WWF International - Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance by Oxford HR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FINANCE & QUALITY ASSURANCE AUGUST 2020

SUMMARY TITLE:

Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance

SALARY:

Competitive

LOCATION:

Vienna (Austria) or Gland (Switzerland)

WWF is looking for an Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance with outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills to join their Senior Management Team (SMT).

ÂŠ James Morgan / WWF-International

NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL WWF INTERNATIONAL The evidence of humanity’s unbalanced relationship with the planet has never been clearer. Tackling this planetary emergency requires every one of us to work together as never before. WWF has embraced this approach for many years, building many successful global and local partnerships. And, today, we are determined to use our unquenchable spirit of collaboration – something we call ‘together possible’ – to help build the global coalition that sets nature on the path to recovery in the coming decade for the benefit of people and planet. From communities on the ground to decision makers in governments and business, we work with people across the globe to safeguard the natural world – the oceans, forests, fresh water and rich diversity of wildlife that provide the essentials of life for all. We are challenging the two most urgent threats to nature: climate change and food production. And we are working tirelessly to address the underlying global drivers for the loss of nature: a financial system that must value nature; a governance system that needs to consider the impacts of decisions on people and nature; and markets where sustainable production and consumption must become the norm. Ours is the generation with the opportunity and responsibility to act. And every single one of us has a role to play.

Marco Lambertini

ABOUT WWF

WWF is the world’s largest independent conservation organisation, with over 30 million followers and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. WWF does this by: • conserving the world’s biological diversity • ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable • promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF is a credible and trusted global brand, committed to acting with integrity, transparency and accountability, and honoring diversity in the organization. WWF is known for a robust, science-based approach and its willingness to stand up for nature. While focusing on impact on the ground, WWF simultaneously works by engaging in powerful and influential partnerships with the institutions and businesses that matter in moving policy and practice towards sustainability. The brand essence is ‘together possible’. WWF believes that tackling the planetary emergency requires organizations like WWF to think and act bigger and faster – helping the world pull together to deliver a New Deal with science-based targets that address the crisis facing people and nature. Find out more about WWF’s history, successes, and how it works to achieve its goals, on WWF’s international website: wwf.panda.org

THE ROLE The Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance provides strategic vision and leadership on finance, information management, performance, quality assurance, and risk management across WWF International and the broader WWF Network. S/he supports the delivery of the WWF mission by championing and driving an efficient, performance-driven organization which uses information, financial resources and risks management systems to deliver the best possible conservation impact. The Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance reports to the Director General of WWF International and liaises very closely with the governance bodies of the network, namely the International Board and, in particular, its Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (ARCC) and its Finance and Investment Committee (FIC), as well as the Network Executive Team (NET). The Executive Director, Finance & Quality Assurance will also work collaboratively with the CFOs of the WWF national member organisations. S/he supervises the Finance, Performance, Quality Assurance (QA), Risk, and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) teams. Key to the role is the demonstrated ability to anticipate, influence and drive change while securing different levels of stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; buy-in and support. The experience of working in complex, multi-cultural environments, and the ability to inspire and lead teams will be real assets for this role.

ÂŠ Jonathan Caramanus / Green Renaissance / WWF-UK

RESPONSIBILITIES • • • •

•

• • • • •

Provides leadership, and strategic direction for WWF International Finance, Performance, Quality Assurance, Risk & ICT divisions; Gives strategic financial and investment advice to the Director General and the Board for WWF International and the broader WWF Network; Implements prudent long-term business and financial contingency planning; Leads a strategic approach to financial and operational risk management across all of WWF International’s legal entities, and ensures effective Quality Assurance and risk management strategies are in place, in consultation with the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. (ARCC); As a member of the Senior Management Team, presents regular reviews of the financial, performance impact, and Quality Assurance risk status of WWF International to the Director General along with strategic recommendations for improvement; Discussion of areas of responsibility as and when required to Network Executive Team (NET) and the International Board; Develops and maintains liaison with appropriate representatives of WWF National Organizations to coordinate the effective use of funds, particularly in relation to WWF programme activities worldwide; Oversees the strategic perspective for integrated performance management to ensure it is driving higher performance impact and results; Ensures robust internal controls are in place in all WWF International entities, identifies all areas of risk and takes action to mitigate, and ensures the health of WWF International reserves; Accountable for reporting of financial information, and acts as a strategic partner to provide vision, solutions and recommendations to the Finance & Investment Committee (FIC) and the Audit Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC);

