Reports to: Director for Project Development

The Project Development Officer is responsible for the professional work in writing/developing project proposals/grant applications in response to funding opportunities and aligning to achieve the organization’s long-term goal of putting nature in the Philippines on track to recovery by 2030. He/she will contribute to efforts to achieve the strategic objective of "diverse and sustained income growth that enables scale and flexibility" and to meet the annual target of funds raised from local and international organizations that fund support conservation projects and programs.

Works with: 

• Internal: Interacts frequently with the Director for Project Development and the Project Development team and collaborates closely with other Units (Corporate, Conservation, Communications, GIS, ESD, HR, Finance and Admin)
• External: Regularly engages with donors/ grantors, national government agencies, financial institutions, non-government organizations, and academic and research institutions.  

1. Writes, packages, project proposals, and grant applications 
2. Organizes and facilitates brainstorming workshops/sessions leading to project idea formulation and concept and/or proposal development
3. Leads the development of the theory of change and logical framework
4. Builds a portfolio of Public Sector Partnership proposals and tracks and reports on progress 
5. Prepares and delivers presentations on proposals for meetings and workshops with donors and/or other organizations/agencies involved in proposal development, when applicable
6. Maintains a database/updated file of donor information including contact information, grant guidelines, and priority areas/themes for funding 
7. Maintains an active file of project concept papers, usually 2-3 pages 
8. Monitors the submission of grant reports and other requirements as specified for grant agreements/ contracts
9. Keeps the concerned project managers abreast on the deadline for submission of technical and financial reports and other donor requirements
10. Prepares brief write-ups and keeps a select set of photos on funded projects for purposes of keeping the donors updated on project progress
11. Participates in meetings of the Project Development Unit on directions and activities 
12. Keeps abreast with emerging trends and opportunities for proposal development 
13. Documents compliance activities and maintains records of grant reports
14. Performs other tasks as assigned by the Director for Project Development

1. Grant funding applications written and submitted to domestic and international funding sources supporting projects that contribute to the WWF Philippines’ Strategic Plan objectives and targets, with a particular focus on sustainable financing and bankable projects.
2. Copies of grant applications submitted and approved applications, and if the latter, the grant agreement including relevant attachments, with details on financial sustainability and investment readiness.
3. Monitoring matrix showing the status and progress of grant submissions, including tracking of sustainable financing and bankability criteria.
4. Monitoring matrix for approved grants showing narrative and financial report submission and schedule of fund transfer.
5. Documentation of the ideas, approaches, innovations and theory of change generated from brainstorming sessions on project concept and proposal development, highlighting sustainable financing and bankability strategies.
6. A one-page description of approved project proposals, including key elements of financial sustainability and bankability.
7. Monitoring matrix showing the submission of pertinent reports and other requirements for compliance to grant agreements, focusing on sustainable financing metrics and bankability indicators.
8. A portfolio of sustainable financing and bankable project proposals developed and submitted to potential investors and financial institutions.
9. Documentation of opportunities leveraged for blended finance, impact investment, and other innovative financing mechanisms for project development.

Educational Background

• Graduate preferably with a degree in relevant disciplines such as Environmental Science, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Advanced degree preferred but not required, particularly in areas related to sustainable finance, environmental management or development studies

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in project development, grant writing, and proposal development, preferably within the environmental sector
• Knowledge of biodiversity conservation, environment, and climate change issues
• Proven track record in securing grant funding from domestic and international sources
• Experience in developing and managing projects with a focus on sustainable financing and bankability.
• Experience working with financial institutions, investors, and other stakeholders in the context of project financing

• Strong understanding of sustainable finance concepts, including blended finance, impact investing, and other innovative financing mechanisms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling grant proposals and reports
• Proficient in developing theories of change and logical frameworks for project proposals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective financing strategies
• Strong decision-making abilities to make informed choices under pressure and uncertainty
• Resourceful, with competence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Able to negotiate to secure funding and manage stakeholder relationships
• Able to adapt to changing circumstances to meet proposal deadlines
• Creative in developing innovative solutions and approaches to sustainable financing and environmental project implementation
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Able to foster open communication among team members
  • High level of integrity and professionalism.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn and stay updated with emerging trends in environmental projects, sustainable financing and bankability.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Knowledge of local and international funding landscapes relevant to environmental and sustainability projects
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, as needed
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage

As an equal employment opportunity employer, WWF does not discriminate based on an applicant’s race, religion, sex, gender, or disability status. Submissions by mail will not be accepted to reduce the use of paper. Due to the high volume of applications, inquiries cannot be accepted.

Interested applicants can email their CV, sample works, and letter of intent to apply@wwf.org.ph with the subject line: PD Officer [First name initial_Middle name initial_Full last name].