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WWF

2 International Board Trustee

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 honouring diversity in the organisation. 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 organisations 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. 

About the WWF International Board

The International Board (IB) has a dual role. It is the legal and fiduciary board for the Foundation WWF International and all its Country Offices. WWF International is the coordinating Secretariat for the WWF Network as well as the home office for 33 country offices in Africa, Asia Pacific and the MENA. Regions. It is also the governance body for WWF’s global network that is made up of 36 National Organisations, overseen by their own boards. In that role, the IB sets the mission as well as the global goals for the WWF Network, conducts careful stewardship of the brand, approves the establishment of National Organisations, and oversees that WWF has and complies with high-performance standards for its people, operations and finances, and its conservation activities. 

The International Board is a group of talented individuals whose collective skills make for a diverse resource that helps guide the WWF Network to achieve its vision.

The International Board consists of 12 members, with the International President, Pavan Sukhdev, as 13th member and Chair. 

Purpose of the Role

WWF Trustees are individuals of great merit, with high levels of integrity to fulfil the governance role and set an example to the rest of the organisation. Trustees need to be visionary and strategic thinking individuals with gravitas, interpersonal skills and leadership experience, and a commitment to good governance, as well as the experience of how to deliver this good governance in an international network. They are motivated by a profound commitment to Nature and a passion for the aims of WWF, and willing to put useful relationships at the disposal of WWF’s mission. Trustees must be willing and able to dedicate sufficient time to the role.

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Board holds meetings four times a year (two face-to-face and two virtual), and may be called for extra sessions. 

The participation in one of the Board’s committees or ad hoc working groups may be proposed and implies additional meetings. The IB has three permanent committees (Finance & Investment; Audit, Risk & Compliance; Network Development), and time-limited working groups. 

Board members are expected to participate in the WWF Annual Conference (physical or virtual meetings). 

Overall the time commitment required is estimated at up to an average of 15 days a year.

WWF trustees are not remunerated.  Expenses incurred in the accomplishment of the Trustees duties are covered in line with WWF’s travel and expense policies. 

Skills and Experience

For this position, candidates should have a solid background and experience in conservation, conservation policy and its implementation, natural and environmental sciences, biodiversity conservation and the social and human rights dimensions of conservation work.  Experience in ‘on the ground/field’ conservation such as management of natural habitats will be an asset.

For this position, WWF is prioritising female candidates from the Africa region, with effective experience of working in one or more African countries. 

Additional specifications

  • Experience of working in or supervising federated organisations is desirable;
  • Prior experience as a trustee would be an asset;
  • Ability to meet the time requirements of the position

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.