At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation finance initiatives to unlock funding for nature and climate projects.
- Company: Join WWF-UK, a global leader in conservation with a mission to restore our planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful office surrounded by nature, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global conservation efforts while collaborating with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and conservation, with strong partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Living Planet Centre, Woking, Surrey
Contract: Permanent, fulltime (35 hours)
Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month
About the role
We’re excited to be recruiting a Senior Advisor – Conservation Finance to play a leading role in advancing WWF-UK’s landscape finance ambitions. This role brings together strategic thinking, technical expertise and partnership building to help unlock the finance needed to support nature and climate outcomes at scale. You will act as WWF-UK’s conservation finance lead within a landscape finance context, supporting teams to explore and develop viable finance approaches, build investment readiness roadmaps and connect with the right partners to bring initiatives forward. Working across WWF-UK and the wider WWF Network, you will help strengthen how we design and deliver finance solutions that support locally led conservation and long‑term impact. The role combines thought leadership with hands‑on delivery, from advising on financial models and investment strategies to building internal capability and convening external stakeholders. You will work closely with programme teams, finance sector partners and global colleagues to help shape innovative finance approaches that accelerate nature restoration while maintaining strong integrity and safeguarding standards.
Skills and experience
- Track record of working with or within the finance sector to develop conservation or nature-focused finance opportunities.
- Strong understanding of private, public and blended finance models relevant to nature, climate or landscape approaches.
- Experience building investment cases, financial models or business plans, with a clear understanding of investor expectations.
- Ability to advise programmes on suitable finance mechanisms and develop practical pathways towards investment readiness.
- Experience building strategic partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders across finance, conservation or policy environments.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to senior audiences and external partners.
- Experience designing or delivering capacity‑building or training to strengthen organisational understanding.
- Strong collaboration skills, comfortable working across matrixed teams and international networks.
- A clear commitment to conservation, climate action and WWF-UK’s values.
- Experience operating in international or cross‑cultural environments.
- Experience unlocking catalytic, concessional or blended finance through multilateral development banks, funds or institutional investors.
- Experience working with asset managers or corporate finance partners.
What we offer
We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:
- Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays.
- Flexible working options, to support your work life balance.
- 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution.
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
- Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world. At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help. We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you – in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself. We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout at recruitment@wwf.org.uk.
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter. Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent. We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting. If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
Senior Advisor - Conservation Finance in Woking employer: WWF-UK
WWF-UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where employees can thrive amidst nature. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and generous annual leave, WWF-UK fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering staff to grow through learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on conservation finance while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity and integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Advisor - Conservation Finance in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation finance space, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in developing finance opportunities for conservation. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences related to landscape finance. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your pitch and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at WWF-UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Advisor - Conservation Finance in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in conservation finance. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at WWF-UK, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or partnerships you've been involved in!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for conservation and climate action shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about making a difference in the world.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like finance models!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WWF-UK
✨Know Your Finance Models
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of private, public, and blended finance models relevant to conservation. Be ready to discuss how these models can be applied in a landscape finance context, as this will show your technical expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strategic partnerships in the past. Highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate across teams. This is crucial for the role, so think of specific instances where your facilitation skills made a difference.
✨Present with Confidence
Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might be asked to present financial models or investment strategies, so rehearse your delivery. Use visuals if possible, as they can help convey complex information more effectively.
✨Align with WWF-UK’s Values
Familiarise yourself with WWF-UK’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal commitment to conservation and climate action aligns with their goals. Showing that you share their passion will make a strong impression.
