Head of Science & Impact

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organization with an informal work culture based in Zeist, the Netherlands. WWF-NL is part of the broader WWF Network, which operates in over 100 countries and together forms one of the largest conservation organizations in the world. The working language at WWF-NL is English.

WWF-NL consists of four departments: Conservation, Engagement, Organization & Talent Development, and Finance & Operations. In light of this, WWF-NL is seeking a Head of Science & Impact (36–40 hours). 

WWF-NL is a science-based and impact-driven organization. Our strategy is based on delivering long-term, integrated impact for nature and people in 12 landscapes across five continents. This landscape-level impact is complemented by efforts to drive systemic change in key global drivers of nature loss, particularly food and finance systems, and cross-cutting opportunities, such as Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience, Inclusive Conservation, and Human-Wildlife Coexistence and Connectivity.

We strive to ensure that our strategies are based on the best available scientific evidence, that we are able to measure and communicate compelling stories of our impact, and that we are constantly reflecting, learning, and improving the effectiveness of our strategies.

It is in this context that WWF-NL is seeking to hire a highly qualified, motivated, and collaborative Head of Science & Impact. The Head of Science & Impact reports directly to Deon Nel, the Chief Conservation Officer.

Roles and responsibilities

The Head of Science & Impact will ensure that:

• The strategies, tactics, and activities of WWF-NL and its partners are guided by the best available science and evidence;
• WWF-NL and its partners are able to measure, report on, and share compelling stories about the impact of our efforts with our supporters and stakeholders;
• Teams within WWF-NL are constantly reflecting, learning, and improving the effectiveness of their strategies;
• The knowledge generated by WWF-NL’s conservation work is effectively captured, managed, and shared in compelling ways.

To achieve this, the Head of Science & Impact will:

• Lead a small and motivated team of science and impact advisors;
• Ensure strong collaboration between the Science & Impact team and other teams at WWF-NL;
• Maintain and build a strong network of science and knowledge experts and institutions in the Netherlands and around the world;
• Lead the development of knowledge products, support and inform our strategies, and capture the knowledge generated in our programs;
• Lead the development of Strategy & Impact Dashboards that inform and measure the impact of our strategies;
• Develop and coordinate efficient and effective methods for capturing and reporting the impact of our work, in ways that are both scientifically sound and engaging and compelling to a variety of audiences.

Who are you?

Ideally, you will:

• Have experience inimpact reportingas well as designing and implementingmonitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks, preferably in the nonprofit sector;
• Have an international perspective and work experience in the Global South;
• Good command of English and Dutch (both spoken and written);
• Preferably hold a PhD, with at least a master’s degree, in environmental or social sciences, with a track record of publishing both scientific and popular literature;
• Be a systems thinker with excellent strategic and analytical skills;
• Have at least 5–10 years of work experience, including:
• Experience in leading and managing teams
• Experience working in an agile work environment that requires strong cross-team collaboration
• Be positive and highly collaborative;
• Work with the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.

Core values

You identify with the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What do we offer?

• An office surrounded by nature;
• Fun coworkers and the opportunity to build an international network;
• After-work drinks on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays and vegetarian lunches in our cafeteria;
• An employment contract for 36–40 hours per week. Initially, a one-year fixed-term employment contract with a one-month probationary period will be offered;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch nonprofit sector; The minimum monthly salary for the role is 4,909 EUR and the maximum monthly salary is 6,891 EUR (based on a 40-hour workweek and relevant experience);
• Employees receive a personal budget consisting of an 8% vacation allowance and a 2.08% flexible budget, and are entitled to 6 weeks of vacation per year (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• We encourage flexible work arrangements, the use of public transportation, and biking for work-related travel. Employees receive an NS Business Card for second-class travel to and from work;
• We also have a hybrid work model, so employees can alternate between working from home and from the office.

Information and procedure

If you are interested in this position, please apply byJanuary 8, 2023.

Please note that you must have a valid work permit to work for WWF-NL.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Babette Vanlancker (Recruiter) atbvanlancker@wwf.nl. Questions about this role can be directed to Deon Nel (Chief Conservation Officer) viadnel@wwf.nl. For more information about WWF-NL, please visit our website:www.wnf.nl

We actively strive to ensure that our workforce reflects society and the international nature of our organization. We therefore especially encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

We take the safety and protection of our colleagues seriously. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also request references.