World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Senior Program Officer, Corporate Engagement, Forests.

Major Function

The Senior Program Officer’s (SPO) major function is to engage US companies, primarily via WWF’s Forests Forward corporate engagement program, to reduce their forest impact and support nature-based solutions in key forested landscapes to benefit nature, people and climate.  The SPO manages relationships with corporate partners, developing and implementing robust action and monitoring plans, tracking budgets, coordinating closely with other WWF network offices on landscape-scale forest conservation efforts; and communicating updates and outcomes.  The SPO also works to recruit new companies into the program.  The SPO engages with a variety of external NGO and public agency partners; provides research and technical support for WWF Forest team initiatives; and represents WWF at conferences and events. The SPO promotes uptake of tools and technologies to help companies manage sourcing risk, set robust targets, avoid illegal wood, demonstrate transparency, and measure impacts.  The SPO works closely with colleagues on WWF-US forests and private sector engagement teams as well as colleagues on climate, food, freshwater, and other goal teams. 

• Engage US companies via WWF’s Forests Forward program and other initiatives on actions they can take to avoid deforestation and forest degradation, support nature-based solutions (e.g., forest restoration, protection and improved management); and advocate for strong forest policies. 
• Provide technical and strategic recommendations to help companies create robust responsible sourcing policies and targets; engage suppliers; credibly communicate progress to stakeholders and engage consumers on ways they can help sustain forests.
• Coordinate internally with other WWF-US and network staff to effectively direct funding toward implementation of robust nature-based solutions in key forested landscapes, prioritizing social and environmental safeguards and benefits for people, nature and climate.  
• Develop and manage robust project scopes, budgets, workplans and processes for actions taken by or supported by corporate partners to monitor progress, ensure deliverables are met, conservation impacts are accurately measured, key stakeholders are informed, and internal and external communications align with WWF requirements. 
• Provide technical expertise and input in writing/drafting/reviewing agreements, communications materials, and internal updates.
• Lead or participate on cross-cutting teams focused on innovation, thought leadership, and scaling up initiatives, leveraging private sector action to achieve WWF-US goals, particularly in coordination with WWF-US private sector engagement team.
• Represent WWF-US at meetings, external workshops, conferences, and working groups.
• Support fundraising, proposal development, and strategic planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years professional experience, or 4 years’ experience with an advanced degree in forestry, sustainability, supply chain, business, project management, conservation and/or comparable relevant experience. Private sector experience desirable.
• Experience with international forestry, forest-related commodity supply chains, and corporate sustainability preferred.
• Must be highly motivated, with keen attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks on time with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing complex teams and projects on a deadline is required, as is experience with project management tools and software that enable disparate teams to meet deadlines and track progress.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills and ability to tailor communication across different cultures and audiences
• Demonstrated ability to sell ideas, identify strategic opportunities, and deliver results
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within high performing teams
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiation skills, and ability to work with a diverse range of individuals across cultures and time zones
• Knowledge of Spanish, Mandarin, French or Portuguese language desirable.
• Overseas experience is desirable.
• Must be willing to travel periodically in the US and occasionally overseas.
• 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.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.  

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page,  Requisition #22107
• 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.