World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Director, Design and Development for Nature-Based Solutions Platform

Background

WWF has established the Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) Origination Platform to originate, structure, resource and implement NbS interventions for both private and public actors in a cohort of a pre-identified priority forest landscapes (for the pilot phase) that will demonstrate and set the bar for high-integrity climate and nature impacts and benefit-sharing.

Position Overview

The NbS Design and Development Director’s overarching role is to advise and support place-based technical teams in WWF country offices in the design, development, and implementation of high-quality NbS interventions that are strategically linked to landscape and jurisdictional strategies in WWF priority forest geographies. The Director manages a team of technical and geographically focused landscape focal points who team with country programs in ideation, design, planning and implementation of all NbS-OP funded interventions, maximizing synergies with other major NbS activities in the landscape. This position also works closely with the Impact and Monitoring Director to support the evaluation and monitoring of the interventions for impacts on climate, biodiversity and people.

The Director’s portfolio of priorities includes engaging partners across the WWF network to develop the NbS-OP global landscape pipeline globally. The Director is also responsible for working with WWF country programs to test and improve replicable operational models for north-south partnerships, and to ensure that the NbS-OP team works effectively as the technical implementation arm of the country teams.

Coordination/Management:

• Manage a team of landscape focal points to ensure high-quality design, development, implementation, and monitoring of interventions.
• Provide programmatic oversight and approval for all landscape initiatives and work.
• Guide adaptive management to ensure project success.
• Provide oversight and management of consultants as appropriate.

Project Implementation:

• Support the design and implementation of landscape pipeline and interventions.
• Develop efficiencies in landscape development and review, e.g., templates, review modalities, replicable partnership models, etc.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the Forest Climate Solutions Impact and Monitoring Director to facilitate the evaluation and monitoring of interventions.
• Collaborate with the “Deal Origination” team for inputs on costing, project plans, and risk assessments, as well as coordination for developing landscape financing mechanisms.
• Work closely with WWF-US Program Operations and grant managers to comply with policies and procedures and track burn rates.
• Identify new landscape candidates in collaboration with senior leadership and WWF country offices.
• Contribute to ongoing strategic development and approach of the Platform.
• Develop and incorporate lessons learned and best practices into guidance and provide input to network and external partners on NbS implementation.

Process Improvement:

• Solidify and improve the landscape selection and scoping process through lessons learned.
• Develop efficiencies in landscape development and review, e.g., templates, review modalities, replicable partnership models, etc.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in environmental science, natural resource management or related field.
• Minimum ten years of experience working in conservation, natural resource management, and sustainability issues internationally.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, monitoring, and/or evaluating natural resources conservation and management projects in developing countries, including protection, restoration, and sustainable forest management initiatives; and should be proficient in developing log frames, theory of change diagrams, and results-based management tools.
• Able to travel both nationally and internationally is required.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

The ideal candidate must have these attributes/competencies:

• Adaptability – We work in a dynamic environment where opportunities arise and circumstances change, the ability to quickly adapt is crucial for success.
• Creative, analytical thinker and problem-solver – We are looking for someone that is able to approach challenges with creativity and analytical thinking ensures effective problem-solving, especially when overseeing multiple significant initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience in cross-cultural consultation, training, and collaboration – We work in a global context, where the capacity to navigate and collaborate across cultures is essential for successful project implementation and partnership building.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environments and cultivate productive partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders – Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental for achieving shared goals and fostering positive relationships with our stakeholders and peers.
• Organization – We are looking for someone with very effective organization skills to facilitate efficient follow-up and engagement with different individuals and tasks, contributing to project success and stakeholder engagement.

**This position is a hybrid position based in Washington D.C.**

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #24082
• Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.