Posted on October, 09 2024

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? 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.

Contract term: 2 years fixed term

Preferred location: Zeist, NL; Woking, UK or Nairobi, Kenya

1 MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

To further strengthen WWF’s social and environmental accountability system, WWF is establishing an independent office currently called the Office of the Ombudsperson (Office) headed by an Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson operates independently of conservation activities and is accountable to the WWF International Board. The Office of the Ombudsperson is responsible for responding to complaints from communities who are or may be impacted by WWF project activities. The primary outcome of the work of the Office will be to address the complaints and help to ensure sustainability of WWF projects.

2 MAJOR FUNCTIONS

• Ensures that the Office’s advisory strategy is in line with the mandate of the Office and is fully and properly implemented in accordance with the Operating Framework, and with proper consultation within the Office and with WWF;
• Oversees advisory and capacity building initiatives with internal and external audiences to enhance understanding of the Office’s mandate, build skills in complaint handling and improve WWF’s compliance with the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework;
• Oversees all relevant advisory products and ensures adherence with the Office’s mandate;
• Advises the Ombudsperson regarding key internal and external events and supports the Office in participation where necessary;
• Supports the Office staff in monitoring & evaluation and communications needs as they emerge through development and implementation of the Office mandate.

3 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, manage and implement an advisory and capacity building strategy to enhance understanding of the Office within the WWF network, build WWF skills in complaint handling and complainant engagement, and enhance WWF’s compliance with the ESSF;
• Identify areas of improvement for WWF compliance with its ESSF, and design effective advisory offerings;
• Develop, manage and implement a capacity building program to increase internal awareness and skills regarding complaint management and joint problem solving;
• Manage all advisory and knowledge management needs of the Office, including dissemination of knowledge products;
• Develop capacity building materials and deliver capacity building events and sessions for internal and external stakeholders;
• Support the development of the Office’s website and case management system;
• Contribute to producing necessary reports for the Office, including Board reporting;
• Support implementation of stakeholder engagement initiatives to raise awareness of the Office and enhance the uptake of lessons and guidance;
• Create and maintain excellent working relationships within the WWF network, and with external partners to leverage greater impact.

4 PROFILE

Required Qualifications:

• University Degree in environment, law, social sciences, development studies or related field;
• Extended experience in institutional advisory, knowledge management and capacity building roles;
• Previous experience in an international NGO, national or high-profile organisation;
• Previous experience in developing and implementing advisory and capacity building initiatives in a network structure.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience of working in an international setting is essential;
• Previous experience in an INGO is preferable;
• High degree of familiarity in the implementation of environmental and social policies – within the conservation sector an asset;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate complex issues in an appropriate way to a wide variety of audiences at all levels using diverse channels;
• Experience with design of advisory products in international policy institutions and fora;
• Proven track record in successful international advisory and capacity building strategies and activities undertaken in a multicultural setting;
• Ability to anticipate and capitalise on opportunities and achieve high profile results;
• Familiarity with a wide range of advisory and capacity building tools and approaches, their potential impact and their suitability for an organisation like WWF;
• Long-term planning and analytical skills; with the demonstrated ability to multi-task and work effectively to tight deadlines without compromising quality;
• Able to navigate complex issues and organisational complexity, and executes high-quality work in a timely way;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent IT skills;
• Fluent English is essential - other languages would be an asset;
• Experience in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information;
• Willingness to travel when required;
• Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

5 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

Within WWF, this role reports to the Ombudsperson, working closely with other staff recruited by the Office. This role will also engage closely with WWF communications teams as and when necessary.

External:

This role will engage on an ongoing basis with external stakeholders including individuals, governments and civil society organisations.

How to apply

Only one single document can be uploaded through our platform. Upload your covering letter and CV as one file. We will not accept applications without CV and Covering Letter.

Deadline for applications: by 31 October 2024

Work permit restrictions may apply.

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. WWF promotes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.In the administration of its employment policies and practices, WWF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status, matriculation, political affiliation.