Lead Specialist, Arctic Responsible Development

WWF

About WWF
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the World’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF has a global network active in over 100 countries with almost 5 million supporters.
 
WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. 
 
The WWF Global Arctic Programme (GAP) is one of the key regional programmes within the WWF network. The GAP leads the WWF Network, WWF National Offices in Arctic states, and other interested WWF offices in conservation efforts in the Arctic.  The GAP is hosted by, and headquartered at, WWF-Canada in Ottawa.

Position Description
The Lead Specialist, Arctic Responsible Development is tasked with creating an attainable vision for the future sustainable development of the Arctic. This role is responsible for designing, leading, coordinating, and implementing activities to achieve WWF’s vision for the Arctic. The goal is to eliminate and/or mitigate immediate threats associated with vulnerable and valuable Arctic areas, species and ecosystem services. The work will be undertaken in close collaboration with WWF National Offices, programmes of WWF- International, and external partners.
 
Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, implement, and lead the vision of the WWF Global Arctic Programme (GAP) strategy on Arctic sustainable development future.
  • Create and lead the WWF working group (practitioners network) for responsible development in order to coordinate input and implement the WWF Arctic Strategic Plan.
  • Ensure effective collaboration with WWF National Offices and other units to ensure achievement of WWF’s Arctic Strategic Plan and to ensure national office plans are mutually supportive and integrated on issues related to responsible development.
  • Liaise with the GAP communications team and other WWF communications colleagues to help prepare relevant messages, positions, and other materials.
  • Provide technical and policy advice to staff and to the broader WWF Network as required.
  • Identify new sources of funding and pursue relationships with new donors in coordination with various stakeholders.
  • Develop and submit fundraising proposals and liaise with relevant stakeholders.
  • Track and report on progress according to WWF operational protocols and standards.
  • Strengthen, diversify and maintain working relationships with governments, Indigenous Peoples organizations, business and industry and the non-governmental community.
  • Maintain strategic overview of development opportunities and keep abreast of new trends, including in the investment and financial sectors, and emerging opportunities for WWF.
  • Create strategic partnerships and alliances with international, national, and regional stakeholders including conservation groups, industry and government.

  
What We Are Looking For:
 

  • Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline with at least 10 years post-graduation work experience in a position directly relating to development, financial institutions, conservation or advocacy with Arctic experience being significant asset.
  • Advanced knowledge of Arctic development operations and challenges, including key sectors (finance, insurance, oil and gas, energy, fishing and shipping).
  • Excellent leadership, management, motivational, coordination and interpersonal skills, including experience managing/leading staff.
  • Proven ability to execute plans and deliver on agreed objectives.
  • Proven ability to work in team and manage virtual teams.
  • Excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills, rigor, and ability to translate technical and scientific information for a non-technical audience.
  • Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and strategic thinking skills coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop positive relationships with all stakeholders involved in Arctic development discussions.
  • Understanding of the ecosystem services concept and knowledge of key approaches.
  • Experience and understanding of policy work and demonstrated ability to do advocacy.
  • Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically.
  • Demonstrated ability to act as a spokesperson to the media.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, knowledge of another Arctic language is an asset.
  • Proactive, self-motivating person, who works within the team but demonstrates ability for autonomy.

 
Other Information
This is a full-time, two-year term position with the possibility of renewal.  This position will be located in our Ottawa office or in a WWF national office outside of Canada depending on the suitability of the successful candidate.  There will be international travel as part of this role.


How to apply:
 
If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, you may submit your application:
 
Online
 
https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=13992081 .  Please submit your cover letter and resume (as one document). 
 
OR
 
Direct Mail
 
Attn: Human Resources Department
245 Eglinton Ave. Suite 410
Toronto, ON
M4P 3J1
 
If you are submitting an application via direct mail, please include your answers to the following questions:

  1. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
  2. What are your annual salary expectations?
  3. How flexible are your salary expectations?
  4. When are you available to start?
  5. Where did you hear about this job opportunity?

Deadline to Apply:  Please ensure that your application is received on or before September 8, 2015, 5pm EST. 
 
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility: 
 
WWF-Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.
 
WWF-Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative in a timely fashion of any accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining WWF-Canada.  Given the volume of applications received, we request that you do not follow up your application with a phone call.  We will contact only those candidates selected for interviews and thank you for your understanding.