World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Area-Based Conservation Safeguards Specialist.

Major Function  

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks an Area-Based Conservation Safeguards Specialist. WWF is committed to managing environmental and social risk within its work and adopted the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) in 2019. The SPO will work with the Lead Safeguards Specialist and Vice President of Conservation Program Management to manage all safeguards related functions for WWF’s area-based conservation initiatives, many of which are funded through WWF’s growing WWF Global Environment Facility (GEF) and WWF Green Climate Fund (GCF) portfolio.

• Produces and evaluates information and analyses on environment and social safeguard aspects in developing WWF policies, strategies and programs.
• Takes responsibility for safeguards aspects of project preparation missions, as needed, and provides relevant inputs on environment and social safeguards, including preparation of terms of reference for environment and social impact assessments and necessary environment and social safeguard planning documents.
• Oversees environment and social safeguard review and technical support to project implementation teams to enhance project quality and compliance on WWF’s environment and social safeguards policies and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring that project teams prepare appropriate frameworks, plans and actions to address these issues during project development and implementation.
• Leads project/safeguard review/supervision missions to assess compliance on WWF’s environment and social safeguard policies and procedures, guidelines, recommendations in safeguard planning documents, and related grant agreements and address implementation issues identified during project implementation.
• Manages reviews on progress/monitoring reports on environment and social safeguards for ongoing projects.
• Liaises with government, civil society, other international/local organizations, and other project stakeholders.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% of time.
• Perform other tasks & projects as assigned.

• Position requires 6 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and natural resources management, as well as an understanding of international conservation issues. A Bachelor’s degree with 3 years experience in a related field, such as in natural resources management, international development, anthropology and/or conservation policy can suffice.
• Understanding of the environment and social safeguards (particularly involuntary resettlement and indigenous peoples) policies and procedures of multilateral development organizations.
• Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil societies and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work on complex projects with minimal supervision and operate with independence, under pressure, to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork, including ability to develop rapport in a multicultural environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Experience working international development projects is desired.
• Fluency in Spanish languages is strongly desired.
• 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.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page,  Requisition #22169
• 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.