’s budget.
• External Engagement: Represent WWF in public engagements and sustainable debt forums, including the Debt for Nature Coalition.
• Collaboration: Ensure alignment of conservation finance initiatives with WWF’s organizational priorities.
• Resource Mobilization: Lead efforts to raise donor funds and source investor capital for deal development and specific debt transactions.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the role.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Executive Presence & Influence: Ability to represent WWF with credibility and authority among senior stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking & Execution: Capacity to identify high-impact opportunities and deliver results in dynamic environments.
• Strategic Partnership Building: Proven ability to build long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Global Collaboration: Experience working across cultures and geographies within a global organization.
• People Leadership & Team Development: Skills in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills to convey complex concepts clearly.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, or related disciplines. An advanced degree in Finance is preferred, but other relevant fields will also be considered.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of experience in finance, international finance, debt capital markets, or development finance institutions is required. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of innovative financial tools and nature finance instruments, along with a proven track record in negotiating complex financial arrangements.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Spanish or additional languages is desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position may offer international and domestic relocation assistance based on budget availability. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. All hired individuals will need to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The role may require domestic and international travel of up to approximately 25% of the time. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.