Senior Program Officer (SPO), US Corporate Climate Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and their habitats. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a global network of more than 5 million supporters. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including climate change, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where people and nature can thrive together.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for US Corporate Climate Engagement will play a pivotal role in advancing WWF's mission by managing key corporate partnerships and supporting the Climate Business Network. This position involves working closely with businesses to help them set and implement science-based climate targets, navigate greenhouse gas accounting, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The SPO will be responsible for developing subject matter expertise in areas such as carbon accounting, corporate climate strategies, and sustainability claims, while also engaging in multistakeholder groups and coalitions to promote climate action. This hybrid role requires a minimum of two days a week in the Washington, DC office, emphasizing collaboration and proactive engagement with corporate partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Corporate Climate Target Setting and Implementation Support: Engage with corporate partners to assist them in accounting for greenhouse gas emissions, setting science-based targets, and developing net-zero commitments. Provide expertise on corporate climate methodologies and platforms, particularly in carbon markets.
• Corporate Relationship Management: Manage relationships with corporate partners, develop proposals, work plans, and maintain routine communications. Collaborate with colleagues in the WWF global network to enhance corporate climate partnerships.
• Strategy Development and Implementation: Contribute to the development and execution of WWF-US’s corporate climate engagement strategy.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Develop knowledge in carbon accounting, corporate climate mitigation strategies, and regulations related to climate reporting.
• Technical Support: Lead technical tasks, conduct literature reviews, and write reports with minimal guidance.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with various teams within WWF to advance corporate climate partnerships.
• Events: Represent WWF at external climate and business events.
• Staff Management: Recruit and manage interns and junior staff as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess thorough knowledge of corporate climate mitigation strategies and experience in accounting for corporate value chain emissions, ideally with a background in supplier sustainability programs and market-based solutions. Preference will be given to those with experience in corporate climate target setting and engagement with the business community. Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills are essential, along with excellent oral and written communication abilities. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in Climate Science, Environmental Science/Management, Business, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Industrial Ecology, or a related field is required. Candidates with an advanced degree should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, while those with a bachelor’s degree should have at least 6 years of professional experience in a related field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of program or professional experience for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, or at least 3 years of experience for those with an advanced degree. Experience in corporate sustainability, greenhouse gas accounting, and familiarity with platforms relevant to corporate climate ambition is strongly preferred. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of carbon and renewable energy markets and sustainable fuels.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid position requiring in-office work at least two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at the WWF headquarters in Washington, DC. The salary range for this position is between $82,300 and $102,90

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.