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 for conservation efforts to reverse nature loss and preserve biodiversity. As the leading conservation organization globally, WWF operates with offices on six continents and in nearly 100 countries, focusing on critical ecosystems such as forests, river systems, wetlands, savannas, and ocean habitats. Their work aims to maintain the balance of the Earth for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the planet.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, Sustainable Debt is a pivotal role within WWF’s Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team, tasked with supporting the design, development, and implementation of sustainable debt initiatives. This position is crucial for mobilizing financing from debt markets to address 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 loans and bonds. The role involves advancing transaction pipelines, conducting due diligence, engaging stakeholders, and developing frameworks that align with WWF's conservation goals. The position requires collaboration with various teams, Country Offices, financial institutions, donors, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of sustainable debt initiatives.

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, structuring, and due diligence.
• 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, budgets, and internal reporting for the Sustainable Debt pillar.
• External Engagement: Engage with various stakeholders, preparing materials for meetings and external engagements.
• Resource Mobilization Support: Prepare concept notes, proposals, and reporting inputs related to sustainable debt initiatives.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the role.

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 and resource mobilization is also important, as is the ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies within a global organization. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and possess the ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree is required, along 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 a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in management consulting, finance, conservation finance, or related fields. Candidates with an advanced degree should have at least 3 years of experience. Experience in finance, economics, international relations, public policy, or environmental economics is preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to support complex projects involving multiple institutions and partners.

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., and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Relocation is not provided. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.