RESPONSIBILITIES • • • •

• • • • • •

@ luisbarreto.com

Accountable for management of the cash flow, management of the reserves, management of global balance, management of sale of major assets, and management of major legacies; Ensures enforcement of the WWF investment guidelines across the network; With the Finance Directors of Secretariat and Country Offices, ensures effective budget management and oversee investments and reserves; With the Director, Performance, Quality Assurance & Risk, ensures impact measurement of WWF Network performance at global, country and initiative level and ensures the implementation of Risk Management and Quality Assurance frameworks in WWF International and across the Network; Responsible for implementing, refining and acting upon agreed performance indicators; With the Global ICT Director, ensures WWF International continuously strives towards being a leading digital workplace while demonstrating cost effectiveness and compliance, ensuring a strategic suite of technology solutions and services; Provides strategic vision and continuously strives for new innovations and approaches for WWF International’s ICT; Facilitates and leads discussions across the Network communities around Finance, Performance, Quality Assurance, Risk and ICT for integration and cohesion in supporting maximum conservation impact; Excellent understanding of social policies and safeguards; Performs other duties as requested by the Director General

QUALIFICATIONS •

• • • •

Advanced University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Business Administration or related fields, or equivalent work experience (CFA, CPA, MBA, CRM desirable); At least 10 years’ experience in a similar role within a complex, matrixed global organization, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams; Experience quality assurance, risk management and performance metric assessment; Experience of managing investment strategies and liabilities, capital structure and knowledge of regulatory trends; Fluency in English is essential. Other languages would be an advantage.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Strong leadership/managerial skills, ability to drive change and organisational culture; Demonstrates strategic foresight and global systems thinking approach; Strong political, interpersonal and negotiation skills and appreciation of culturally diverse perspectives; Excellent proven track record of effective financial management and executive decision making; Prior experience of engaging and working with public sector partners; High credibility and excellent presentation skills; Demonstrable understanding of major technology trends and how they might be applied in a complex global organization; Superior ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals across a range of cultural environments; Ability to motivate, delegate to, and manage staff for maximum efficiency; Passion for and some knowledge of conservation and sustainability issues; Works to the highest level of integrity and confidentiality; excellent understanding of social policies and safeguards; Clearly demonstrates behaviors aligned to the culture of WWF: Strive for Impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly and Innovate Fearlessly; Adheres to WWF’s brand values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS INTERNAL

Interacts regularly with members of WWF International Senior Management Team, Finance & Investment Committee, Audit Risk & Compliance Committee, Network Executive Team, and Network CFOs/ COOs and other senior Network staff; interacts as appropriate with WWF International Board and WWF Council.

EXTERNAL

High level contacts with peers from other international organisations, businesses, government officials and any other key stakeholders.

WWF WAYS OF WORKING

Over the years, WWF has become one of the most respected conservation organizations in the world, building an extraordinary reputation worldwide by delivering significant conservation outcomes and combining that with world class ethics and integrity in the pursuit of its Mission. This combination is what makes WWF uniquely successful. WWF uses ethics and integrity as important cultural bridges to navigate in this diversity. A culture that fosters ethics and integrity is powerful, especially in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increasingly complex world with historical societal shifts. It helps WWF achieve its full potential: working better together, building local legitimacy and earning the trust of donors, supporters, governments and partners. This is why everyone, no matter where they work and what they do, respects at all times the principles of compliance and ethics: loyalty, integrity, trustworthiness, and fairness. These principles protect each one individually as well as the whole organization. WWF wants its leaders to lead by example and to uphold and foster a culture of compliance, ethics and integrity, and to provide a secure and respectful environment to help those who come forward in good faith with concerns.

