World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Conservation Trust Funds Lead.

The role will lead all conservation trust fund (CTF) processes for WWF Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiatives around the world, including identification, assessment, selection, establishment, design, and operationalization of CTFs. This includes developing operational documents and designing appropriate governance structures for these CTFs. The Lead will also be responsible for overseeing capacity building for CTFs, monitoring and evaluating CTF performance, and identifying and sharing related best practices within WWF and with partners.

Salary Range: $144,000 - $206,900

Location: Washington, DC. (Hybrid work structure with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office) preferred; however, candidates outside the Washington, DC area will be considered. This position is eligible for relocation.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Lead CTF feasibility assessments and comparative analyses, ensuring alignment with Conservation Finance Alliance Practice Standards for CTFs.

• Facilitate CTF selection and/or establishment.

• Coordinate processes to design proposed governance structures for PFPs, including constituting boards and committees, and designing bylaws.

• Lead capacity building efforts for priority CTFs.

• Lead development (and coordinate reviews before PFP launch) of operating manuals for PFPs, working closely with other experts (e.g. General Counsel, Program Operations, Development, Strategic Planning and Finance, etc.).

• Lead drafting of closing and disbursement conditions for PFPs.

• Contribute to the design of institutional arrangements for PFPs.

• Support negotiations with CTFs as needed during PFP design.

• Coordinate necessary analysis to determine the most efficient and effective way to administer, manage, and invest funds for specific PFPs.

• Support start-up operations of CTFs, guided by the Conservation Finance Alliance Practice Standards.

• Monitor and evaluate CTF performance, ensuring alignment with Conservation Finance Alliance Practice Standards.

• In coordination with Program Operations, General Counsel, Development and PFP Planning and Finance, review draft grant agreements for programmatic content (e.g. conservation commitments) and CTF related provisions.

• Coordinate closely with Enduring Earth partners on CTF-related lessons learned and best practices.

• Collaborate with Enduring Earth partners, multi-lateral and bi-lateral institutions, other conservation organizations, donors, investors, national governments, and local stakeholder and rightsholder groups to identify and address CTF and governance related issues.

• Work closely with individual PFP core teams during feasibility, planning and implementation stages.

• Work closely with WWF’s legal counsel and support development of PFP-related legal and operational documents.

• As needed, participate in negotiations for complex and sensitive PFP agreements.

• Oversee consultants as necessary.

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Effective Execution – is needed to propose governance structures for PFPs, coordinate reviews and inputs from across WWF, and document the results clearly.

• Strategic Planning & Implementation – to work on several high priority, complex PFPs based in difference countries simultaneously.

• Detailed Oriented/Innovative Problem Solver & Follow-through – to lead CTF feasibility assessments, which requires detailed and accurate reviews of CTFs against best practices, and specific, robust recommendations and follow up to address outstanding issues.

• Interpersonal & Diplomatic Communications and Organizational Savvy - to develop productive working relationships with internal and external partners - work collaboratively across many complex organizations regarding CTF selection processes; drafting, review and negotiation of content in operating manuals; and reviewing draft grant agreements.

• Analytical Thinking/Solutions Oriented/Intellectual Curiosity - to make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment – coordinate necessary analysis to determine the most efficient and effective way to administer, manage, and invest funds for specific PFPs.

• Bachelor's degree and 12 years’ experience; with a minimum of 2 (two) years' experience with CTFs or similar entities, or equivalent combination of education and experience; law degree preferred (though other graduate degrees considered e.g. management, business, finance, international development, conservation, etc.) is required.
• Demonstrated experience with understanding of structure, governance and management of CTFs is required.
• Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates willingness to take ownership of detailed tasks—such as document preparation and analysis—as needed while driving strategic initiatives is required.
• Experience developing complex agreements with the public or private sectors.
• Ability to work closely with NGOs, foundations, governments, communities and the private sector, and be part of a high-performing international team is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively across a wide range of people, teams, organizations, and interests.
• High degree of flexibility and ability to work against deadlines, and under dynamic circumstances.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to lead group discussions and drive them to reach an agreement.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• High proficiency in English necessary; fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally up to 30% of time.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #26050

• Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.