Lead Specialist, Conservation Areas

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, dedicated to preserving the natural world and addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of more than 5,000 employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and sustainable development, with a mission to create a world where people live in harmony with nature.

Job Overview:
The Lead Specialist, Conservation Areas will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and securing financing for area-based conservation (ABC) projects specifically in Latin America and the Amazon. This position requires a strong commitment to conservation and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives related to protected areas and other ABC mechanisms. The role involves overseas travel (approximately 10%) to remote areas in Latin America and the Amazon, where the specialist will engage with local communities and indigenous organizations to enhance conservation efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement area-based conservation projects in Latin America and the Amazon, ensuring alignment with WWF's strategic goals.
• Secure financing for conservation initiatives through the development of fundraising proposals and partnerships.
• Provide technical support and capacity-building to local stakeholders, including indigenous organizations, to enhance their ability to manage protected areas effectively.
• Conduct field visits to remote areas to assess project progress and provide on-the-ground support.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to promote best practices in conservation and share knowledge across the organization.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation projects, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Engage with local communities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected in conservation efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Ecology, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in planning and managing large area-based conservation projects, particularly in Latin America and the Amazon.
• Proven experience working with community-based conservation initiatives and indigenous organizations in the Amazon region.
• Demonstrated ability to develop successful fundraising proposals and secure financial support for conservation projects.
• Strong technical skills in providing support and capacity-building related to protected areas and ABC mechanisms.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Ecology, Sustainable Development, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of conservation work and the ecological principles that underpin effective area-based conservation strategies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in planning and managing large area-based conservation projects, particularly in the context of Latin America and the Amazon. Experience working with community-based conservation efforts and indigenous organizations is highly valued, as is experience in developing fundraising proposals and providing technical support.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking stakeholders and indigenous communities, as well as read and interpret technical documents. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region would be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington, DC, and may require occasional travel to remote areas in Latin America and the Amazon. The role is full-time and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Candidates should align with WWF's core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration, as these principles guide the organization's work and interactions with communities.