ÂŠ Regien Paassen / WWF

HOW TO APPLY All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. If you are interested in this role, but have any query you’d like to discuss before applying, please contact us to request a preliminary discussion with our consultant. If you wish to apply for this role, you should click on the “Apply” button in the role page on Oxford HR’s website and complete the online application form. This will require uploading a CV and cover letter. We advise you to have these documents already prepared (in word or PDF format) before starting the application process. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in this role and how your skills and experience make you the right candidate. It should not exceed two pages. The document should be saved in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last NameDocument Name-Date (ddmmyy) e.g: Pat-Jones-CVandStatement-220320. It is Oxford HR policy to respond to any application or mail. If you applied for this and have not received an acknowledgement of your application within 72 hours, please contact the relevant inquiry address. TIMELINE Applications close: Shortlisted Interviews: Panel (online) Interviews: Final (face to face) interview:

October 11th (midnight CET) Week of 26th October 2020 Week of 9th November 2020 TBC

Candidates selected for the final stages of the process may be asked to go through a leadership assessment. EQUALITY STATEMENT As an organisation, WWF encourages fair employment practices worldwide and offers equal opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of gender, colour, race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, political or religious belief. 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 wwf-ed@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.

ABOUT OXFORD HR

Oxford HR operates globally,mainly within the international development and for-purpose 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 executive 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 clients. Oxford HRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team members have significant personal experience of working in international development and the social sector, as well as the corporate and governmental sectors. We are in a unique position to find and assess talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

ÂŠ WWF-US / Keith Arnold

Striving for impact is our response to a planet that needs bold leadership and inspiring solutions now more than ever It describes our collective desire for positive change and our relentless pursuit of results in the effort to meet our global goals. Striving for impact means working in a conscious, focused and agile manner, with a clear eye on what our objective is, what outcome we wish to achieve and in what timeframe.

What it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t As we seek to make an impact as an organization, we have to be on the lookout for the obsessive analyst, who often delays taking action for the sake of making sure that what they do is precisely measured and reported, while the scattered over-achiever spreads themselves too thin in their efforts to save the world single-handedly.

No one has all the answers. We need to remain humble and learn to â&#x20AC;&#x153;think from the wholeâ&#x20AC;? if we want to address systemic challenges In a practical sense, listening deeply looks like having a conversation that moves from debating facts or convincing others towards a dialogue where we seek to truly understand someone else for the purpose of connecting with them or serving their best interests. In some instances, listening deeply may lead you to identify insights that inspire solutions or provide helpful feedback that helps someone else move forward. In other cases, listening deeply might lead you to change your perspective or clarify your understanding after considering the unique perspective of others.

What it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t The toxic talkaholic shows up to the meeting ready to be the smartest person in the room, spends their time in a conversation listening their own thoughts as they decide which points to share next, and identifies every point to disagree with in order to confirm their own opinions.

Collaborating openly is the ability to work with others across boundaries to learn new things, extend your capacity and get things done together in pursuit of impact As a global network, WWF has an organizational structure that fosters open collaboration by design through communities of practice. At a practical level, this looks like building a team culture that is based on trust, inclusivity and transparency, where each of us is responsible for building authentic relationships, practicing leadership with humility, and being open to changing our minds based on how other people see an issue.

What it isn’t The stubborn isolationist is the opposite of a team player. They hoard information as if it’s a precious commodity, fight for their personal interests, and criticize collaboration as a waste of time or a distraction from more important work that they could do alone. On the other hand, the hyper-collaborator attends every meeting to “stay in the loop” and builds a committee to avoid making decisions themselves.

Business as usual will not save the planet. We need to take risks, try new things, and scale what works This requires a culture of fearless innovation where it’s okay to make mistakes – as long as we learn from them. Innovation is the practical execution of a new idea to make something better. It is about bringing ideas to life and iterating them until they solve a problem in a sustainable way. Whether you are working at systems scale or simply changing the way that you hold a meeting, innovation is about quickly testing solutions by making small bets, surfacing insights about their viability and moving forward with refined solutions.

What it isn’t We should be conscious of innovation’s foes: the pessimistic skeptic opposes every new idea for the purpose of maintaining the status quo, while the wishful thinker pursues fanciful efforts that aren’t grounded in reality.

The pursuit of impact is behind everything we do. We accelerate the delivery of results and position ourselves to make an impact at scale by being intentional about listening deeply to those we work with, collaborating across silos and boundaries and taking risks to innovate.

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