Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models)

Overview

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND 

POSITION DESCRIPTION   

Title: Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (Blended Financial Models) 

Job Family/Level: Program / Senior Specialist 

Reports to: Manager, Blue Finance (Blended  Financial Models) 

FLSA status: Exempt 

Date: October 2025  Major Function  

The Senior Program Officer, Blue Finance (SPO) will divide their time between leading WWF-US’s engagement in a forthcoming externally funded initiative in the Western Pacific focused on building a pipeline of reef-positive enterprises and contributing to WWF-US’s broader Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio. The SPO will serve as a lead liaison with key internal and external partners, ensuring strong collaboration and alignment. The role provides leadership in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, ensuring WWF-US meets fiduciary and compliance responsibilities while advancing innovative approaches to mobilize capital for conservation impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

 Coral Reef Resilience Project in the Western Pacific: 

• Lead WWF-US project management for a forthcoming externally funded initiative in the Western Pacific focused on building a pipeline of reef-positive enterprises, serving as the main point of contact and ensuring effective coordination with key internal and external partners for smooth and effective implementation. 

• Ensure WWF-US fulfills all fiduciary, reporting, and compliance obligations to the donor, including oversight of financial and programmatic reporting, budget management, and donor communications. 

• Coordinate closely with other WWF-US project colleagues to leverage technical, operational, and financial support for effective project delivery. 

• Provide strategic guidance and problem-solving to address implementation challenges, working with field teams and partners to maintain high standards of conservation and community outcomes. 

• Represent WWF-US in external forums and donor engagements related to the project, fostering collaboration and promotion innovative finance approaches.  

Blended and Innovative Finance Portfolio: 

• Support the overall Blended and Innovative Finance portfolio by leading or contributing to the design, development, and implementation of new and existing blended and innovative finance initiatives. 

• Support pipeline development by identifying opportunities and helping shape projects that leverage capital for conservation impact. 

• Collaborate across WWF-US teams, WWF country offices and the WWF global network to advance blended and innovative finance objectives.   

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 Key Competencies 

• Technical Proficiency in Blended and Innovative Finance: Demonstrates deep understanding of blended finance structures, innovative financing mechanisms, and sustainable finance instruments relevant to marine conservation. Applies technical expertise to design, implement, and adapt finance solutions that support conservation and community-based outcomes. 

• Complex Project Leadership: Leads and manages complex, multi-partner projects with multiple donors, implementing entities, and stakeholders. Ensures smooth coordination across diverse teams, anticipates risks, and resolves challenges to achieve high-quality results on time and within budget. 

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Effectively conveys information to internal and external audiences through clear and concise oral, written, and interpersonal communication. Works cooperatively with others to achieve mutual understanding, demonstrating empathy, actively listening, and contributing to a collaborative work environment. 

• Relationship Management and Collaboration: Establishes and maintains productive relationships with individuals both within and outside the organization, including donors, partners, NGOs, and community-based stakeholders. Understands and addresses the needs and concerns of others, fosters trust, and promotes collaboration to achieve shared goals. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, or a related field. 

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in blended and innovative conservation finance, preferably in marine conservation. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work under tight