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 reducing humanity's ecological footprint. 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, and employs thousands of individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the planet.

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 hybrid, requiring two days in the Washington DC office, and is a limited-term role with a duration of two years, with the possibility of extension. The Senior Specialist will be instrumental in advancing WWF's strategic priority of increasing diversified nature finance to support its conservation mission. The role involves collaborating with internal and external partners to develop carbon and other nature-based solutions (NbS) projects that align with WWF's conservation priorities. The Senior Specialist will leverage their expertise in community engagement and benefits sharing to enhance the NMU's core processes, ensuring they meet WWF policies and international market standards. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and executing opportunities that align with WWF's strategic goals, as well as a commitment to fostering inclusive engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

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 particular focus on generating carbon removal credits. They will advise deal teams on carbon project development, market methodologies, and standards, ensuring that projects align with international standards and WWF's impact goals. The role also involves designing and implementing stakeholder engagement, benefit-sharing, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes across NMU projects. The Senior Specialist will conduct rigorous assessments of projects led by other organizations, focusing on climate, social, and biodiversity outcomes within the broader landscape and national policy context. Additionally, they will manage project delivery and internal and external stakeholder engagement across multiple projects, support broader strategy development and implementation, and oversee market research or process improvements as needed.

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, ideally with carbon or nature-based projects, and familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and carbon credit standards and methodologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to work inclusively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, along with specialist knowledge or experience in stakeholder engagement, FPIC, and benefits sharing. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as the candidate must be able to present analysis clearly and succinctly to WWF management, partners, and funders. The ability to communicate the community engagement approach and its value to internal and external partners, including financiers and private sector partners, is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree. 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 with carbon or nature-based projects. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or 3 years with an advanced degree. Experience could include developing baselines, feasibility studies, and project design documents (PDDs) as a developer, consultant, or investor. Direct field experience with a variety of NbS project types in emerging markets and developing economies is preferred, along with a strong network with carbon project developers, financiers, and buyers.

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 communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a limited-term employment opportunity for two years, with the intention of continued extensions based on performance and organizational needs. The role is hybrid, requiring two days of in-office work in Washington DC. 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 World Wildlife Fund promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.