Regional Nature Finance Advisor, SEAP

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is strengthening nature finance initiatives across terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems in the Southeast Asia–Pacific(SEAP) region. Key priorities include developing innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to support protected area management, biodiversity and species conservation, and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). As conservation financing needs evolve, WCS seeks to expand its use of public, private, and blended finance solutions to secure long-term funding, strengthen financial sustainability, and maximise conservation impact. The Regional Nature Finance Advisor will provide strategic, technical, and analytical expertise to WCS SEAP Regional and Country Programs in designing, evaluating, and implementing nature finance mechanisms aligned with international standards, best practices, and country program priorities. These may include conservation trust funds, debt-for-nature swaps, payments for ecosystem services, conservation levies and fees, bonds, results-based financing, carbon and biodiversity credits, biodiversity offsets, insurance schemes, and other innovative financing instruments. The role will also support country programs in strengthening conservation-linked livelihoods by connecting sustainable commodities, particularly coffee and cocoa, to responsible markets and value chains. Working closely with WCS teams and key partners, the Advisor will primarily support programs in Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, contributing to scalable and financially sustainable conservation outcomes across the region. Responsibilities:

1. Design and implement Nature Finance Mechanisms

Assess the nature finance and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) landscape across SEAP, including emerging trends, financing opportunities, key stakeholders, and peer approaches, with particular focus on Singapore as a regional finance hub, to identify WCS's strategic positioning and opportunities. Develop and implement a regional nature finance strategy in collaboration with WCS Regional, Country, and Global teams, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and conservation objectives. Advise Country Programs on integrating nature finance mechanisms into landscape and seascape conservation strategies and identifying opportunities for sustainable financing. Lead feasibility assessments for potential REDD+ and other carbon finance initiatives, including greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential, compliance with international carbon standards, governance structures, operational models, project budgets, and financing requirements. Represent WCS in strategic engagements with donors, financial institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders to advance nature finance partnerships and investment opportunities. Support Country Programs in designing, structuring, and implementing nature finance mechanisms in collaboration with government agencies, multilateral institutions, and private sector partners. Identify, develop, and secure funding and investment opportunities to support regional and country-level nature finance initiatives. Facilitate coordination and alignment across WCS Country, Regional, Global, Markets, and Legal teams to ensure effective development and implementation of nature finance initiatives.

1. Markets and Livelihoods

Support Country Programs in identifying opportunities to strengthen community livelihoods through improved market access for biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient commodities, promoting gender equity, equitable benefit-sharing, and private sector partnerships. Prioritise support to WCS Papua New Guinea in strengthening linkages between community conservation initiatives in the Eastern Highlands and sustainable coffee and cocoa value chains. Develop and implement scalable, market-driven strategies that connect sustainable commodity production with improved community livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and long-term economic resilience across priority landscapes and seascapes. Minimum Requirements and Job Skills: Master’s in environmental science, climate finance, ecological economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 7–10 years of relevant experience in nature finance, conservation finance, or sustainable finance. Demonstrated experience supporting the financing of conservation or climate related initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. Familiarity with sustainable financing mechanisms for both forest-based and marine/coastal conservation. Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Preferred requirements: Experience in field‑based conservation and community engagement, with familiarity in FPIC, GEDSI, and equitable benefit‑sharing approaches. Experience in linking sustainable commodities and livelihoods approaches in conservation landscapes Experience working in the non-profit (NGO) or international development sector. Existing, strong understanding of the Singapore and Asia-based nature finance, climate finance, and sustainable finance ecosystem. Ability to work across emerging economies in Southeast Asia, as well as in small island economies in the Pacific, such as Tuvalu and Solomon Islands. WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.