Sr. Director, Community Bioeconomy Finance

About World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a renowned global conservation organization, committed to stopping the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and building a future where humans live in harmony with nature. WWF focuses on three main areas: the world’s oceans, forests, and freshwater areas. With a mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth, WWF works closely with businesses and governments to devise strategies that balance the needs of people and nature. WWF’s multifaceted approach includes science, advocacy, fieldwork, and collaboration with numerous conservation groups worldwide.

About this Role

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is seeking a strategic leader for the role of Senior Director of Community Bioeconomy Finance Strategy. The incumbent will be pivotal in designing and advancing financial solutions that support Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). The role involves leading WWF’s strategy to create robust community‑led financial ecosystems that aid in strengthening financial institutions supporting bioeconomy enterprises. The individual will work within WWF’s Project Finance for Permanence (PfP) portfolio and spearhead new scalable models by incorporating community finance mechanisms. This role is an amalgamation of strategic finance architecture, institutional development, and community engagement. The candidate will also play an integral role in partnerships and capital mobilization, reflecting WWF’s commitment to equitable conservation finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the co‑design of inclusive, equitable, and fit‑for‑purpose community finance strategies.
• Advance institutional capacity‑building for community economic and conservation priorities.
• Pilot and evaluate innovative community finance models.
• Support developing locally governed financial institutions and greening domestic financial institutions.
• Mobilize catalytic capital and philanthropic support.
• Lead feasibility assessments and financial requirement mappings.
• Structure blended finance vehicles and catalytic capital structures.
• Co‑create conservation‑aligned bioeconomy business models.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of experience in development finance, project finance, or related fields.
• Advanced degree in economics, finance, or related field.
• Experience in strengthening local financial institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to design blended finance structures.
• Experience with bioeconomy enterprises in developing country contexts.
• Ability to work inclusively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Strong program management and financial modeling skills.
• Fluency in English; ability in Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range
• Opportunity to work at a leading conservation organization
• Engage in impactful conservation and financial strategies
• Professional development in a global context