Executive Director, Operations

Last year, WWF launched a new strategy that harnesses the strengths of the WWF network in a shared vision, focussing on six major goals - water, wildlife, the ocean, climate and energy, forests, and food – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance.

In support of this strategy WWF undertook a redesign of its international secretariat that will further unite WWF offices and its near 6,400 staff around the world. This will help WWF to build stronger partnerships across the world with government, business, civil society and individuals. Together, we will deliver on WWF’s ambitious goals.

We are recruiting the key leadership role of Executive Director, Operations for our International Secretariat to help us achieve our new ambitious goals, and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

The Role:

• Leads the strategy and implement effective and efficient operations of WWF International in order to support the Practice architecture and overall Network;
• Delivers the annual WWF International budget;
• Ensures that the appropriate risk management and financial oversight structures are in place.
• Responsible for reporting on progress against WWF International’s operations KPIs to DG, International Board, Audit Committee, NET and Global Operations Community of Practice;
• Ensures coordination between the different operations functions Finance, HR, ICT and Legal, for integration and cohesion;
• Ensures cross functional linkages between Operations, Practices and other WWF International divisions, particularly Network Development.

Main responsibilities:

• Directs and improves WWF International's operations and management to become a cohesive and efficient system;
• Directs, coordinates and manages the work of Operations Units through the respective Directors which includes Finance & Administration, HR, ICT and Legal, in supporting WWF International and the Practices to achieve their objectives;
• Ensures cross functional linkages between Operations, Practices and other WWF International divisions, particularly Network Development;
• Reports the progress against goals and KPIs to DG, International Board, Audit Committee, NET and Global Operations Community of Practice;
• Manages and ensures the delivery of the annual WWF International budget in co-ordination with the other WWF International functions and under guidance of the Director General;
• Co-ordinates and encourages sharing and learning across the network through functional communities of Practice (eg: HR, Finance, Legal, ICT, etc.) to support the strengthening and strategic development of the operations of the WWF Network offices;
• Monitors and provides feedback on the WWF Network financial resources, and plans;
• Ensures sufficient operations capacity to support capacity building or any crisis management of all WWF International country offices;
• Ensures the support needed by the Programme Offices managed by WWF International in co-ordination with the Director of Network Development;
• Acts as a member of the Senior Management Team of WWF International and performs other duties as requested by the Director General.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Advanced University degree  in Operational Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Business Administration or related fields, or equivalent work experience;
• At least 10 years’ experience in a similar Operations role in international organizations/companies, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams;
• Experience in implementing and monitoring the compliance of F&A and IT Systems, policies and procedures, preferably in the context of an international organization;
• Personnel/people management, coaching, and monitoring skills;
• In-depth knowledge of conservation and sustainability issues;
• Perfect command of English language and any other language/s an asset.
• Creates communities of practice: Works with practitioners in area to achieve common goals that benefit the organization.
• Nurtures innovation: Creates a work environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation.
• External orientation: Looks outwards ensuring WWF stays relevant, brings partners along, and continues to anticipate and adapt to external environmental and global trends.
• Enabling Leadership: Achieving goals through bringing together capabilities, capacity and co-creating thinking.
• Collaboration & Influencing: Creates constructive relationships with all levels of the global community and engages others to develop and pursue a common goal.
• Thought Leadership and Strategic orientation: Combines deep thematic knowledge with strong strategic understanding as well as analytical conceptual thinking abilities, which result in identifying and leveraging opportunities to pursue the aspired outcomes for 2025. Possesses sharp eye and judgement for opportunities and leverage points.
• Building Organizational Capability: Diagnoses individual and team capability and development needs and champions talent management.
• Develops direction and shared purpose: Ensures that the purpose and importance of the team are clarified; guides the setting of specific and measurable team goals and objectives; inspires and sustains team cohesion by clearly linking team and individual accountabilities to WWF’s vision and goals.
• Plans and facilitates goal accomplishment: Plans and maximizes the team’s ability to meet goals and targets, clarifying performance objectives and requirements; provides necessary resources for achieving team goals or performing team functions.
• Values sound approaches: Consistently remains open to ideas offered by others; recommends and uses good ideas from sources outside the immediate environment to solve problems and encourages individuals to think laterally and seek alternative and innovation solutions.
• Drives for improvement: Strives for continuous improvement in process and business results; sets and encourages others to set continually higher goals; demonstrates tolerance for associated risk; strives to achieve a best practice approach. 
• Adhere to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

How to apply?

Upload your covering letter and CV on Linkedin.  We will only accept applications with a Covering Letter and CV saved together as one file. Please read the instructions carefully before applying.
 

Deadline for applications: 22 May 2016

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.