World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Senior Program Officer (SPO), Oceans Innovation at our Washington, DC office. The Senior Program Officer (SPO), Oceans Innovation works with the Senior Vice President, other WWF staff, and external partners in further developing innovation for oceans conservation and Oceans X Labs to harness the power of emergent technologies, creative thinkers around the world, markets and digital communication, to find, develop and scale new approaches and technologies that can accelerate ocean conservation outcomes.
The SPO Oceans Innovation will work with the Senior Vice President and Oceans team members to bring innovation and new approaches into the mainstream of our ongoing work.
- Perform detailed analysis of specific ocean conservation challenges and research opportunities for technological and systems innovations that can halt and reverse negative trends.
- Perform detailed review of potential innovations and innovators for consideration and inclusion into Oceans X Labs.
- Outreach and partnership development with an array of institutions with roles to play in success of Oceans X Labs and the deployment of specific innovations.
- Liaison between Oceans X Labs and WWF staff (US and the network) to field-test and apply new technologies and innovations.
- Lead activities and projects within the Oceans X Labs workplan and the broader Oceans team as required.
- Assist in monitoring and evaluation of impacts of Oceans X Labs and other Oceans initiatives.
- Assist in raising funds for Oceans X Labs and other innovation initiatives within WWF Oceans.
- Represent WWF-US and the WWF network’s interests in the development and ongoing operation of Oceans X Labs
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- At least 6 years relevant professional experience is required. The ideal candidate will have a combination of experiences across diverse sectors.
- Strong knowledge of and professional experience in conservation and particularly the application of new tools and approaches for success.
- An ability to understand and analyze potential innovation and technology solutions and approaches for feasibility and risks.
- Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to internal and external partners
- Direct experience in start-up enterprises preferred.
- Proven experience in implementing programs or projects with specific outcomes and deliverables.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a network environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to analyze, prioritize, and complete work of high quality with minimal supervision.
- Motivated self-starter. Ability to work independently and with remote teams