Junior Project Manager Transformational Programs

Samen met een geweldig team

Do you want to work together with inspired colleagues to create a world in which nature and people thrive? And help build a ‘nature positive’ impact in biodiverse priority landscapes around the world by unlocking finance for nature and people? That is what you will do when you work within the Green Finance Team of WWF Netherlands (WWF-NL).

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organisation with an informal working culture based in Zeist, the Netherlands. The organisation consists of four departments: Conservation, Engagement, Organization & Talent Development and Finance & Operations. The TPA team within the Conservation department is looking for a Junior Project Manager Transformational Programs.

Purpose of the role

WWF Netherlands develops a limited number of transformational conservation programs that sit outside regular programming, often in collaboration with unusual partners such as corporates, financial institutions and public actors. These programs are built from scratch and combine conservation objectives with finance, partnerships and system change. They are built under uncertainty and require fast learning, clear decisions and disciplined execution.

The Junior Project Manager support the build-up of these programs by ensuring momentum, structure and follow-through during the design phase.

This is not a coordination role at a distance. You work where things are still taking shape.

Position in the organisation

You are part of the Transformational Program Accelerator team within the Conservation department. You report to the Head TPA and work closely with senior program leads and collaborate across Conservation, Finance, Engagement and external partners. Programs change over time. You are hired for the way of working, not for one fixed project.

Key responsibilities

You will contribute to program development by:

• Supporting the day-to-day build-up of transformational programs
• Helping translate ideas and discussions into concrete actions and next steps
• Maintaining clarity on plans, milestones, dependencies and open issues
• Preparing materials for design-phase decision and steering meetings
• Tracking actions and following up with responsible owners
• Coordinating inputs from internal teams and external partners
• Supporting proposal development, partner engagement and fundraising activities
• Flagging risks, delays or unclear ownership early
• Supporting Project Management activities, including planning, tracking and reporting

You are expected to take ownership of your tasks, not wait for instructions on every step.

This role includes Project Management activities such as planning, tracking, reporting and coordination. These activities support program design and decision-making and are performed under the guidance of Project Managers and Senior Advisors.

Profile

You bring:

• 0–3 years of relevant experience in project work, consulting, partnerships, innovation or strategy execution
• Comfort working with ambiguity and evolving priorities
• A structured way of working and attention to follow-through
• Willingness to take responsibility and learn fast
• Interest in conservation, sustainability, innovation or systems change
• A relevant academic degree
• Strong command of English; Dutch is a plus

Competencies

• Ownership
• Practical judgement
• Organisation and follow-through
• Clear communication
• Learning mindset

Core values

You recognise yourself in the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What do we offer?

• You will be able to work in a sustainable office surrounded by nature;
• Fun colleagues and the chance to build up an international network;
• Vegetarian lunches in our canteen and free after work drinks every other Thursday;
• An employment contract of 32-40 hours. Initially, a fixed-term employment contract of one year with a one-month probation period will be offered;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch not-for-profit sector; The minimum gross monthly salary for this role is 3.498,47 EUR and the maximum monthly salary is 4.029,86 EUR (based on a 40-hour contract): please note, due to the maximum salary, we are not able to sponsor a knowledge migrant permit;
• Staff receive a personal budget that is made up of 8% holiday allowance and 2,08% flexible budget, and receive 6 weeks of holiday per year (based on a 40-hour contract);
• We stimulate flexible working arrangements, the use of public transport and bike for work related travel. Employees receive an NS Business Card for 2nd class travel to and from work;
• We also have a hybrid working model, so staff can alternate working from home and from the office.

Please note that in order to work for WWF-NL, you need a valid work permit.

We consider the safety and protection of our colleagues as important. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and supply a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also ask for references.