Major Function

Under the supervision of the Director of Marine Science, the Senior Specialist will support the establishment of guidelines for implementation of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) in Chile. The incumbent will liaise with diverse stakeholders to identify the right mix of tools and interventions for more collective impact.

The incumbent will ensure this work connects broadly to global conservation policy dialogue (i.e. 30 x 30 initiative, CBD, FAO), as well as internally to the WWF-US Oceans Strategy, the WWF Network, and the implementation team at WWF-Chile. Additionally, this position will work closely with the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) team to design an implementation plan and ensure the program’s alignment with WWF’s objectives, strategies, and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and support guidelines for implementation of both fisheries and area-based management projects across the Chilean Seascape
• Work with diverse stakeholder groups, such as Indigenous communities and artisanal fishers to co-design governance and management plans of marine resources and fisheries.
• Organize workshops with WWF-Chile and other stakeholders to assess potential OECMs in Chile.
• Collaborate across WWF-US and the broader WWF Network to align this initiative with ongoing complementary work to maximize opportunities to promote durable financing for networks of protected areas and OECMs.
• Identify the synergies between WWF’s seafood markets work and OECMs/MPAs to inform learning on how markets-based fishery improvements can strengthen OECM/MPA management and performance.
• Work with MEL specialists to develop a cross-cutting monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan to measure the impact of WWF’s work.
• Track progress in the development of global OECM and fisheries conservation dialogue (i.e. FAO Guidelines) to explore and elucidate how well-managed fisheries can be incorporated into OECM discussions and frameworks.
• Represent WWF-US for internal and external audiences.
• Support other aspects of WWF-US’ area-based conservation when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities 

• Position requires 6 years of experience in international biodiversity conservation projects, fisheries management science or related fields, or 3 years’ experience with a degree. A Ph.D. in a marine-related discipline is highly desired.
• Experience working with communities, governments, Indigenous Peoples, and/or the seafood industry to improve ocean management around the world.
• Knowledge of international conservation organizations, bodies, and conventions (i.e. FAO, CBD).
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work on initiatives with multiple and competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, as well as with a wide range of individuals, across cultures and time zones.
• Fluent English; Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
• 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.

• Support guidelines for implementation of both fisheries and area-based management projects across the Chilean Seascape
• Work with diverse stakeholder groups, such as Indigenous communities and artisanal fishers to co-design governance and management plans of marine resources and fisheries.
• Organize workshops with WWF-Chile and other stakeholders to assess potential OECMs in Chile.
• Collaborate across WWF-US and the broader WWF Network to align this initiative with ongoing complementary work to maximize opportunities to promote durable financing for networks of protected areas and OECMs.
• Identify the synergies between WWF’s seafood markets work and OECMs/MPAs to inform learning on how markets-based fishery improvements can strengthen OECM/MPA management and performance.
• Work with MEL specialists to develop a cross-cutting monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan to measure the impact of WWF’s work.
• Track progress in the development of global OECM and fisheries conservation dialogue (i.e. FAO Guidelines) to explore and elucidate how well-managed fisheries can be incorporated into OECM discussions and frameworks.
• Represent WWF-US for internal and external audiences.
• Support other aspects of WWF-US’ area-based conservation when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Position requires a master’s degree plus 6 years of experience in a related field such as international biodiversity conservation projects, or fisheries management science. A Ph.D. in a marine-related discipline is highly desired and may substitute for years of work experience
• Experience working with communities, governments, Indigenous Peoples, and/or the seafood industry to improve ocean management around the world.
• Knowledge of international conservation organizations, bodies, and conventions (i.e. FAO, CBD).
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work on initiatives with multiple and competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, as well as with a wide range of individuals, across cultures and time zones.
• Fluent English; Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
• 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.

Please Note: This is a Limited Term position for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

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 #23034
• 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.