Chief Conservation Officer

Building a future in which people live in harmony with nature

WWF, established in 1961, is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation with a global network working in more than 100 counties to stop the decline of our planet’s natural environment and to build a future where people live in harmony with nature. WWF International facilitates, supports and drives the network in the implementation of its global strategies and initiatives, and manages and supports 34 WWF Country Offices. Working with communities, businesses and government , WWF urgently seeks to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable. 

We are currently seeking an outstanding leader to join the Secretariat of WWF International as our new Chief Conservation Officer (CCO). The CCO reports to the Director General and is a member of the Executive Team at WWF International. The Chief Conservation Officer is responsible for the setting the strategic vision, and ensuring the effective delivery of conservation impact in alignment with the global conservation goals and objectives .  Leading the WWF International Global Conservation Division, the CCO will manage a Division comprising Conservation and Policy Impact leadership, highly specialised conservation teams and mobilises related Network global communities. The CCO represents WWF with external partners and audiences while providing thought leadership and advice to high-level stakeholders and partners, and positioning in relation to conservation matters.

This is an exciting and challenging role.  WWF International’s next Chief Conservation Officer will be a determined and passionate individual with strong credibility in conservation, ideally bringing experience and understanding from working in the field. You will build on the successes of WWF to date with a track record of at least 15 years of experience in a complex global conservation organisation and have demonstrable experience of working in inclusive conservation. Bringing significant interpersonal and relationship building skills, the CCO will build and maintain strong partnerships across the broader conservation community, and engage stakeholders across the WWF Network, whilst inspiring staff to work collaboratively towards a shared vision and goal. Most importantly, you will bring a deep passion for WWF’s vision and mission and demonstrated commitment to inclusive nature conservation, embracing the WWF values of the organisation:

Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to: recruitment@wwfinternationalcco.com

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 24th January at 9:00 am CET.

The role is based in Gland, Switzerland and the salary is commensurate with the seniority of the role. Candidates must be fluent in English. A working knowledge in French or Spanish are an asset.

For a conversation in confidence, please contact Karina Rinaldi- on +31 (0) 202 409 341 or by emailing at: recruitment@wwfinternationalcco.com

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Lucy Cooke

Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview in February and the Selection Committee will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in late February. Following which, final interviews with the Selection Panel will take place in March.