Managing Director, Sustainable Debt

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

Job Overview:
The Managing Director, Sustainable Debt will play a pivotal role within WWF’s Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, leading efforts to mobilize financing from debt markets to support WWF’s conservation priorities. This position is responsible for developing and overseeing a global strategy that targets both sovereign and corporate levels for sustainable debt initiatives. The MD will lead a team dedicated to identifying high-impact transaction opportunities and managing WWF’s engagement throughout the transaction process, from origination to closure. The role emphasizes the importance of ensuring that WWF’s contributions to technical strategy and conservation are credible and align with organizational priorities. The MD will also be tasked with building partnerships with various stakeholders, including sovereign entities, corporations, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations, to enhance WWF's impact in conservation finance.

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

• Strategic Direction and Implementation: Originate, structure, and scale WWF's sustainable debt portfolio to mobilize capital for conservation outcomes.
• Corporate Debt Strategy Development: Enhance WWF’s reputation as a provider of science-based KPIs for corporate debt instruments and cultivate strategic relationships with private sector firms.
• Execution: Manage multiple large debt transactions under complex political and economic circumstances.
• Management: Oversee a growing team within NFI, set priorities, and manage the Sustainable Debt Pillar’s budget.
• External Engagement: Represent WWF in public engagements and sustainable debt forums, and work with 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.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong executive presence and influence, demonstrating the ability to represent WWF with credibility and authority. They should exhibit strategic thinking and execution skills, capable of identifying high-impact opportunities and navigating complex trade-offs. The role requires the ability to build trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, and civil society organizations. Effective communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts clearly to various audiences. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to achieving global environmental sustainability goals and a track record of leading high-performing teams in multicultural environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Finance is preferred, although degrees in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, or related fields will also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in financial principles and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of experience in finance, particularly in international finance, debt capital markets, or development finance institutions, is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of innovative financial tools and nature finance instruments, with demonstrated success in negotiating complex financial arrangements. Experience in securing and mobilizing financial resources from various sources is also essential, along with a network of potential partners in government, finance, and civil society.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Proficiency in Spanish or additional languages is desirable but not required, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

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., as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Compliance with federal law requires all hired individuals to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The role may involve travel domestically and internationally, up to approximately 25% of the time. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.