Director, Nature Finance and Investments

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 globally. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF focuses on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million individuals in the United States and more than 5 million worldwide are members of WWF, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Director, Nature Finance and Investments will serve as a pivotal member of the Nature Finance & Investments (NFI) team at WWF. This role is critical in leading efforts to serve as Impact Advisors to external asset managers, with the goal of developing and influencing significant capital flows that support nature conservation. The Director will be responsible for the strategic direction, daily execution, and overall process of NFI’s asset manager strategy. This includes identifying partnership opportunities in nature finance, engaging with key stakeholders, and accelerating WWF’s role in financing and shaping sustainable investments. The position requires a blend of strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and results-oriented execution to ensure that WWF’s objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will design and oversee key elements of the asset manager strategy, which includes defining WWF’s goals and objectives, creating an implementation model, and developing a pipeline of partnership opportunities. The role involves negotiating partnerships with potential collaborators and identifying new asset manager partnership opportunities across various sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, carbon finance, and aquaculture. The Director will lead due diligence processes and prepare partnership recommendations and impact analyses for presentation to senior management and governance bodies. Additionally, the Director will forge relationships with external partners, including fund managers and sustainability investors, and represent WWF at external events and conferences. The position requires domestic and international travel (up to 25%) to priority regions in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and collaboration with WWF’s conservation teams and country offices to advance integrated nature finance strategies. The Director will also craft communications to showcase WWF’s thought leadership in Nature Finance and ensure accurate and timely reporting and budgeting in collaboration with WWF Impact management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or a Graduate degree with at least 8 years of experience. A strong background in the financial services sector is essential, including experience in private equity, venture capital, impact investing, conservation finance, and emerging markets. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in developing and evaluating investment strategies, conducting due diligence, and managing portfolios. Familiarity with multilateral and bilateral finance institutions, including development finance institutions, is also required. Candidates should have sector expertise in WWF’s priority areas, such as regenerative agriculture, blue economy/aquaculture, or sustainable infrastructure, with experience in emerging markets preferred. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are necessary, along with financial modeling skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The ability to analyze complex problems and communicate solutions effectively is crucial, as is a commitment to WWF’s core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Graduate degree. The educational background should be in a relevant field that supports the functions of the position, such as finance, environmental science, or business administration, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation to understand the complexities of nature finance and investments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or 8 years for those with a Graduate degree. Experience in the financial services sector is critical, particularly in areas related to private equity, venture capital, impact investing, and conservation finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing investment strategies, conducting due diligence, and managing investment portfolios, as well as experience working with development finance institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and competency in a second language, ideally Spanish or Portuguese, is considered a significant advantage. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners across various regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance based on available budget. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all hired individuals will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the necessary employment eligibility verification form upon hire. The role promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.