Nature-Based Solutions Advisor

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organization with a casual work culture based in Zeist, the Netherlands.

The organization consists of four departments: Conservation, Engagement, Organization & Talent Development, and Finance & Operations. The Thematic Team within the Conservation department is seeking aNature-Based Solutions Advisor (32–40 hours). 

Heat waves above the Arctic Circle, forest fires in Siberia and Los Angeles, raging rivers in Germany, Spain, and Limburg. In recent years, we have witnessed the consequences of climate change. All these climate impacts are projected to become more severe and frequent. The pace of climate change is outpacing the many actions taken to adapt to it. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, the world needs to invest in adapting to the consequences of this new reality. If we invest in adaptation solutions now using nature-based solutions (NbS), we can build resilience and help protect people and restore nature. 

Together with other offices in the WWF Network, we develop strategies designed to accelerate the adoption of nature-based solutions (NbS) by governments, businesses, and other stakeholders—who, until now, have mostly opted for traditional “gray” climate adaptation and infrastructure solutions. Based on these promising strategies, WWF-NL develops and implements programs and assists other offices in the WWF Network in doing the same.

The role of the NbS advisor will be to help develop these strategies and to develop and manage multi-country NbS programs. The advisor will engage with a wide range of partners to foster cooperation, build capacity, and mobilize resources. If you enjoy working in an international organization, staying up to date on the latest trends, innovation, engagement, and internal and external mobilization, then this might be the right role for you!

Tasks and responsibilities

As an NbS advisor, you will be responsible for the following:

• You will help develop and implement a strategy and lead programs for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) with the goal of maximizing the impact of WWF’s activities and investments in WWF-NL’s priority regions.
• You will help promote thought leadership on large-scale and locally led Nature-based Solutions (NbS) both within the WWF-NL office and across the global WWF network.
• You will be responsible for partnerships with key private and public sector organizations and research institutions in the Netherlands that are involved in international Nature-based Solutions (NbS) initiatives.
• You will focus on opportunities related to freshwater and coastal challenges, connecting nature to improving lives and livelihoods, and finding ways to mobilize more private funding for climate adaptation measures.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong motivation, because you will need to think outside the box and turn resistance into opportunities. We expect you to already be well-versed in Nature-based Solutions (NbS). As a strategic thinker, you should be committed to driving systemic and transformational change, and therefore motivated to work from an economic development perspective rather than focusing primarily on nature or species conservation. We are also looking for someone with program management experience who is willing to collaborate within a small NbS team under the guidance of the WWF-NL NbS Lead.

• You have a relevant educational background;
• You have at least 3 years of relevant international work experience;
• You have experience in project or program management, preferably including experience in Latin America, Africa, and/or Asia;
• You have a relevant network (in the Netherlands or worldwide);
• You have an excellent command of the English language (spoken and written);
• Experience working on coastal nature restoration projects is a plus.

The NbS Advisor reports to the Head of Thematic Conservation and is part of the Thematic Team. On a day-to-day basis, the Advisor will work closely with the NbS Lead, who provides guidance on the strategy and work plan. You will frequently work with teams on specific programs involving external partners and collaborate closely with other teams within the international WWF network.

Core values

You identify with the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What do we offer?

• A sustainable office surrounded by nature;
• Fun coworkers and the opportunity to build an international network;
• Vegetarian lunches in our cafeteria and free after-work drinks every other Thursday;
• An employment contract for 32–40 hours per week. Initially, a one-year fixed-term employment contract with a one-month probationary period will be offered;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch nonprofit sector; The minimum gross monthly salary for this role is 4,147 EUR and the maximum monthly salary is 5,752 EUR, based on relevant experience (these amounts are based on a 40-hour workweek) (Please note that, due to the maximum salary, we are unable to sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit for individuals over the age of 30. Please visit the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands) website for more information);
• A personal budget consisting of an 8% vacation allowance and a 2.08% flexible budget;
• 6 weeks of vacation per year (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• An NS Business Card for second-class travel to and from work and an allowance of €0.23 per kilometer cycled between home and the office;
• Hybrid work, so employees have the flexibility to alternate between working from home and the office; for each day worked from home, employees can request a reimbursement of €2.40.

Information and procedure

If you are interested in this position, please apply bySunday, March 23, 2025, via our website. 

Please note that you must have a valid work permit to work for WWF-NL.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Babette Vanlancker (Recruitment Coordinator) at bvanlancker@wwf.nl. Questions about this role can be directed to Bas Roels (NbS Lead) at broels@wwf.nl.

We actively strive to ensure that our workforce reflects society and the international nature of our organization. We therefore particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. To minimize the impact of unconscious biases during the recruitment process, we use (semi)structured interview templates.

We take the safety and protection of our colleagues seriously. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also request references.

If you are an intermediary, please do not contact us. We will contact recruitment agencies directly if necessary.