Regional Portfolio Manager, WWF GEF Agency - 26006

Overview

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Regional Portfolio Manager, WWF GEF Agency. The Manager is responsible for leading the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) project scoping, planning, development and implementation as a member of the WWF GEF Agency, in coordination with WWF country offices and with governments and partners.

This position manages key functions and acts as a key technical resource for the GEF Agency team: (i) manages the coordination with WWF country offices to originate projects, (ii) coordinates with and guides project development teams developing WWF GEF concepts and projects, to deliver impact and ensure quality and compliance with WWF and GEF policy, (ii) leads the relationship management, support, oversight and project compliance assurance for WWF GEF projects in implementation in their portfolio, and (iv) contributes to WWF GEF Agency strategy and operational efficiency. The position is housed within the WWF GEF Agency Unit and will work closely with the GEF Agency team based in Washington DC and remote. The position will be based in the region and will operate at a regional scale, supporting a number of countries in southern Africa and francophone Africa.

Location: Candidates MUST be authorized to work in South Africa

Position Length: Limited Term, 3-years

Salary Range: Pay will be in local currency ONLY

Location: Candidate MUST be located in South Africa

Responsibilities

Project Origination

As part of the WWF GEF Agency Unit and with the WWF country offices leading government relationships and project origination, the position will be responsible for scoping and identifying GEF projects under the WWF GEF Agency role and develop compelling concept notes and PIFs/PPG Requests.

Project Development

Lead the planning, process, and development of WWF GEF projects and programs through GEF project cycle in coordination with WWF offices, governments, GEF Secretariat, and other key partners; Provide expert strategic GEF and technical guidance for successful project design; Coordinate and ensure compliance of WWF and GEF standards throughout project development; Manage proposal/project internal review process and sign off, submission in GEF Portal, and revisions and resubmissions;

Implementation

Manages the supervision and implementation support of WWF GEF projects in coordination with WWF offices, governments, and other key partners, for a portfolio of projects in the region; Advises project teams in adaptive management, troubleshooting, reporting, and other implementation management duties; Coordinate and ensure compliance of WWF and GEF standards throughout project implementation; Complete GEF Agency project reporting.

Relationship building and Representation

Build and manage a network of strong relationships and partnerships with WWF country offices and partners. Represent WWF GEF Agency at internal and external meetings including project and program steering committee meetings/missions, as well as trainings, workshops, and key regional and international events; When agreed with the country office, provide senior-level support in managing relationships with government focal points throughout the project cycle, facilitating, as needed, the scoping of new project opportunities and also problem-solving and conflict resolution with a diplomatic, results-oriented, and constructive approach; Active participant in GEF Secretariat task forces and other ad hoc committees

Coaching and information sharing

Advise and make recommendations to WWF Network, government, and other key partners in understanding of GEF institutions, policies, procedures and tools for the development of transformative ideas into WWF GEF projects and programs in line with GEF priorities; absorbing and sharing GEF cycle programming directions, policies, and calls for proposals; conducting webinars and in person trainings to explain the GEF and the WWF GEF role and opportunity.

Agency Support

Build overall effectiveness and operation of the WWF GEF Agency by contributing to guidance notes and templates, as necessary; Build relationship with GEF Secretariat and other key GEF stakeholders, especially those in the region. Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Open-Mindedness and Adaptability Demonstrates openness to diverse perspectives and approaches. Willing to learn from others, adapt quickly, and integrate feedback constructively to continuously improve performance and outcomes.
• Results-Orientation and Resilience Highly motivated by purpose and impact. Maintains focus and commitment to achieving results, even under pressure. Manages tight deadlines and challenging situations with professionalism, determination, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence A strong team player with well-developed interpersonal skills. Builds trust and bridges across teams and hierarchies, fosters inclusive and respectful working relationships, and navigates diverse dynamics with empathy. Proactively prevents and manages conflict, always striving for collaborative, win‑win solutions.
• Strategic and Big-Picture Thinking Thinks beyond immediate tasks to understand and align with broader programmatic, organizational, and global goals. Connects individual contributions to long‑term impact, demonstrating the ability to synthesize complexity and support strategic decision‑making.

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly competent individual with strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills to work effectively with government partners and WWF country offices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic, big‑picture thinking for scoping and designing impactful projects, as well as meticulous attention to detail to ensure smooth project development, implementation, and oversight.

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of eight to ten years of progressively responsible work experience is required. An advanced degree with a minimum of six plus years of experience in fields such as international affairs, international development, environmental policy or environmental science preferred.
• Strong project development and project management/supervision experience are required.
• Experience engaging with governments and institutions in developing and middle‑income countries is required.
• Experience working with GEF projects and knowledge of GEF policies and project cycle management is preferred.
• Experience in developing large bilateral and/or multilateral funded projects and/or blended finance projects (public and private funds) is a plus.
• Must have excellent communications skills both written and verbal, including public speaking and publications.
• Strong problem solving and relationship skills to support a complex portfolio of large projects.
• Fluency in English, and French preferred.
• Technical expertise and experience in key WWF themes is preferred: area‑based conservation, wildlife, oceans, forests, and/or cross‑cutting solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple initiatives with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams across cultures and multiple time zones.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work beyond normal business hours.
• Experience working with WWF and the WWF Network is a plus.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.