Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Community Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading global conservation organization founded in 196

• 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 development, working collaboratively with governments, businesses, and communities to achieve its goals. WWF is committed to building a culture of inclusion and diversity within its workforce, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the conservation dialogue.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Community Engagement, will play a crucial role in advancing WWF's strategic priority of mobilizing diversified nature finance to support its conservation mission. This position is part of the Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, specifically within the Nature Markets Unit (NMU). The Senior Specialist will support deal leads in the origination, design, and development of carbon and other nature-based solutions (NbS) projects, focusing on generating carbon removal credits. The role requires a strong emphasis on community engagement and benefits sharing, ensuring that projects align with WWF policies and international market standards. The Senior Specialist will also be responsible for keeping abreast of market developments and best practices, contributing to the overall strategy and implementation of WWF's conservation efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, 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 within the broader landscape and national policy context.
• Managing project delivery and internal and external stakeholder engagement across multiple projects.
• Supporting broader strategy development and implementation, such as overseeing market research, process improvements, fundraising efforts, or engaging in market outreach.
• Performing other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will 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, ideally with carbon or nature-based projects, including developing baselines, feasibility studies, and Project Design Documents (PDDs) as a developer, consultant, or investor.
• Exposure to carbon or NbS marketing/sales or offtake structuring, or familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and carbon credit standards and methodologies (such as VM0047 and Isometric's Reforestation Protocol).
• Strong ability to work inclusively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, demonstrating specialist knowledge or experience in stakeholder engagement, FPIC, and benefits sharing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present analysis clearly and succinctly to WWF management, partners, and funders.
• Ability to communicate community engagement approaches and their value to internal and external partners, including financiers and private sector partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as environmental science, finance, or social sciences. An advanced degree is preferred and may substitute for some years of required experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in project development, environmental policy, and community engagement practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in project development, particularly with carbon or nature-based projects. This experience could include roles as a developer, consultant, or investor, and should demonstrate a strong understanding of carbon market mechanisms and methodologies. Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities is highly valued, as is direct field experience with various NbS project types in emerging markets and developing economies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Spanish or Indonesian is preferred. Strong communication skills in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate community engagement processes effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, limited-term role for 2 years, with the intention of continued extensions based on performance and organizational needs. The position is hybrid, requiring in-office presence in Washington DC for 2 days a week. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Relocation assistance is not provided. The role may require travel up to 20% of the time, with potential for extended missions to develop projects and build relationships.