Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Finance

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 reducing the human impact on the environment. 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 employs thousands of individuals who work collaboratively across various sectors to implement conservation strategies and promote sustainable practices. WWF's initiatives focus on critical areas such as climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where people and nature can thrive together.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Finance, 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 hybrid, requiring in-office presence in Washington DC for two days a week, and is a limited-term employment opportunity for two years with the potential for extensions. The Senior Specialist will play a crucial role in advancing WWF's strategic priorities by developing and executing nature-based solutions (NbS) projects that align with the organization's conservation goals. The role involves collaborating with internal and external partners to create high-quality NbS projects, particularly in the carbon market, and ensuring that these projects meet WWF's standards and impact objectives. The Senior Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the financial models used to evaluate project viability and investment returns, thereby contributing to WWF's mission of sustainable environmental stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting deal leads in the origination, design, and development of carbon and other commercial NbS products; advising on carbon project development and market methodologies; building and maintaining financial models to assess deal structures and investment returns; collaborating with project partners and legal specialists to optimize project costs and governance; conducting assessments of projects led by other organizations to evaluate their climate, social, and biodiversity impacts; managing project delivery and stakeholder engagement across multiple initiatives; and contributing to broader strategy development, including market research and fundraising efforts. The role requires a proactive approach to project management and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve WWF's conservation objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in project development, particularly in carbon or nature-based projects. Experience should include developing feasibility studies, project design documents, and familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and standards. Candidates should demonstrate superior financial modeling and business analysis skills, particularly in evaluating investment feasibility and risk for nature-related finance structures. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as the role involves presenting analyses to management and stakeholders. Experience in developing investment memos and pitch decks is also required, along with a willingness to travel up to 20% of the time for project development and relationship building.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, finance, economics, or a related discipline is required. An advanced degree is preferred and may substitute for some years of experience. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in both the technical aspects of project development and the financial principles necessary for evaluating and structuring investments in nature-based solutions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Bachelor's degree, or 3 years for those with an advanced degree. This experience should include direct involvement in project development, particularly in the context of carbon or nature-based projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in emerging markets and developing economies, as well as experience in carbon project marketing and sales or offtake structuring. Familiarity with carbon credit standards and methodologies is highly desirable, as is experience in presenting investment opportunities to potential funders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages such as Spanish or Indonesian is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages can enhance collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, particularly in diverse project environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a limited-term contract of two years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Relocation assistance is not provided. The World Wildlife Fund promotes a culture of inclusion and equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law. Candidates should align with WWF's core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.