WWF China Programme Office, Global Leader of China for a Global Shift Initiative

WWF, the global conservation organization that has been working in China for 33 years, is looking for a highly skilled professional to be a Global Director of China for a Global Shift Programme (Beijing) for the Conservation Biodiversity and Operations in WWF China Programme Office. This position will report to Chief Conservation Director.

Global Leader of China for a Global Shift Initiative(Beijing)

China for a Global Shift Initiative项目全球总监(北京)

I. Mission of the Initiative:

China is becoming one of the largest economies on Earth. The way it develops will significantly shape the future of the global economy. The Chinese government has recently set out ambitious targets for improved resource efficiency and sustainability through the concepts of a “circular economy”, a harmonious society, and a “Chinese Dream” within “ecological civilization”. This brings about an unprecedented opportunity for the global community to support and influence the way in which China implements these goals, i.e. how and where it harvests natural resources and how it uses those resources – a joint responsibility of everyone involved. 

The China for a Global Shift Initiative (hereafter referred as the Initiative) is WWF’s response to this opportunity. This global initiative strives to work with China and its partner countries to show how economic development and an increased quality of life can be achieved within the ecological limits of one planet, while allowing space for developing countries to grow.

The aim is to reduce pressure on key ecoregions and contribute to the reduction and redistribution of the global ecological footprint. In order to achieve this, WWF will work with partners in influencing decision making in China to address resource management policies and practices of both government and companies, in China and overseas. The Initiative selected some countries in Central and East Africa to pilot the theory of change. The knowledge and experience gained can then be applied to Chinese investment to other geographic locations.

The China for a Global Shift Initiative is one of a portfolio of 10-12 WWF’s highest priority programmes or “Global Initiatives”. The Leader of the Initiative will to provide dynamic leadership to the WWF network in the development and implementation of the Initiative, and in uniting WWF leaders in support of a shared and compelling vision. 

II. Major Functions:

• Leads the WWF network to implement the goals of the Initiative.
• Line-manages the core team of the GI and orchestrates the human, technical and financial resources throughout the network and beyond to implement the initiative
• Coordinates with and provides support to WWF programme directors/managers to ensure that consistent and integrated approaches are developed for the GI objectives
• Liaises with Programme Offices, National Organisations, other GIs and Conservation Committee stakeholders and meets their expectations for delivery

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads and directs development and implementation of the Initiative
• Gives strategic guidance for international policy formulation, lobbying and negotiation on issues related to the Initiative, internally as well as externally in various international policy fora;
• Leads and represents WWF at international conventions and meetings and acts as a spokesperson in international media, liaising and coordinating with WWF China;
• Sets the policy and partnerships’ framework to promote, enhance and magnify the goals set by the Initiative;
• Develops and nurtures institutional relationships key to achieving the Initiative’s strategic goals;
• Creates enabling conditions for WWF China to engage at highest policy platform and influence key economic policies that impacting WWF’s conservation priorities
• Engages global and local leaders on policy work;
• Defines and advises the WWF network on key “transformational strategies” in preparing for key international events;
• Develops strong relationships with institutional donors for fund-raising;
• Responsible for annual fund-raising with the relevant committees;
• Line-manages the Initiative’s core team and builds and manages a multidisciplinary virtual team across the WWF network to ensure delivery of the Initiative;
• Effectively manages the Initiative’s core budget; Be responsible and accountable for proper, wise and strategic use of these funds;
• Develops strategic alliances with governmental players, business and industry to promote the Initiative, with a focus on Chinese actors in China and overseas;
• Works with WWF programme communicators to develop campaign approaches as necessary, and communication outreach to support the Initiative’s objectives.

Ⅳ Working Relationships:

Internal - Works closely with the Initiative’s Shareholder Executive Team’s (SET) Chair and members, and also colleagues from other WWF offices who support the Initiative (stakeholders), and WWF CPO as the hosting office. Also works with other relevant Initiative Leaders and programmes, the Head of Global Initiatives at WWF International. Liaises closely with Conservation and Programme directors from key WWF offices, as well as with staff on policy engagement. 

External - Works closely with implementing and donor partners (bilateral and multilateral), governmental and non-governmental representatives, as well as private sector representatives.

Ⅴ.Profile:

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree and experience in the field such as international development, trade, finance and investment, or a relevant field; with interest and passion in conservation;
• Experience in engagement with Chinese government and corporate sector;
• Rich experience on engaging with players at high level - corporate and government – preferably both in China and internationally;
• At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and multiple donor budgets.

Required Skills

• Capability of engaging policy makers in China at the highest level;
• Excellent campaigning and communications skills;
• Strong negotiating and lobbying skills learned in either NGO, governmental, or business environments;
• Experience in raising and mobilising funding;
• Proven success in leading global teams;
• Proven experience and sensitivity of working with different cultures; especially related to China
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Excellent command of written and spoken Chinese.

Behavioural competencies

• Adheres to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging Demonstrates potential in the following critical competencies:

Establishing strategic direction

• Establishing and committing to a long-range course of action to accomplish a long-range goal or vision after analysing factual information and assumptions; taking into consideration resources, constraints and organisational values

Change Leadership

• Continuously seeking (or encouraging others to seek) opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing organisational problems and opportunities

Selling the Vision

• Passionately selling an organisational strategy; creating a clear view of the future state by helping others understand and feel how things will be different when the future vision is achieved

Drive for Results

• Setting high goals for personal and group accomplishment; using measurement methods to monitor progress towards goal attainment; tenaciously working to meet or exceed those goals while deriving satisfaction from the process of goal achievement and continuous improvement

Managing Global Teams

• Facilitating team-building process in a socially and culturally diverse environment by promoting openness, flexibility, respect in order to effectively enable each team member to perform at the highest level

Decision-making 

• Identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences

Contact information:

• Candidates should send a cover letter, CV in English and Chinese tohr@wwfchina.org. 
• Please indicate the applying position in title, salary expectation and send them in attachment. 
• Application deadline: 31st August 2013
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce