[Hiring] Head of Policy, Forests @WWF International

Role Description

As a senior policy leader, the Head of Policy, Forests drives WWF’s global forest policy and advocacy agenda, helping translate ambitious goals into meaningful conservation outcomes. The role provides strategic leadership across the WWF Network, identifies opportunities to influence policy and decision-making and their implementation, and strengthens WWF’s position in key international processes, regional and national policy fora and partnerships.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years’ professional policy experience in conservation, environment and/or development, including practical experience in international processes.
• Experience in forest policy processes and fora would be a major advantage.
• Strong track record of delivering policy impact and influencing decision-making processes at senior levels.
• Experience working in complex organisations and multi-stakeholder environments, including leading through influence rather than direct authority.
• Understanding of forest governance, deforestation drivers, voluntary sustainability standards (including FSC), and relevant policy instruments is highly desirable.

Requirements

• Strategic thinking and prioritisation: Able to identify and focus on the policy opportunities, risks and choices that matter most for WWF's forest objectives.
• Policy analysis and problem-solving: Strong ability to analyse complex policy, governance and implementation challenges, develop practical solutions, and translate evidence and insight into effective policy positions and advocacy strategies.
• Influence, coalition-building and political savvy: Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence decision-makers, partners and coalitions in complex political and institutional environments.
• Communication and external representation: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent WWF credibly and confidently in high-level policy processes, partnerships and multi-stakeholder forums.
• Network leadership: Demonstrated ability to coordinate, support and mobilise diverse teams, experts and WWF offices around shared priorities, including across remote and distributed teams.
• Results and implementation focus: Results-driven, with a strong commitment to ensuring policy and advocacy efforts translate into measurable conservation outcomes and impact on the ground.
• Judgement and collaboration: Excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to act as a trusted adviser, thought partner and collaborative team member across cultures and geographies.
• Language skills: Fluency in English required. Fluency in French and/or Spanish would be an asset.
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

Benefits

• Flexible location.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Encouragement of applicants from all backgrounds.

Company Description

WWF is an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. 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.