Senior Specialist - NbS Project Development and Finance

Job Description

Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Finance - R4637

Washington D.C.

Full-time

USD 87400 to USD 109200 / yearly

Job Description

Title:  Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Finance

Location:  HYBRID (2 day) - Washington DC

Employment: Limited Term (2 years) with the intention of continued extensions

Sponsorship: Not eligible

Relocation: Not eligible

Major Function:

WWF's Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team is focused on mobilizing large-scale financing for nature through nature markets, impact investing, debt capital markets, and public policy and investment. The NFI Nature Markets Unit (NMU) works with internal and external partners to develop carbon and other NbS projects that mobilize commercial finance in support of WWF conservation priorities around the world and set a benchmark of quality in the market.

The Senior Specialist, NbS Project Development and Finance, will join an exciting, new, and growing team advancing WWF's strategic priority on mobilizing more, diversified nature finance to support its conservation mission. The Sr. Specialist will support NMU deal leads in developing world-class commercial NbS originated from existing WWF activities and identifying and executing opportunities to support externally led projects that align with WWF's strategic priorities.

The Senior Specialist will bring to the team specialist expertise in NbS project finance and structuring. They will be responsible for maintaining NMU's core models, further developing the unit's project development approach and processes, and keeping up-to-date on benchmark deals, best practice, and other relevant market developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support NMU deal leads in the origination, design, and development of carbon and other commercial NbS products, with a focus on generating carbon removal credits.

• Advise deal teams on carbon project development, market methodologies and standards, and broader market expectations.

• Build and maintain financial models to evaluate deal structures, cost optimization, and investment returns for NbS projects.

• Work with deal leads, project partners, and WWF legal and operational specialists to optimize production and financing costs, maximize community benefits, and shape project ownership and governance.

• Support alignment of projects with international standards and commercial expectations as well as WWF's processes and impact goals.

• Conduct rigorous assessments of projects led by other organizations, focusing on climate, social, and biodiversity outcomes within the broader landscape and national policy context.

• Manage project delivery and internal and external stakeholder engagement across multiple projects.

• Support broader strategy development and implementation, as needed, such as overseeing market research or process improvements, supporting fundraising efforts, or engaging in market outreach.

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Creative and Curious – A questioning mindset and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to bridge commercial and impact imperatives at the project, process, and strategy levels.

• Analytical and Organized – Strong research and analytical skills, paired with excellent organizational and project management abilities.

• Initiative – A self-starter who proactively and independently manages projects and deliverables.

• Collaborative Adaptability – Effectiveness and authenticity working across cultures, geographies, and a highly matrixed global organization, with the ability to prioritize and deliver high-quality work under shifting circumstances and with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required 

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years (OR advanced degree with 3+ years) of relevant experience:

  • Project development experience, ideally with carbon or nature-based projects (experience could be developing baselines, feasibility studies, PDDs, etc., as a developer, consultant, or investor)

• Exposure to carbon or NbS marketing/sales or offtake structuring -OR- familiarity with carbon market mechanisms and carbon credit standards and methodologies (such as VM0047 and Isometric's Reforestation Protocol). 

• Superior financial modeling and business analysis skills, particularly in evaluating investment feasibility, risk, and return for NbS or nature-related finance structures. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present analysis clearly and succinctly to WWF management, partners, and funders. 

• Experience developing and presenting investment memos and pitch decks to inform project financing decisions. 

• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time and potentially open to extended missions to develop projects and build relationships. 

Preferred 

• Direct field experience with a variety of NbS project types in emerging markets and developing economies. 

• Strong network with carbon project developers, financiers, and/or buyers. 

• Fluency in Spanish or Indonesian. 

Additional Information

Alignment with WWF Values 

• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.    

• Identifies and aligns with ORGANIZATION’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. 

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.

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.

Compensation: 87400 to 109200 (USD) (YEARLY)