Job Description

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Job Advert Summary

(This is a 12-month contract position based in Cape Town / Johannesburg / Pretoria)





WWF is the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.





WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.



Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Background:

The Greening Financial Regulation Specialist will support WWF's Greening Financial Regulation Initiative (GFRi) in South Africa and the broader African region by engaging with central banks, financial regulators, and supervisors to promote the adoption of green financial regulations. Working within WWF's Sustainable Finance team, the role involves coordinating stakeholder engagement, supporting WWF offices in Africa in their regulatory engagements, and facilitating public-private collaboration to drive climate adaptation and nature-positive investments. Reporting to both WWF South Africa's Sustainable Finance Lead and the GFRi Lead in Switzerland, the specialist will help implement GFRi's strategy, particularly in the context of the G20 Presidency, by addressing regulatory bottlenecks and promoting sustainable finance initiatives.








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Minimum Requirements

Postgraduate degree in the field of Economics, Finance or Business. 5 to 8 years' experience in policy development, regulatory oversight, legislative development and/or private sector finance compliance. Strong financial and budgeting experience. Proven experience with research and publications. Preferably Experience with Financial Institutions and with central banks or regulators will be an advantage. Analytical, strategic; sees the big picture Proven organizational, diplomatic and negotiating skills that yield positive results on the sustainability agenda, especially as it relates to the finance and business world Strong ability to lead the implementation of large-sized projects, including working with and coordinating funding partners, third parties and users Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of individuals across cultures and time zones Ability to establish strong networks with diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, investors and donors Independent worker, pro-active in thinking about opportunities to further improve the work Experience of working in emerging markets is key Strong interest in nature conservation and the mission of WWF Prior experience working at interface of finance and environment. Experience in banking regulation, supervision and nature-related policy issues is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Have the ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed team working across functions. A hands-on, pragmatic approach is desirable. You recognise yourself in the values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration and Inclusion
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Duties and Responsibilities

WWF SA requires an GFRi Engagement Specialist to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and WWF Green Financial Regulation Initiative to:




Review the range of regulatory and supervisory developments on incorporating nature risk and impact into central banking, financial regulation and supervision in key jurisdictions in Africa, Review prudential supervisory expectations on the assessment and management of nature-related financial risks; (i) nature-related supervisory assessments, scenario analysis and/or stress testing; (iii) prudential disclosures; Assess the extent to which nature and biodiversity are integrated into green taxonomies, either as environmental objectives (with technical screening criteria or thresholds) or Do-No-Significant-Harm criteria in Africa; Investigate the regulatory enabling environment appliable to financial institutions as corporations as well as their (corporate) clients: (i) emerging mandatory nature-related (corporate) disclosure measures; (ii) environmental due diligence obligations, (iii) conduct-related aspects of banking regulation such as anti-greenwashing rules and how they apply to nature incorporating nature; Other aspects of nature-related policy and regulation as relevant. Deliver a Thought Leadership analysis on the state of nature-related risks and opportunities into central banking, financial regulation and supervision in South Africa and in other key countries in Africa to be presented at G20 summit in South Africa. Support the GFRi Lead and Team in engaging the central bank, the financial supervisor and other relevant stakeholders to promote our work during the G20 South African Presidency. Support the GFRi to plan and implement event and workshops in Africa during the G20 presidency. Identify and contribute to fundraising opportunities for the GFRi. Engage with WWF's Finance Practice and other Practices as relevant, leveraging on internal expertise and contributing to WWF conservation goals.

To apply please provide a detailed CV and cover letter fully motivating the relevant skills, experience and creativity that you can bring, together with the names, current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three relevant references.