World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Global Biodiversity Lead Scientist.

Position location is negotiable.

Major Function

WWF’s half-century of conservation success is rooted firmly in science; it informs and underpins everything we do. WWF is applying the best available natural and social science to strategies across sectors to ensure the information required to enable a just transition to a more resilient, equitable and sustainable planet can stick.  The pace and scale of this transition will dictate success or failure for nature, climate change, and sustainable development. Success requires a team with intellectual depth that energetically embraces the opportunity and risks to innovate, attempt, and adapt sustainability solutions with efficiency at the intersection of science and practice. 

The Global Biodiversity Lead Scientist (Lead Scientist) provides the scientific leadership on biodiversity for WWF’s Practices. The Lead Scientist is an important partner to the Chief Scientist, the Global Conservation Director, and the Practice Leaders, in particular the Wildlife Practice Leader, across our WWF Network.  She/he will provide thought leadership, scientific analysis in support of goal and strategy development and implementation, and the management of internal and external science talent to support and advance WWF’s ambitious agenda. The Lead Scientist will serve as a member of the WWF Global Science Leadership Team, providing expertise and support for interdisciplinary analyses to advance cross-functional strategies. This is an opportunity for a dynamic, strategic thinker who is passionate about conservation and has demonstrated success in leading rigorous scientific research with partners to support issues related to biodiversity conservation.

• Works with leadership and colleagues to ensure that goals, strategies, and assessments of impact are grounded in, and informed by, the best available natural and social science, providing scientific and policy-relevant expertise and promoting innovative research and synthesis of research
• Conducts research in a conservation-relevant science discipline, publishes in high-profile journals for impact, stays abreast of the scientific literature, and shares important findings with team staff
• Reviews, synthesizes, and disseminates the most relevant scientific knowledge across the WWF network and externally, and in coordination with knowledge management leads
• Works with the Director of Conservation Evidence to develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks for WWF’s conservation strategies
• Builds and maintains an extensive network of science professionals and partnerships – with key conservation NGOs, government agencies, academics, and other groups – for the purposes of research, science collaboration, and strategy development
• Travels internationally on a frequent basis to represent WWF at critical high-level meetings, workshops, conferences, and for the purposes of site visits and/or field-based research
• Represents WWF to promote conservation goals, activities, and thought leadership in conservation
• Leads and supports science and fundraising efforts, in collaboration with science and practice staff, to support the Wildlife Practice and cross-Practice efforts. 
• Manages, coordinates, and supports science staff and external collaborators for implementation of priorities
• Other duties as assigned

• 12+ years of experience with an advanced degree in a natural or social science discipline in a conservation-relevant field with a strong emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analytical expertise in mapping, modeling and measuring biodiversity, ecosystem function - including connectivity- and ecosystems services at multiple temporal and spatial scales; incorporating local biodiversity values into global biodiversity goals; and developing and implementing methods incorporating different forms biodiversity and knowledge when creating conservation priorities
• Ability to effectively prioritize and produce high-quality work under time constraints
• Excellent organizational and project leadership skills
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a matrixed team environment
• Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, and to meet deadlines and commitments
• Excellent interpersonal skills requiring knowing when to use courtesy, tact and/or diplomacy to effectively communicate with all constituents
• Ability to lead by persuasion, build consensus, and think creatively
• Ability to demonstrate integrity in deliverables, behavior, and demeanor
• Ability to show respect for the organization, the work, the team, and self
• 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

CEA Recruiting is assisting WWF with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates should click the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements through CEA’s job portal.

https://job.ceaconsulting.com/jobs/global-biodiversity-lead-scientist-remote--106600

This position will remain open until filled, but we strongly encourage interested candidates to apply by June 23, 2022. Please direct all inquiries to Tamara Evans, Senior Search Lead (tamara@ceaconsulting.com).

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies.

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.