World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Senior Policy Lead, No Plastics in Nature 

Major Function

Focused on developing, coordinating, and advancing policy positions related to addressing plastics pollution and waste management systems to help WWF effectively define and achieve its long- and short-term objectives, including external advocacy efforts.  This will be accomplished in part by working in close partnership with other WWF teams, in particular, the Private Sector Engagement team. Works in conjunction with other members of the PGA team, to ensure internal and external coordination regarding other WWF policy priorities and advocacy outreach to US government partners. As appropriate, works closely with WWF field programs, conservation science, communications, activism, and resources departments, as well as U.S. government officials and other NGO policy teams, to shape WWF policy on plastic pollution, waste management, and efforts to promote a circular economy and environmental justice related to plastic production and waste management. In consultation with the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, contributes as needed to achieve a core set of conservation objectives through U.S. Government action by implementation of those strategies in certain issue areas as defined.

• Leads and effectively manages plastics pollution PGA initiative working in close coordination with other PGA members, and WWF leadership, helping to set overall short- and long-term policy goals, objectives, and strategies for the unit, the department, WWF-US and the WWF Network with respect to relevant U.S. Federal and state Government action. 
• Oversees, coordinates and deconflicts WWF’s plastics pollution policy development and priority setting.  Manages an internal policy process with goal and influence team policy points of contacts.  As appropriate, ensures internal stakeholders are informed, clear, and able to contribute to policy positions outside their goal or influence teams, particularly when there are indirect impacts on those teams. 
• Coordinates formulation of legislative, regulatory and other strategies and actions relevant to the plastic pollution PGA initiative, including supervision of drafting, negotiating (including problem-solving) and advocating WWF positions, including letters and position papers, as well as testimonies, legislative and regulatory proposals, public comments, and other relevant materials in consultation with the Director of Government Affairs as appropriate.  
• Develops and maintains relationships with other external stakeholders related to the plastic pollution initiative in order to influence US Federal and State government policy, including other NGOs, industry, and academia. 
• In consultation and coordination with the Director of Government Affairs, serves as a liaison for WWF with congressional members and staff, administration officials, and counterparts from other non-governmental organizations. This includes representing, influencing and negotiating, as appropriate, on behalf of WWF at environmental coalition meetings, briefings, press conferences, and other policy fora, including staff and senior level Hill and agency meetings.
• Oversees efforts on the identification and monitoring of policy and/or legislative initiatives that could affect WWF’s plastic pollution objectives; identifying short and long term opportunities for engagement, participation and advocacy by WWF.  Working with Director of Government Affairs to develop strategies for such engagement, participation and advocacy. 
• Coordinates with PGA colleagues and WWF senior officials to identify plastic pollution priorities for WWF advocacy and manages team to effectively deliver on those priorities.
• Responsible for identifying opportunities for education and outreach by overseeing seminars, discussions, briefings on behalf of WWF, and in conjunction with WWF program officers.
• Assists the department leadership with preparation of workplans and budgets for the Plastics PGA policy initiative.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 8-10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Fluency in English required.  Other languages are an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, with an ability to move easily among policy, technical and PR materials.
• Excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on program and project management.
• A high-level of interpersonal skills is required. Especially relationship management skills and the ability to work as part of a high-level international team.
• Ability to work well with both senior- and mid-level Government officials, organization staff both in the U.S. and overseas. 
• Ability to sets goals and expectations, drive to achieve success, measures and communicates progress on an ongoing basis. 
• Creates opportunities for recognition and development.  Provides feedback, counseling & coaching. Creative and innovative thinker and problem-solver who can identify and carry out solutions to the political, social, scientific, and management issues that confront WWF in achieving its goals.  Solves problems and makes things happen under complex circumstances.
• Negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and work accurately under time constraints.
• Ability to conduct national and international travel.
• 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 #22151
• 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.