Senior Program Officer, Resilient Rivers - R4555

Company Description

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

Job Description

Major Function

The Sr Program Officer, Resilient Rivers provides technical analysis and assistance, engagement and project management in specific geographies, including an emphasis on alignment with WWF Priority Places and Resilience, Infrastructure, and Conserved Areas Big Bets to support WWF’s global Connected Rivers of Resilience Initiative (CRRI) achieve its vision of a world where connected rivers of resilience are valued, protected and restored for the enduring benefit of people and nature. Facilitates communication between and among teams; leads technical analysis for programs and projects; supports partnership management; project development, management, and reporting; conducts knowledge management; and monitoring and evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and lead report writing, proposal development and resource mobilization with public and private sector partners.
• Lead technical assessments to underpin project and program development, focused on quantifying hydrologic benefits of freshwater protection and restoration.
• Liaise with Corporate Water Stewardship colleagues, Science, and Protected and Conserved Areas teams, and other WWF offices for technical, research, policy and other insights related to CRRI, freshwater protection mechanisms (including PFPs and OECMs), and freshwater restoration and resilience.
• Lead technical assessment, map making, knowledge management, reporting and M&E.
• Co-lead communications and outreach for the CRRI, writing about and presenting on CRR internally to WWF staff and externally at workshops and conferences, where appropriate.
• Engage and support WWF offices and liaise with other teams to connect and link CRR with other critical WWF priorities.
• Conduct research, monitor and analyzes new technical information, policies, tools, and global trends related to freshwater protection and restoration.
• Develop, plan and implement components of new and ongoing projects and grants. Work with project personnel, grantees, consultants, and other goal team staff to facilitate coordination, communication, and regular reporting for current projects.
• Interact regularly with representatives of WWF-International, other WWF offices and associate organizations, grantees, and consultants to ensure successful delivery of projects and to advance progress on the CRRI strategy. Communicate with representatives of conservation organizations, universities, NGOs, corporations, and/or government agencies one-on-one and through participation in coalitions in support of opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Key Competencies

• Project & Program Management – Effectively plans, implements, and oversees projects, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes and alignment with objectives.
• Technical Analysis & Assessments – Uses GIS and hydrological analysis to map and quantify benefits of freshwater protection, conservation, and restoration.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management – Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal teams, NGOs, governments, and other partners.
• Strategic Communications, Thinking & Integration – Links initiative work with broader organizational goals and global conservation trends, including through writing and presenting.
• Adaptability & Leadership – Navigates complex, multi-geography projects while guiding teams and facilitating collaboration.

Skills and Abilities

• Bachelors degree in Hydrology, Environmental or Freshwater Science or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 6 years professional experience or 3 years with an advanced degree in natural resource management, conservation, hydrology, water resource engineering, or landscape or regional planning.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative analysis of the benefits of freshwater protection and restoration.
• Basic GIS skills required; advanced GIS and Python programming skills preferred.
• Understanding of and passion for river or freshwater conservation.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working cross-culturally.
• Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, and to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Familiarity with Microsoft office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Excellent interpersonal skills requiring knowing when to use courtesy, tact and/or diplomacy to effectively communicate with all constituents.
• Ability to set priorities, manage a multitude of details simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, and work effectively solo and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising, budgeting, and monitoring donor compliance.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• 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.

Additional Information

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.

Relocation is not provided for this position.

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