Financial Mechanism Expert (m/f/d)

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the world's largest and most respected nature conservation organizations, active in nearly 100 countries. Backed by over six million supporters and a global network of 90 offices, our committed teams are currently running 1,300 projects - working to protect biodiversity for more than 60 years.

WWF Germany operates as an independent part of this global network. While nature and wildlife conservation remain central to our mission, our work increasingly extends across sectors - supporting stakeholders in finance, politics, and society as they move towards greater sustainability.

We achieve this first and foremost through our people: individuals who are experts in their field, who roll up their sleeves, and who are passionate about our mission - all while bringing a sense of joy and energy to their work. They are driven by a shared commitment to building a sustainable future and see their role as part of a greater purpose: the belief that together, we can create a future worth living.

Do you identify with our goals of WWF? Do you share our passion and belief in making a difference?

To strengthen our Funding for Nature department based in Berlin, WWF Germany is seeking for the next possible date, limited for 3 years in full time (with 40 hours per week) a qualified

Financial Mechanism Expert (m/f/d)

This role will support WWF Germany's work on climate and conservation finance, in order to mobilise more funding for nature. The main focus will be on developing WWF Germany's Beyond Value Chain Mitigation workstream, and also to work on other innovative financial mechanisms.

Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM):
We want to accelerate additional climate action and help companies make a meaningful contribution to global climate goals. As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges, innovative
approaches such as BVCM are critical to closing the emissions gap and catalysing transformative action. The position sits at the intersection of business strategy, climate science and nature-based solutions and will support WWF Germany in developing and implementing an impactful BVCM offering for businesses. We are looking for a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking and the ability to work in a team to realise the following tasks, among others:

• Development of WWF Germany's BVCM product offering, in close cooperation with other WWF offices
• Identifying, analysing and financing a portfolio of high-quality nature-based solutions (NbS) and transformative climate activities
• Developing the BVCM monitoring, reporting and verification framework and identifying third-party providers
• Support WWF Germany in engaging companies to understand business needs and promote and implement BVCM strategies
• Design and implement training and capacity building programmes such as a) the development of guidelines and tools to support companies in designing and implementing BVCM initiatives, b) the development of case studies and communication materials to showcase BVCM success stories and experiences and c) training activities for WWF offices

• Representation of WWF in multi-stakeholder initiatives and industry forums on BVCM

Financing mechanisms:

In the face of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need to diversify our funding sources and mobilise funds for climate, nature and people through different financing mechanisms. We are looking for someone to join our team who can combine expertise in sustainable finance with a passion for environmental issues and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the landscapes where WWF Germany works, to perform the following tasks, among others:

• Identifying, introducing and implementing conservation financing mechanisms in WWF Germany's focus regions, such as project finance for permanence, debt for nature swaps and other innovative sustainable financing models
• Capacity building in local WWF offices on the use of financing mechanisms for nature conservation
• Development of guidelines, reports and case studies on financing mechanisms

• An understanding of values that matches our WWF values: Determination. Respect. Honesty. Responsibility. Co-operation.

For this specific position you will also bring:

General requirements

• MSc degree in finance, economics, environmental science, or a related field
• Strong understanding of environmental and climate-related challenges in developing countries
• Experience in developing partnerships and collaborative initiatives across sectors
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior business and government leaders
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience in capacity building and training delivery
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages relevant to target regions is an advantage

Corporate climate finance experience

• Minimum 3 years experience working on corporate sustainability or climate topics, with understanding of the SBTi framework and net-zero strategies
• Understanding of Nature-based Solutions and climate projects
• Understanding of monitoring, reporting and verification approaches

Conservation finance experience

• Experience in sustainable finance, with a focus on emerging markets
• Knowledge of conservation and sustainable finance mechanisms

• Be part of something that truly matters, help make a real difference for our planet
• Inspiring colleagues and the freedom to bring YOUR ideas to life
• Join a culture of collaboration and purpose with flat hierarchies and quick decision-making – whether you're working from our centrally located offices in Berlin - Mitte, close to Hamburg's town hall or from one of our project locations
• Flexible working hours, the option to work remotely (home office) and 30 days of annual vacation
• Monthly incentives and a company pension plan