World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Vice President, Oceans Area-Based Conservation, to be based in Washington, DC.
In light of the momentum behind protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030, the WWF-US Oceans team is furthering its oceans area-based conservation strategy and regional implementation efforts. This important work takes a science and data-driven based approach in delivering on-the-ground and integrated conservation interventions, as well as market driven approaches and multilateral finance at scale. Our work includes improved management of protected areas, such as MPAs, and other effective area-based means of conservation (OECM). We deploy our solutions holistically in coastal areas and on the open water, and seek local and global impact for people, biodiversity, the climate, and peace and security. Throughout this work, WWF ensures an inclusive, equitable approach that respects the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
The Vice President will report to the Senior Vice President of Oceans. This role leads WWF-US’s work on area-based conservation and OECMs, as well as spearheading major aspects of key projects, such as the Bezos Earth Fund. To that end, the Vice President works as part of a team to select and implement priority seascapes, supports in designing and closing major blended finance deals, rolls out new initiatives to support area-based conservation, and represents WWF-US in relevant forums and events. The Vice President will collaborate across WWF-US and the broader WWF network to align this initiative with ongoing complementary work to maximize opportunities to promote durable financing for networks of protected areas and OECMs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of area-based conservation in a global portfolio of seascapes prioritized by WWF-US. To that end, strategically evaluate each priority seascape and apply the relevant set of conservation interventions, policy recommendations and market solutions that will produce a resilient, productive seascape for people and nature.
- Lead team to test different approaches and interventions needed to produce and adaptively manage a resilient productive seascape. Accountable for successful project management and execution of the Bezos Mangroves for Community and Climate in addition to other projects.
- Lead the development and implementation of multi-million-dollar funding packages, blending philanthropic, public sector and multilateral funding streams.
- Partner with WWF marine scientists to identify and select seascapes, with a strong commitment to scientific and data driven impact monitoring and evaluation.
- Assess, approve, and implement a science-based approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning in all priority seascapes.
- Partner with WWF’s conservation finance team to develop innovative conservation finance models (e.g., blue bonds, project finance for permanence (PFP) projects).
- Share and communicate the area-based conservation approach and results within WWF-US, to the rest of the WWF Network and beyond, including donors and players in global, regional and national fora.
- Stay abreast of global developments in relevant international fora, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustainable Development Goals and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in relation to area-based conservation, and as appropriate, take part in global forums on area-based conservation, contributing to cutting-edge thinking.
- Undertake special initiatives and perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience required; at least 15 years’ experience developing, executing, and funding large-scale ocean conservation projects in multiple countries and different coastal marine environments both as a practitioner and conservation leader.
- Extensive experience working directly with communities, governments, and investors to improve ocean management around the world, including putting together large blended finance deals (e.g., philanthropic, public and multi-lateral funding).
- Extensive experience and commitment to people, communities, and inclusive conservation with a proven ability to achieve results.
- Track record of developing and delivering on science-based impact measures.
- Assertive, but with a collaborative work style, and ability to work effectively and flexibly with others at all levels, including across teams, both inside and outside WWF-US.
- Experience building and/or working in effective cross-NGO partnerships.
- Expert knowledge of the Convention on Biological Diversity, especially biodiversity targets and their implications, is a strong bonus.
- Inclusive style that fosters informed decision making, particularly on challenging and complex issues.
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks, work in complex and rapidly changing situations, and perform well under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to engage in and lead cross-organizational assessments, planning, and knowledge and learning processes.
- A successful track record of budget, financial management, fundraising, and donor stewardship, including public and private donors.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) essential; additional languages a plus.
- Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
- Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
Diversity and Inclusion
WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply. 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 has long understood that the people who live in the places we work are critical leaders in conservation. Over time, WWF’s work with people has supported community efforts and led to transformative social and environmental results. This is a socially inclusive conservation approach. Together, WWF finds practical and beneficial ways for both people and nature to thrive.
Compensation and Location
WWF offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. For more information, please visit WWF’s benefits page. The position will be located at WWF’s US headquarters in Washington, DC. This opportunity is open to international candidates. WWF will sponsor HB1 visas and in some instances will cover relocation expenses.
