Senior Program Officer GEF Project Agency - 21016

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Senior Program Officer (SPO) for the WWF GEF Project Agency. The SPO oversees/leads project development and implementation as a member of the WWF GEF Agency and engages WWF offices, governments and partners around Global Environmental Facility (GEF) opportunities.

This position: (i) coordinates with and guides project development teams developing WWF GEF concepts and projects, to ensure quality and compliance with WWF and GEF policy, (ii) plays an oversight and project compliance role for WWF GEF projects in implementation, and (iii) contributes to WWF GEF Agency strategy and operational efficiency.

• Project Scoping and Development: Oversee and guide planning, process, and development of WWF GEF projects and programs through GEF project cycle in coordination with WWF offices, governments, GEF Secretariat, and other key partners; Provide strategic GEF and technical guidance for successful project design; Coordinate and ensure compliance of WWF and GEF standards throughout project development
• Implementation: Supervise and provide implementation support of WWF GEF projects in coordination with WWF offices, governments, and other key partners; Support project teams in adaptive management, troubleshooting, reporting, and other implementation management duties; Coordinate and ensure compliance of WWF and GEF standards throughout project implementation; Complete GEF Agency project reporting
• Representation: Represent WWF GEF Agency at internal and external meetings including project and program steering committee meetings/missions, as well as trainings, workshops, and key international events; Active participation in GEF Secretariat task forces and other ad hoc committees
• Coaching: Coach WWF Network, government, and other key partners in understanding of GEF institutions, policies, procedures and tools for the development of transformative ideas into WWF GEF projects and programs in line with GEF priorities
• WWF GEF Agency Support: Build overall effectiveness and operation of the WWF GEF Agency by contributing to guidance notes and templates, as necessary
• Build relationship with GEF Secretariat and other key GEF stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Must have the following skills and experience

• At least 6 years of progressively responsible work experience in fields such as international affairs, international development, environmental policy or environmental science
• A Bachelor’s degree in Environment, International Policy, or related field is required. A Master’s or PhD in these related fields is a plus, and may substitute for some years of experience
• Project development and project management/supervision experience
• Experience engaging with governments and institutions in developing and middle-income countries
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and written documents
• Ability to operate with independence and under pressure to meet deadlines and commitments
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams across cultures and multiple time zones
• Willing and able to travel internationally up to 30% of the time, and work outside standard business hours
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple initiatives with competing priorities

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Technical expertise and experience in one of the following is preferred: oceans, climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, integrated landscape conservation
• Experience developing large bilateral and/or multilateral funded projects is a plus
• Experience with private sector and blended finance (public and private funds) highly desired
• Experience working with GEF projects and knowledge of GEF policies and project cycle management is desired
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail is desired
• Experience working with WWF offices is a plus
• Fluency in French or Spanish is a plus

Please Note: candidates are encouraged to apply by January 10th

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page,  Requisition #21016  
• Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

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 values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.