Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models)

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models)

Job Family/Level: Program / Senior Specialist

Reports to: Manager, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models)

FLSA status: Exempt

Date: October 2025

Major Function

The Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (SPO) will divide their time between leading WWF-US's engagement in a forthcoming externally funded initiative in the Western Pacific focused on building a pipeline of reef-positive enterprises and contributing to WWF-US's broader Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio. The SPO will serve as a lead liaison with key internal and external partners, ensuring strong collaboration and alignment. The role provides leadership in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, ensuring WWF-US meets fiduciary and compliance responsibilities while advancing innovative approaches to mobilize capital for conservation impact.

Key Responsibilities

Coral Reef Resilience Project in the Western Pacific:

Lead WWF-US project management for a forthcoming externally funded initiative in the Western Pacific focused on building a pipeline of reef-positive enterprises, serving as the main point of contact and ensuring effective coordination with key internal and external partners for smooth and effective implementation.

• Ensure WWF-US fulfills all fiduciary, reporting, and compliance obligations to the donor, including oversight of financial and programmatic reporting, budget management, and donor communications.

• Coordinate closely with other WWF-US project colleagues to leverage technical, operational, and financial support for effective project delivery.

• Provide strategic guidance and problem-solving to address implementation challenges, working with field teams and partners to maintain high standards of conservation and community outcomes.

• Represent WWF-US in external forums and donor engagements related to the project, fostering collaboration and promotion innovative finance approaches.

Blended and Innovative Finance Portfolio:

• Support the overall Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio by leading or contributing to the design, development, and implementation of new and existing blended and innovative finance initiatives.

• Support pipeline development by identifying opportunities and helping shape projects that leverage capital for conservation impact.

• Collaborate across WWF-US teams, WWF country offices and the WWF global network to advance blended and innovative finance objectives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Technical Proficiency in Blended and Innovative Finance: Demonstrates deep understanding of blended finance structures, innovative financing mechanisms, and sustainable finance instruments relevant to marine conservation. Applies technical expertise to design, implement, and adapt finance solutions that support conservation and community-based outcomes.

• Complex Project Leadership: Leads and manages complex, multi-partner projects with multiple donors, implementing entities, and stakeholders. Ensures smooth coordination across diverse teams, anticipates risks, and resolves challenges to achieve high-quality results on time and within budget.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Effectively conveys information to internal and external audiences through clear and concise oral, written, and interpersonal communication. Works cooperatively with others to achieve mutual understanding, demonstrating empathy, actively listening, and contributing to a collaborative work environment.

• Relationship Management and Collaboration: Establishes and maintains productive relationships with individuals both within and outside the organization, including donors, partners, NGOs, and community-based stakeholders. Understands and addresses the needs and concerns of others, fosters trust, and promotes collaboration to achieve shared goals.

Skills and Abilities

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in blended and innovative conservation finance, preferably in marine conservation.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrixed team environment.

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and conservation concepts to diverse audiences.

• Experience collaborating with international partners, governments, NGOs, and/or community-based organizations preferred.

• 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.