Chief Operating Officer, Greater Mekong
About WWF For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
About the Greater Mekong The Mekong River flows for some 4,500 kilometres through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before discharging into the South China Sea. Its catchment area - home to more than 60 million people - encompasses an extraordinary range of vegetation and geographical features.
Recent political upheavals in the Indochina region have, ironically, protected the Mekong from the dramatic changes in landscape and flood patterns that have damaged the ecology of many of the world's rivers. This offers a unique opportunity to become a model for sustainable development by improving living standards without destroying the environment. The Mekong River basin is estimated to house at least 1,300 species of fish, a level of diversity that is only rivalled by the Amazon River basin - which is over 6 times the size of the Mekong basin.
The river system is also home to great cultural diversity, with more than 95 distinct ethnic groups living in the Mekong basin. The vast majority of these people are heavily dependent on the river and its natural resources.
This point is clearly illustrated by the fact that aquatic resources account for up to 80% of the animal dietary protein of the basin's population. The fisheries of the Mekong are estimated to be worth over US$ 1,500 million per year.
Mission Talent has been tasked by WWF Greater Mekong Program Office (WWFGM) with providing an exclusive search for the position of a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Mission of the Department The Greater Mekong region is one of the biologically richest places on the planet; its varied natural resources support the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people in mainland Southeast Asia. WWF Greater Mekong – on the ground in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – is working to conserve the region’s biodiversity and build a secure and sustainable future for people and wildlife
Major Functions The Chief Operating Officer (COO) supports the WWF Greater Mekong (WWF GM) Representative by leading the WWF GM’s operations team in the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to ensure the effective and efficient operations of WWF GM to fulfil the Strategic Objectives of WWF GMP Strategic Plan (FY 11-FY 15), the Network Standards of WWF International, policies and procedures of GM. The COO will ensure strategic leadership together with the respective heads of Operational teams for engagement with rest of WWF GM’s Regional Management Team, composed of the Regional Rep, Conservation Director, Communication Director, Financial Director & HR director.. With the Representative, the COO will facilitate strong collaboration, learning and communications within WWF International as well as with the rest of the WWF network to ensure a strong and credible WWF GM Program Office (PO).
Major Duties and Responsibilities Directs, coordinates and manages the work of Operations Units through the respective Director and Unit Heads, including the following functions: Finance, HR, IT, Internal Auditor and Monitoring and Evaluation; with matrix oversight of these functions at country office level; Ensures effective implementation of all relevant parts – Finance, IT, HR and M&E -of the WWF GM operational plan so as to meet agreed targets and ensures adaptive management and performance standards.
Directs and improves WWF GM’s performance to meet WWF International's operations and management systems network standards and partners contractual requirements of WWF GM. Keeps a constant review of the systems and organisational processes with a view of making them empowering, efficient and effective. With the Operations team and support of RMT, ensures delivery of reporting and monitoring requirements for WWF Network including KPIs, Dashboard, Annual Action Plans monitoring and Reports; GPF Monitoring and Reporting; INSIGHT; etc. Coordinates with the Operations teams their work plans, budgets and deliverables ensuring compliance with policies and timelines for WWF GM.
Ensures the establishment of an effective annual program and budgeting process following the Annual Plan and Monitoring System (APMS), Strategic Plan and Monitoring System (SPMS) and takes the lead on its annual implementation. Ensures rolling 3 year financial projections and 3 year basket funding is established. Works with the RMT to establish a strong performance culture across WWF GM to deliver on commitments highlighted in the Strategic Plan, and under Project 4 deliverables.
Liaises with the rest of RMT so as to understand all necessary aspects and needs of operational development and Strategic Plan targets, and to ensure they are fully supported by as well as informed of operational objectives, purposes and achievements. Ensures participation and engagement of Operations teams in all relevant meetings and planning of other departments (including conservation) of WWF GM and with partners.
Identifies critical capacity requirements of GM workforce and take the necessary steps to address the needs and strengthen the organization.
Maintains awareness and knowledge of contemporary operational development systems, policies of WWF network and partners, ensuring effective implement of organizational policies and standards, coaching and mentoring to Directors, Managers and staff within WWF GM.
Ensures the overall legal requirements of WWF and its presences and staff in Greater Mekong Region including the Country Offices as well as contractual partnerships and agreements are credible and up to date.
Ensures the change management plan is which is put in place and includes organisational restructuring, revised salaries, matrix team etc is fully operational and functions effectively and efficiently. Provides regular consolidated briefs and updates to the Representative in terms of the key progress, under-performance and challenges faced in the region.
Promotes and practices WWF’s desired values, principles, attitudes, behaviours, strategies and standards
Ensures effective contacts, communication, collaboration and exchanges (including staff exchanges) particularly within GM Country Offices, and with other Offices in Asia Pacific region
Performs other duties as requested by the WWF GM Representative
Required Qualifications
An advanced degree in management, business administration or international development or a relevant field At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in managing teams, office operations, and working through delegated functional leaders; Track record working with boards, corporate engagement and relationship management, and managing complex budgets Proven knowledge and experience of the not-for-profit sector, preferably of environmental non-government organizations, governance and regulatory compliance
Required Skills and Competencies Proven leadership skills with excellent capacity to manage human and financial resources; ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff and external partners Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic plans High level negotiation, facilitation as well as interpersonal and influencing skills and the capacity to develop and maintain strong relationships within WWF and across the WWF Network and in the business and not-for-profit communities Superior oral and written communication skills in English Working knowledge of national language of one of the GM Country Offices desired Candidates of South East Asian and Asia Pacific nationality or origin are strongly encouraged to apply Adheres to WWF’s brand values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging
WWF Greater Mekong has exclusively tasked Mission Talent to undertake this search. All applications must be sent directly to Tim Biscaye via applications@missiontalent.com stating WWF-COO-GM in the subject line. Kindly attach your relevant CV (in English) and a covering letter (of 350 words or less) stating your suitability for the requirements of this role. Both CV and covering letter must be in WORD format. Applications that do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.
Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted by Mission Talent for follow up.
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