WWF - Head of Finance – Asia Pacific

HEAD OF FINANCE –ASIAAUGUSTPACIFIC2022

WWF is an environmental organization that is deeply committed to people-centered nature conservation with the ambition to apply the highest standard of safeguards to protect human rights in all of our work. Our 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. We understand that the future of nature can only be secured when conservation is inclusive and people both drives, and benefit from, the protection of natural ecosystems. You can find out more about WWF International on our website.

OF THE DEPARTMENT

To ensure that sound financial and accounting systems are in place, including the implementation of proper financial controls, procedures, timely and accurate financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting, including compliance with Swiss GAAP requirements. Ensures strong governance, control, oversight, and stewardship are in place.

MISSION

TITLE: Head of Finance LOCATION: Asia Pacific (Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore (for nationals of Singapore), Vietnam, the Philippines (for nationals of the Philippines) Competitive

THE ROLE

SALARY:

The Head of Finance leads the teams to ensure the effective and efficient financial health of all Asia Pacific offices in fulfillment of their Strategic objectives, the Network Standards of WWF International, and policies/ procedures within the region. The Head of Finance will facilitate strong collaboration, learning and communications within the Asia Pacific region.

The Head of Finance –APAC is a technical resource dedicated to the Region and works closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific on financial matters. Builds finance and management capacity in WWF offices in the region and draws on global financial resources as required.

JOB SUMMARY

WWF is continuously delivering impact for people and the planet and growing fast in the Asia Pacific region through innovative programs delivered by our nine offices in Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as transboundary or multi-country projects. This work is led and overseen by the Asia Pacific Regional Office. We are growing our ambition to further scale up impact and influence as we implement our regional and country strategies, aligned with WWF’s global goals. The last two years were constrained by the Covid-19 pandemic but now is the time for us to rev up. To support this ambition, we are building a new Operations Unit in the Regional Office so we can optimize opportunities, address challenges, and enable the achievement of our inclusive conservation objectives. The unit has key relationships with its counterparts in country offices and has to build collaborative networks, the WWF Secretariat, WWF National Offices and stakeholder groups. We are looking for people who are experienced, excited by and confident in facing challenges, solutions focused, and team oriented. We want people who know how to achieve operational effectiveness as it underpins strategy implementation. We want people who are well-versed at the strategic level of operational functions and, at the same time, do not hesitate to roll up their sleeves and be hands-on as needed. An understanding of the Asia Pacific region and what it requires to operate here is essential and qualified nationals from Asian Countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

THE OPERATIONS UNIT IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION

• Ensure all WWF International-managed COs reach the agreed minimum level of, and are improving in, their overall financial performance measured by KPI’s and CO Dashboard.

• Ensure environment of effective controls and compliance in COs.

@ Le Thanh Tung / WWF-Greater Mekong

• Ensure that the performance of the CO finance functions is improved in all areas reflected through review, improved quality, and timeliness of financial reports (budgets, forecast, year-end reporting), audit implementation and sound budget management.

• Responsible for quarterly review of COs KPI performance and Asia Pacific Shareholder /PIA support.

• Streamline financial processes and procedures, and timely implement new financial initiatives, requirements while ensuring compliance with WWF global accounting policies, network standards and local statutory requirements including being a focal point for Field Operations Manual updates, compliance, and training.

• Responsible for all the monitoring, analyzing and reporting of financial performance of the COs.

• Building finance capability and team to fulfill purpose of role in fully operational state, including team structure design and recruitment in tandem with future growth and challenges.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure internal controls and processes are adequately complied with and regularly monitor and update of financial risk registers (ICS).

• Drive the annual budgeting and forecasting process including providing guidance and support to ensure alignment with the country offices strategic plans.

• Ensure and support timely implementation of internal, external, and regulatory audit processes.

Administrator for Financial Business Intelligence System. Maintains and continues developing the system when required.

• Facilitates and supports COs training and capacity building for key finance and nonfinance staff within the region on financial management, controls, risk, and donors’ compliance as needed.

• Be the regional focal point for WWF’s compliance platform (Bridget Insight).

• Works closely with WWF International finance teams to ensure alignment and flow of communication to and from the region.

• Back stops the Finance function in case of capacity gap in any of the regional/ country level offices.

• Identify, propose, review and/or implement best practice and cost-effective continuous improvement opportunities.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific.

• Increases knowledge sharing in Asia Pacific region by participating in various WWF special projects as necessary, in consultation with the COO, Asia Pacific and Finance Director, Country Offices, WWF INT.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates lessons learnt and best practices within the Asia Pacific region including organizing and facilitating the Asia Pacific Finance Workshop and developing a knowledge-based platform.

• At least 10 years of financial and accounting experience is essential.

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to interact with and influence senior management staff in COs and relevant staff in different functional areas in a positive manner.

• Degree in Finance/ Accounting or advanced degree in international business or finance, e.g., MBA.

• Ability to train others and explain complex concepts in a simple manner, including virtually.

• High degree of integrity in executing the tasks described in this Job Description, and in relations with colleagues.

• Available to travel extensively in the region.

• Experience with and a good understanding of operating in different cultural environments.

• Experience in an organization managing decentralized international offices and institutions.

• Strong project management and operational skills, as well as a wellorganized approach to work.

• Ability to drive change and high performance.

• Decisive, proactive, collaborative and an excellent communicator.

• Excellent written and spoken English (for timely preparation of trip reports and other reporting/communications); knowledge of relevant language for the region of operation is an advantage.

• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration.

• At least 5 years of management experience, with a proven track record in supervising and working with multi-cultural and decentralized teams.

• Passion and commitment for conservation and sustainable development.

• Strong knowledge of financial issues, including financial reporting, controls, and budgeting.

• Proficiency in the use of computer office applications – word processing, spreadsheet and presentation, and ERP software.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• High degree of accountability and commitment to excellence.

• Experience with implementing new processes and systems.

• Prior NGO experience an advantage.

• Excellent analytical skills.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in MS Word in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Hua-Lin-CV-082022-WWF or HuaLin-CoverLetter-082022 -WWF.

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

QUERIES If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at hof-wwwasia@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance. WWF

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

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HOW TO APPLY

TIMELINE Closing Date: 16th September First stage interviews: Week of September 26th Final interviews: TBC SELECTION PROCESS

Equality and diversity are at the core of WWF values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.

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