Risk Filter Portfolio Specialist: Freshwater

Description

(This is a 24-Month Fixed-Term Contract based in Johannesburg or Cape Town)

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 Risk Filter Portfolio Specialist: Freshwater will lead the delivery of biodiversity and water risk assessment projects for corporate partners using the WWF Risk Filter Suite, helping businesses identify and respond to environmental risks across their operations and value chains. The role combines project management, environmental data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability strategy support to translate complex technical findings into practical, business-focused recommendations aligned with global frameworks such as SBTN, SBTi, TNFD, and AWS. Working closely with WWF teams, corporate partners, and the global WWF network, the successful candidate will contribute to advancing water stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and nature-positive business practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

• Lead the delivery of biodiversity and water risk assessment projects for corporate partners using the WWF Risk Filter Suite
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and deliverables aligned with partner expectations and WWF standards
• Coordinate with WWF International, technical teams, and project partners
• Monitor project progress and ensure timely, high-quality delivery

Data Management, Analysis & Insights

• Support the collection, validation, and management of datasets required for risk assessments
• Analyse Risk Filter outputs at site and basin level to identify key water and biodiversity risks
• Interpret complex environmental datasets and translate findings into practical insights

Strategy Support & Recommendations

• Develop evidence-based recommendations in response to identified risks
• Support integration of risk findings into corporate sustainability strategies, targets, and disclosures
• Develop sector-specific guidance tailored to client operations and value chains
• Align recommendations with local context and global best practice

Corporate Engagement & Partnerships

• Support WWF’s corporate engagement strategy across priority sectors and geographies
• Contribute to the development of project opportunities and partnerships
• Provide strategic engagement and coordination with the WWF Global Network on Risk Filters, SBTN, and SBTi initiatives

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum Master’s degree in Sustainability, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or Corporate Responsibility/ESG.
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant experience
• Strong technical knowledge of freshwater and environmental management
• Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement
• Experience analysing and interpreting environmental data
• Experience supporting water stewardship and biodiversity business strategies
• Strong analytical and technical interpretation skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Advanced proficiency Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Understanding of water and biodiversity risk assessment tools
• Familiarity with global frameworks and standards, including: SBTN, SBTi, TNFD, AWS, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Ability to translate technical outputs into business-relevant insights
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, and delivery-focused
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Passion for sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and water stewardship
• Willingness to travel when required

To apply, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter combined into a single document, fully motivating the relevant skills, experience, and creativity you can bring to the role. Kindly include the names, current email addresses, and telephone numbers of three relevant references.