Want to make a positive difference to the future of Arctic, and the animals and people that call it home? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime.

All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realisation that nature is our life-support system. And that nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge. Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife.

What we do

We are an independent conservation organisation, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.

Mission of the WWF Global Arctic Programme

The WWF Global Arctic Programme is working for a well-managed, biodiverse, and resilient Arctic, supporting healthy viable populations of wild species and benefiting the well-being of people in the Arctic and beyond. The impacts of the human-induced climate crisis and increased industrial development threaten Arctic biodiversity and ecosystems as well as the livelihoods and cultures of Arctic peoples. By prioritizing sustainability over exploitation and combining science with Indigenous knowledge, WWF works to manage the transformations taking place in ways that support and benefit all life in the region and on the rest of the planet.

Major functions

We are looking for a strong governance lead for the Global Arctic Programme to lead our strategy for good Arctic governance. As a rapidly changing area, the Arctic needs rules that can adapt as needed. This position offers an exciting opportunity to have a pivotal strategic role in working to tackle the challenges facing the Arctic through the use of legal and governance instruments. This will include regional bodies, processes and agreements such as the Arctic Council and the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement, as well as relevant international agreements such as the High Seas Treaty and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Major duties and responsibilities

Maintain a strategic overview of Arctic governance opportunities and keep abreast of new trends and emerging opportunities for WWF

Provide thought leadership, analysis, strategic advice, comments, reports, etc. on Arctic governance issues, in support of implementation of the WWF Global Arctic Programme Strategy

Represent WWF Global Arctic Programme externally and build strategic partnerships and alliances with international, national and regional stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, other organisations and governments

Translate research and project outputs into policy recommendations, advocacy and outcomes towards strengthening Arctic governance, bringing leadership and guidance on Arctic governance opportunities, shortcomings and challenges to the global WWF network

Collaborate with WWF Global Arctic Programme team members, providing governance expertise to other work streams and strategy pillars, developing and following up the workplan and budget for the governance work, contributing to development and use of programme management tools; supporting communications strategies and outputs

Profile

• Minimum 10 years of work experience, of which minimum 5 years in climate and environmental policy or other relevant areas
• Must have background and/or skills in research, policy design, advocacy or policy implementation, preferably with robust experience in the Arctic
• Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and sound judgment in navigating nuanced issues with tact and balancing competing priorities from many perspectives.
• Project management experience
• Able to make an informed, yet independent judgment and to engage and collaborate fruitfully with a strong team
• A proven track record of being a self-starter and securing buy-in for strategies and an ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision, while effectively engaging with peers and partners, are necessary.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams
• Generates ideas, is solutions-oriented, constructive in debates, well-organized, passionate, and inspirational to others
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

Working relationships

Internal: The successful candidate will report to the Director, Global Arctic Programme and be part of a multidisciplinary core team, working closely with other WWF staff, particularly in the national offices Arctic offices.

External: Arctic Council and its Working Groups, Permanent Participants, Member States and Observers, Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement, OSPAR, other key organisations

How to apply

Working schedule: Full-time. As work is conducted collaboratively with people across the Arctic, some flexibility in working hours is expected.

Contract type: Permanent

Appointment: Immediate

Location: Hybrid with base in Norway, Helsinki (Finland) or Washington DC (USA). Candidates must be eligible to work in the selected country. While WWF works actively to minimize its carbon footprint, some travel within the region will be necessary.

Application: You are welcome to send in your application as soon as possible, but no later than August 31, 2024. Please send applications here: https://www.arcticwwf.org/newsroom/news/vacancy-wwf-is-hiring-a-senior-governance-lead-for-the-global-arctic-programme/

If you have questions about the position, please contact:

Vicki Lee Wallgren, vicki.lee.wallgren@wwf.se, Director, Global Arctic Programme

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and nature! WWF actively works to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all employees, regardless of age, ethnic or cultural background, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or functional condition.