Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Community Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading global conservation organization founded in 1961, dedicated to preserving the world's biological diversity and ensuring sustainable development. With a mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has more than 5 million supporters worldwide. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable resource management, and works collaboratively with governments, businesses, and local communities to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Community Engagement, is a pivotal role within WWF's Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, which is dedicated to mobilizing large-scale financing for nature through innovative financial mechanisms. This position is designed for a professional who will contribute to advancing WWF's strategic priority of increasing diversified nature finance to support its conservation mission. The Senior Specialist will work closely with deal leads to develop high-quality commercial nature-based solutions (NbS) projects, leveraging existing WWF activities and identifying opportunities for collaboration with external projects that align with WWF's strategic objectives. The role emphasizes the importance of community engagement and benefits sharing, ensuring that all projects adhere to WWF policies and international market standards. The Senior Specialist will also keep abreast of market developments and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of WWF's initiatives in nature finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Specialist will be responsible for a variety of key tasks, including: supporting NMU deal leads in the origination, design, and development of carbon and other commercial NbS products, with a focus on generating carbon removal credits; advising deal teams on carbon project development, market methodologies and standards, and broader market expectations; designing and implementing stakeholder engagement, benefit-sharing, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes across NMU projects; ensuring that projects align with international standards, market best practices, and WWF's policies and impact goals; conducting rigorous assessments of projects led by other organizations, focusing on climate, social, and biodiversity outcomes; managing project delivery and internal and external stakeholder engagement across multiple projects; and supporting broader strategy development and implementation, including overseeing market research, process improvements, fundraising efforts, and market outreach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience. Required qualifications include project development experience, particularly with carbon or nature-based projects, and familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and carbon credit standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to work inclusively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, specialist knowledge in stakeholder engagement, FPIC, and benefits sharing, and excellent written and oral communication skills. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to present analyses clearly to WWF management, partners, and funders, and effectively communicate community engagement approaches to internal and external stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with advanced degrees preferred. The educational background should ideally include studies related to environmental science, sustainability, finance, or a related discipline that supports the understanding of nature-based solutions and project development.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in project development, particularly in the context of carbon or nature-based projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing baselines, feasibility studies, and project design documents (PDDs) as a developer, consultant, or investor. Experience in carbon marketing, sales, or offtake structuring is also beneficial, along with familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Spanish or Indonesian is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, limited-term position for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The role is hybrid, requiring in-office presence in Washington DC for 2 days a week. The position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and will need to verify their identity and eligibility to work upon hire. The World Wildlife Fund 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.