Area-based conservation is at the heart of WWF’s work around the world. A clear and coherent approach to developing, implementing, and monitoring place-based work across the WWF Network is essential to ensuring alignment and integration, and scaling a portfolio of work for durable impact in places for people and planet. The Area-Based Conservation team was created to strengthen place-based work to leverage the collective impact of the WWF Network and capitalize on opportunities to deliver inclusive and integrated impact at scale.

The Director, Area-Based Conservation will be accountable for the mission of the unit and strategy to deliver it. Reporting to the Global Director, People and Places Department and drawing on, supporting and amplifying the efforts of the Practices, Country Offices and others, they will catalyze greater coherence, effectiveness and impact of area-based conservation across the network. They will act as a center of gravity and a source of knowledge, information, thought leadership and influence regarding area-based conservation both within and beyond the WWF network.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead WWF’s global approach to integrated area-based conservation.

• Create, lead and line manage a small functional unit of area-based specialists.

• Build cross-Network coherence, convene area-based leaders’ group, and coordinate relevant communities.

• Articulate and communicate a common vision and approach to area-based conservation across the Network.

• Enable improved understanding of WWF’s area-based portfolio and impact tracking aligned with Roadmap 2030.

• Provide visibility and external representation of WWF’s area-based conservation work.

• Participate in global fora on area-based conservation and provide strategic thought leadership.

• Lead the curation and maintenance of Global WWF PLACES and PCA datasets.

• Offer strategic and technical guidance on protected areas, OECMs, connectivity, and restoration.

• Support country offices and initiatives on landscape, seascape, and river-basin strategies.

• Undertake other tasks as agreed with the Global Director.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Advanced University degree in Environmental/Conservation Science, Policy or Management, International/Sustainable Development, or equivalent work experience.

• At least 10–15 years’ experience in a leadership role, preferably within an international environmental/conservation context.

• Strong experience working across a distributed global network and influencing without direct authority.

• Proven record in managing multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale programs.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Deep understanding of area-based conservation and the environment/development interface.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

• Experience in spatial planning, socio-ecological systems, GIS and spatial analysis.

• Strategic thinking, collaboration, and change leadership.

• Knowledge that spans field programs, policy, and markets.

• Experience in inclusive conservation and engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

• Command of English; other languages an asset.

Internal Working Relationships

• Collaborates with teams across the Global Conservation Division, WWF Practices, Country Offices, and senior leadership groups.

External Working Relationships

• Represents WWF at high-level external partnerships, intergovernmental bodies, and conservation networks.