Senior Program Officer, Strategic Planning and Finance

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 diverse workforce of more than 6,000 employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and sustainable resource management, aiming to create a world where people and nature thrive together.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Strategic Planning and Finance, plays a crucial role in developing comprehensive conservation plans and financial models that support long-term financial sustainability for area-based conservation programs. This position involves managing multiple concurrent projects across different countries, fostering collaborative relationships with WWF staff, partner organizations, and consultants. The officer will also provide guidance and training to international counterparts on conservation planning processes. As part of WWF’s Conservation Finance Community of Practice, the Senior Program Officer will work closely with finance professionals to design and implement key initiatives that align with WWF's mission of conserving nature and reducing the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for designing and building agreements with partner organizations regarding conservation plans for large-scale initiatives. This includes defining the initiative's scope, conservation goals, activities, and indicators. The officer will support the development of funding proposals for multilateral organizations that align with Project Finance for Permanence initiatives. Under the guidance of the manager, the officer will create detailed long-term financial models that project costs and funding needs, mapping these to potential funding sources. Recommendations on sustainable financing mechanisms will also be part of the role. Additionally, the officer will build capacity among in-country partners on conservation planning and cost modeling, document conservation scopes and financial needs, and undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree in conservation, management, or finance-related fields preferred. A minimum of six years of experience in conservation, management consulting, or finance is required, with a Master’s degree substituting for two years of experience. Experience working in developing countries is essential, along with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The candidate should have experience managing complex projects with various stakeholders, and familiarity with protected areas is strongly preferred. Financial modeling and costing experience, as well as experience with conservation planning methodologies, are also highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, possess excellent quantitative and analytical skills, and have strong oral and written communication abilities.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, while a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as conservation, management, or finance is preferred. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of conservation and financial management, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to perform the job effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of relevant experience in conservation, management consulting, or finance. Candidates with a Master’s degree may substitute two years of work experience. Experience in developing countries is essential, and familiarity with managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders is required. The candidate should also have experience with protected areas and financial modeling, as well as a background in conservation planning.

Languages:
Advanced fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Portuguese or French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse international contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through December 2025, with the possibility of extension. The role is based in Washington, D.C., but candidates from outside the D.C. area will also be considered. The expected salary range for this position is between $98,000 and $140,90

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The role may require travel to developing countries 15-25% of the time, often on short notice, and may involve working outside of regular hours to accommodate different time zones.