Director of Science at WWF

Director of Science – The Role

As the Director of Science you will lead the Science team, through which we ensure that WWF-UK is a science and evidence based organisation. The Science team is responsible for thought leadership through engagement with the external academic community, seeding new cross-disciplinary research initiatives, interfacing with the WWF Network science community as well as horizon scanning and innovation. They will be tasked with addressing research questions critical to the delivery of our new strategy, providing scientific expertise and advice, and representing the organisation on scientific issues in the media and other fora.

Our major challenge is to find solutions to restore nature AND tackle climate change AND feed a growing global population all within the available resource limits of our one planet. The research focus of the Science team will respond directly to the needs of our strategy goal teams and will work closely with them. The team also works with communications, fundraising, advocacy and campaigns colleagues to ensure our work is always informed by the latest scientific thinking. The team, working with Network colleagues, is also responsible for the WWF LPR (Living planet report) series.

In addition you will forge strong external relationships to bring in new ideas and develop partnerships with external research organisations to help achieve desired outcomes.

Director of Science – Requirement

With a PhD or relevant professional qualification you will have experience in the natural or social sciences as well as an in-depth understanding of the inter-play between science and policy. You will have a track record of catalysing and using new research to deliver real world outcomes.

You will have sound knowledge of the social science debates in conservation and environment contexts coupled with the capability to develop and use science approaches to generate evidence for conservation and environmental impact. You will be familiar with assessing how to evidence changes in social outcomes as a result of conservation or environment interventions too.

Capable of building high performing teams you will be a confident and effective communicator. This will include being able to convey technical information to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Comfortable analysing complex information, regulations and policies, you will also be used to providing advice and best fit solutions to meet organisational needs.

Who are we?

WWF believes in a future where people and nature thrive.

Best known as the world’s leading conservation body, we’ve seen first-hand how wildlife, the environment and human activity are all interlinked.

That’s why our passion for safeguarding the natural world has to be backed up by other environmental action – tackling the global threat of climate change (through our big global campaigns like Earth Hour) and helping people to change the way they live to ease pressure on natural resources.

WWF is at the heart of global activities in all these areas. We have teams of highly skilled professionals working with governments, businesses and communities here in the UK and around the world.

Director of Science – How to Apply

If you have the skills to help build a movement in defence of nature please visit our website via the link and complete the online registration and submit a copy of your up to date CV with cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this role and why you believe you are suited for the role.

Closing Date: 02/09/2018

At WWF-UK we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits to encourage a work life balance.

At WWF-UK we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits to encourage a work life balance.