Senior Specialist, Sustainable Debt

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since been dedicated to the protection of nature and its resources. With a mission that emphasizes the intrinsic link between nature and human survival, WWF recognizes the urgent need to reverse nature loss and conserve biodiversity. As the leading conservation organization globally, WWF operates in nearly 100 countries and has offices on six continents. Their extensive reach includes critical ecosystems such as forests, river systems, wetlands, savannas, and ocean habitats. By focusing on conservation and sustainable livelihoods, WWF aims to maintain ecological balance for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the planet.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, Sustainable Debt is a key role within WWF’s Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, focusing on the design, development, and implementation of sustainable debt initiatives. This position is crucial for mobilizing financing from debt markets to support nature conservation priorities. Reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director, the Senior Specialist will provide technical, analytical, and relationship management support across various sustainable debt opportunities, including debt conversions and sustainability-linked financial instruments. The role involves advancing transaction pipelines, conducting due diligence, engaging stakeholders, and developing frameworks that align with WWF's conservation goals. The Senior Specialist will coordinate efforts across WWF teams, Country Offices, financial institutions, donors, and external partners to ensure effective execution of sustainable debt projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Specialist will be responsible for several key areas:

• Program Support and Implementation: Develop and implement WWF’s sustainable debt portfolio to mobilize capital for conservation outcomes, including transaction origination and structuring.
• Corporate Debt and KPI Support: Provide credible, science-based KPIs and conservation guidance for corporate debt instruments, conducting research and engaging with private sector firms.
• Transaction Execution Support: Coordinate multiple sustainable debt opportunities, tracking milestones and preparing necessary materials.
• Project Coordination: Maintain project management tools and ensure timely delivery of activities and deliverables.
• External Engagement: Engage with various stakeholders, preparing materials for meetings and external engagements.
• Resource Mobilization Support: Assist in donor and investor engagement by preparing proposals and reporting inputs.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned that align with the position's scope.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong financial and analytical acumen, with a solid understanding of debt instruments and the ability to apply analytical skills to transaction development and partner engagement. Professional communication skills are essential for interacting with stakeholders and preparing high-quality materials. Experience in partnership engagement, resource mobilization, and global collaboration is also required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and possess the ability to work effectively in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree is required, with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in fields such as management consulting, finance, conservation finance, or international development. An advanced degree with 3 years of experience is preferred. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in sustainability and a basic understanding of global environmental commitments and corporate sustainability challenges.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in finance, economics, international relations, public policy, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, including public and private sectors, financial institutions, and civil society organizations. Experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or resource mobilization is a plus, along with proficiency in project management and analytical skills.

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

Additional Notes:
This is a 2-year Limited Term position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., as the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Relocation assistance is not provided. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.