WWF International, Leader, Mediterranean Marine Initiative

From its origins as a small group of committed wildlife enthusiasts, WWF has grown into one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations – supported by 5 million people and active in over 100 countries on five continents.

For our Mediterranean Marine Initiative, we are looking for a qualified: 

Leader, Mediterranean Marine Initiative


We are looking for a Leader, Mediterranean Marine Initiative (MI) who will be responsible for providing dynamic leadership to the WWF network in the development and implementation of WWF ’s Mediterranean Initiative, uniting WWF leaders in support of a shared and compelling vision. 

The strategic goals and objectives of the Mediterranean Marine Initiative will be:

• to mobilize the public and build political will and
• to create solutions, promote innovation & multiplication

so that by 2050 the Mediterranean has healthy marine and coastal ecosystems that produce streams of benefits and maintain vibrant economies, and the value of natural resources for human well-being is highly recognized.

Location/Contract Details:

One of the WWF offices supporting the MI (Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Marseille, Roma, Athens, Tunis, Istanbul)

Main responsibilities:

• Lead the WWF network to achieve the MI goals.
• Build and directs the core team and orchestrates the human, technical and financial resources throughout the WWF network, and beyond, to implement the Initiative
• Build partnerships and networks to support the MI goals, and leads advocacy in the relevant fora and policy processes.
• Coordinate with, and provide support to, relevant programme directors/managers to ensure that consistent and integrated approaches are developed across WWF offices to deliver on the goals of the MI
• Support the MI Shareholder Group and Executive Team in the governance and decision making process and liaise with all WWF Offices to engage them in the MI development and implementation and to meet their expectations for delivery.

What you need:

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• A university degree and technical proficiency in marine conservation, natural sciences, management, or another relevant field
• Ten (10) to 15 years professional experience in project/programme management position, of which at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and multiple donor budgets.
• Proven experience in marine international conservation issues, campaigning, business engagement, program and policy development, negotiations with internal and external stakeholders, and design and activation of strategic international partnerships.
• Preference will be given to those with on-the-ground experience and proven knowledge of the Mediterranean region.
• Strategic thinker, communicator and motivator.
• Strong negotiating and lobbying skills
• Experience in raising and mobilising funding.
• Proven experience and success in mobilizing and leading international teams.
• Proven experience of working with different cultures.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation.
• Excellent command of English; fluency in French will be considered an advantage; other languages relevant to places of Initiative implementation an asset.
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position.

How to apply?

Email a cover letter and CV to int.recruitments@wwfint.org with thesubject line: Leader, Mediterranean Marine Initiative

Deadline for applications: April 14th 2013


WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.