Job Description

WWF works with major companies and their supply chains to change the way key global commodities are produced, processed, consumed and financed worldwide. Together with large retailers, manufacturers, traders and investors, commodities can be produced more efficiently and responsibly. In creating demand for such products, significant environmental results can be achieved and markets will become more sustainable.

WWF focuses its efforts on commodities and sectors that most impact the planet's critical regions for biodiversity conservation and those that contribute to humanity’s footprint. Currently these include forests (timber, pulp, and paper), fisheries (whitefish and tuna), aquaculture (salmon and shrimp), agriculture (soy, cotton, palm oil, sugarcane, and livestock—beef and dairy), and bio-energy (produced from agriculture and forestry).

Director, China Program

WWF seeks a Director, China Program, for the Markets Transformation Department. S/he will serve as WWF-US’s point person for all work related to China, including collaboratively developing and communicating a strategic vision, representing and negotiating on behalf of China within the US, and working with the WWF network and others to coordinate strategies for WWF-US with regard to China. S/he will be responsible for fundraising and communication efforts and targets, as well as working towards a common vision and objectives for all work related to China.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, strategic leader with experience implementing and managing cross-cultural teams and complex programs and is skilled at using collaboration to achieve conservation outcomes. The Director, China Program, will report to the Senior Vice President of Markets.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Director, China Program, will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

Program Management and Coordination

• Serve as the China Lead in WWF-US, supporting all WWF-US teams and individuals by providing expertise and knowledge. Act as US liaison to the China Program Office (CPO) and other Chinese stakeholders as appropriate. Work closely with WWF-US Field, Markets, and Policy teams to coordinate all China-related activities internally and integrate with those of CPO or other partners. Improve  communications and coordination with CPO to achieve shared objectives and      priorities. Assist WWF-US and CPO teams with all fundraising related to China within the US.
• Identify and create solutions to the political, social, scientific, and management issues that confront WWF in achieving its goals in China. Solve problems and make things happen  under complex circumstances. Ensure learning and best practices are      shared.
• Support China Sustainable Growth Fund activities by providing expertise and connections to the Fund as appropriate.
• Facilitate place-based and species conservation work in China. Work with the freshwater and other teams of WWF-US Field Programs and CPO to support the delivery of conservation results for priority species (e.g., pandas and tigers) and      places (e.g., Yangtze Basin and Greater Mekong Region).
• Serve as a Shareholder  Executive Team (SET) member and oversee the implementation of key China Shift strategies. Ensure coordination between various China-related initiatives as appropriate.
• Support Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) capacity development in CPO as appropriate. Support the build out of the MTI team within CPO. Serve as the backstop, as necessary, for the development and implementation of the MTI strategies in China.

Negotiations and Partnering

• Work with the network and others to articulate and support a common vision for WWF in China.
• Represent the US vision on China while collaborating with network partners to build a mutually agreed upon strategy and work plan. Ensure positive working alliances with various stakeholders.
• Negotiate agreements that incorporate the conditions necessary for success.

Communications and Fundraising

• Serve as the champion for  WWF’s China work in the US and globally, as appropriate.
• Lead major fundraising efforts in conjunction with Development staff.
• Engage policymakers and institutions in building public awareness and commitment through comprehensive campaigns.
• Be accountable for annual fundraising goals and commitments.

Team Management

• Work with relevant teams across the organization to ensure that the best talent is brought to bear in developing and implementing solutions and strategies.
• Build and maintain partnerships with public and private sector partners.
• Set goals and expectations for the China Program staff, support them to achieve success, and measure and communicate progress on an ongoing basis.
• Create opportunities for recognition and development. Provide feedback, counseling, and coaching.

Desired Skills & Experience

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• 10+ years work experience in a relevant area with a minimum of 5 years work experience leading and managing projects and/or teams focused on conservation, development, or business
• An advanced degree in a  relevant field such as conservation, business, or international development required
• Previous experience working  in China or in a China-related program with an extensive, relevant network of contacts
• Thorough understanding of  Chinese culture, politics, and conservation issues
• Superior negotiation and communication skills, with a proven ability to define and defend priorities, build consensus, influence, coordinate, and facilitate the work of colleagues within the China Program
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with past experience providing coaching and professional      development to staff
• High level of interpersonal skills required, especially relationship management and consensus building skills and the ability to work as part of a high-level international team
• Ability to effectively prioritize and produce high-quality work under time constraints
• Ability and willingness to travel both nationally and internationally (up to 30%)
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, fluency in English and Mandarin required

Compensation and Location

WWF offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. This position will be located in Washington, DC.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. CEA Recruiting is assisting World Wildlife Fund with this search. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. This position will remain open until filled. Click here to apply on CEA's website.

World Wildlife Fund is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit www.cearecruiting.com.