Head of Science & Impact

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

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

WWF-NL is a science-based and impact driven organisation. Our strategy is founded 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, especially food and finance systems, and cross cutting opportunities, such as Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience, Inclusive Conservation and Human Wildlife Co-existence and Connectivity.

We seek to ensure that our strategies are informed by the best-available science, we are able to measure and tell compelling stories of impact, and that we are continuously reflecting, learning and improving the effectiveness of our strategies.

It is within this context that WWF-NL seeks to employ 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:

• Strategies, tactics and activities of WWF-NL and its partners are informed by the best possible science and evidence;
• WWF-NL and its partners are able to measure, report and tell compelling stories of impact of our efforts to our supporters and stakeholders;
• Teams within WWF-NL are continuously reflecting, learning and improving the effectiveness of their strategies;
• Knowledge generated by WWF-NL’s conservation work is effectively captured, managed and disseminated in compelling ways.

To achieve this the Head of Science & Impact will:

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

Who are you?

Ideally you will:

• Have experience in Impact Reporting as well as designing and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning frameworks, preferably in the non-profit sector;
• Be internationally oriented and have work experience in the Global South;
• Good mastery of the English and Dutch language (both verbal and written);
• Preferably hold a PhD, with a minimum of a Masters degree, in environmental or social sciences with a record of publishing both scientific and popular literature;
• Be a systems thinker with excellent strategic and analytical skills;
• Have at least 5-10 years work experience that includes:
• Experience of leading and managing teams
• Experience in working in an agile work environment that requires strong cross-team collaboration
• Be positive and highly collaborative;
• Work to the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.

Core values

You recognize yourself in the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What do we offer?

• An office surrounded by nature;
• Fun colleagues and the chance to build up an international network;
• After work drinks alternating on Tuesday and Thursday and vegetarian lunches in our canteen;
• An employment contract of 36-40 hours. Initially, a fixed-term employment contract of one year with a one-month probation period will be offered;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch not for profit 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 contract and relevant experience);
• Staff receive a personal budget that is made up of 8% holiday allowance and 2,08% flexible budget, and receive 6 weeks of holiday per year (based on a 40-hour contract);
• We stimulate flexible working arrangements, the use of public transport and bike for work related travel. Employees receive an NS Business Card for 2nd class travel to and from work;
• We also have a hybrid working model, so staff can alternate working from home and from the office.

Information and procedure

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

Please note that in order to work for WWF-NL, you need a valid work permit.

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

We actively strive for our employees to reflect society and the international character of our organization. We therefore especially encourage candidates with backgrounds that are normally underrepresented to apply.

We consider the safety and protection of our colleagues as important. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and supply a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also ask for references.