[Hiring] Global Lead, High Seas / Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement @WWF International

Role Description

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 devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss. The situation today is worse than the darkest predictions of just ten years ago, pushing billions of people to the edge and threatening lives and livelihoods. At WWF, we are facing our biggest crisis – and our biggest ever opportunity – to create a better future for people and nature.

With over 60 years of experience and an active presence in more than 100 countries, we work to achieve both on-the-ground and global policy action, from protecting and restoring species and their habitats, to transforming markets and policies toward sustainability.

We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. From individuals and communities to businesses and governments, we are part of a growing global movement calling for bolder action on climate and nature, demanding that world leaders set nature on the path to recovery by 2030.

WWF is seeking a senior Global Lead, BBNJ / High Seas, to provide strategic leadership, coordination and support for WWF’s engagement on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and wider high seas governance.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in international environmental law, marine policy, ocean governance, conservation science, political science, international relations or another relevant discipline, or equivalent senior professional experience.
• At least eight years of relevant senior professional experience in global or regional ocean governance, marine conservation policy, multilateral environmental agreements, advocacy or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder or network-wide initiatives across institutions, countries, teams or sectors, preferably in an international conservation or policy setting.
• Strong understanding of the BBNJ Agreement, and the broader international ocean governance landscape and relevant international fora and bodies such as IMO, RFMOs, ISA, IWC, CBD and CMS.
• Established credibility with senior policy, conservation, government, intergovernmental, scientific and civil society actors, with the judgement and standing required to represent WWF externally and coordinate senior colleagues internally.
• Experience in shaping policy outcomes, building consensus and delivering effective outcomes in multilateral or international governance contexts.

Requirements

• Excellent understanding of BBNJ implementation issues and the history of the Agreement.
• Strong knowledge of marine conservation, ecological connectivity, ocean governance coherence and the role of national, regional and global governance processes in delivering conservation outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead, convene and motivate colleagues across a complex international network, including thematic experts, regional teams, policy and advocacy leads, communications colleagues and external partners.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a matrixed organisation, influencing without direct authority and building alignment across diverse perspectives.
• Strong political judgement and strategic sense, with the ability to listen carefully, understand government and stakeholder perspectives, identify priorities, manage complexity and translate strategic objectives into practical implementation pathways.
• Excellent policy analysis, writing, facilitation and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear briefings, strategy documents, advocacy materials, donor-facing narratives and senior-level decision papers.
• Proven experience working with governments, intergovernmental processes, civil society coalitions, scientific partners and regional institutions.
• Proven track record in successful fundraising, including engagement with funders, developing compelling funding propositions and contributing to fundraising or resource mobilisation efforts.
• Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and comfortable working in areas of uncertainty, with the confidence to seek information, clarify assumptions and adapt direction as evidence and political circumstances evolve.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience and resilience in working across a diverse global network, with an ability to build trust, command respect and maintain momentum as well as among senior colleagues and partners.
• Ability to connect technical, policy, advocacy, communications and fundraising workstreams into a coherent delivery approach.
• Commitment to inclusive and equitable implementation approaches, including meaningful consultation, participation and integration of diverse knowledge systems where appropriate.
• Excellent command of English.
• Additional languages relevant to BBNJ implementation regions or multilateral diplomacy would be an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
• Embraces WWF’s mission and values of Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.

Company Description

At WWF, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and unbiased consideration for all candidates regardless of their background. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.