PROGRAMME HEAD, CLIMATE-SMART LAND USE APPOINTMENT BRIEF JANUARY 2018
ABOUT WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL Wetlands International is global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands International has 20 offices that share the name and brand Wetlands International and implement a joint Strategic Intent. The organisation has its head office in Ede-Wageningen (Netherlands). The vision of Wetlands International is: a world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide. INTRODUCTION Land-use change and especially intensive agri-development is a key driver of wetland loss and degradation. Drainage of peatlands has a particularly disastrous impact in terms of GHG emissions, biodiversity loss, land degradation and desertification, subsidence and loss of water storage and productive land. However, there is growing recognition that an ecosystem approach i.e. re-establishing agro-ecosystems at landscape scale is necessary to meet future food needs, address climate challenges, and contribute to biodiversity conservation and water security. Wetlands International has a wellestablished and long-term leadership role on mobilising peatland knowledge, conservation and restoration (including major restoration programmes in Russia and Indonesia), extensive partnerships and a portfolio of projects from the tropics to the Arctic. Conencting the work of different offices around the globe for maximum impact, the organisation has been working with producers and influencing policies and production methods to achieve responsible and sustainable use of wetlands e.g. for peat, palm oil, rice, soy livestock and aquaculture. and. Built upon such experiences and unique niches, Peatland Treasures is included as one of the five Streams in Wetlands International s Strategic Page 2 of 8
Intent 2015-2025, with an ambition to work closely with government, conventions, industry groups and civil society to reshape and scale up policies, plans and investments in climate-smart land use to transform whole peatland landscapes. This work offers cost-effective opportunities to contribute to Agenda 2030, including to specific targets set in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. We are seeking a Programme Head for Climate-smart Land Use to build on the platform and credibility we have established in this field and to drive this work forward globally, both in terms of influence of sectoral actors and the establishment and scaling up of programmes. This will be achieved by joining a small team of Programme Heads in the Head Office of Wetlands International, who together guide and facilitate programme development and implementation on behalf of the whole network organisation. The leadership role will involve working with many offices in Wetlands International s network and with a wide range of partners from all relevant sectors. THE ROLE The Programme Head is responsible to develop and guide Wetlands International s policy influence and programmes in relation to climate-smart land use, including a strong focus on peatlands, according to Wetlands International s goals. This work involves influencing science, policy, practice, and investments in both the public and private sectors. To achieve this the Programme Head will act as part of a global leadership team in head office and coordinate with a wide array of actors and policy networks as well as with Wetlands International offices in all regions for resource mobilisation, programme development and implementation. The role includes management of a small team of technical staff in the head office. The Programme Head is a visionary and facilitative leader with the professional insights, active networks, programme/project management experience and management competencies to lead a network-wide team and related partners to deliver concrete, innovative and tangible results related to wetlands and climate-smart land use. S/he proactively recognizes opportunities and acts upon them. S/he is a team-builder, facilitator, coach, mediator and diplomat. Page 3 of 8
PROGRAMME HEAD, CLIMATE-SMART LAND USE SALARY: Scale 13-14 of Wetlands International (Euro 3.943 Euro 5.476) LOCATION: Ede-Wageningen, Netherlands CONTRACT: Long-term and Full-time (36 hours per week) position starting with 1 year contract, with possible extension to indefinite contract REPORTING TO: Head of Programmes COORDINATING WITH: CEO, COO, Head of Programmes, Programme Heads, Communications and Advocacy staff and other technical and operations staff in head office; Heads of Office and technical staff from network offices, Associate Experts RESPONSIBILITIES Provide leadership for Wetlands International s work to promote climate-smart land use in relation to all programmes, including leading the inter-office team and coordinating implementation of the Peatland Treasures Stream of our Strategic Intent 2015-2025. Page 4 of 8
As a senior member of the programme leadership with a global role, develop strategic initiatives, partnerships and programmes and mobilise (financial, technical and human) resources to contribute to achieve organisational goals. Contribute to the development of organisational strategies, positions and policies, reviewing programmatic achievements, as well as prioritisation of strategic initiatives and partnerships to deliver the Strategic Intent. Supervise and manage staff, consultants, projects, contracts and budgets according to Wetlands International policies and standards. Evaluate and report on implementation progress towards our Strategic goals for the Peatland Treasures Stream and contribute to institutional reporting and learning processes in the organisation. Nurture and maintain specialist expert networks relevant to peatlands and climate smart land use. Represent and promote Wetlands International with external partners, donors, members and networks on various levels and in a multitude of international settings. Carry out other tasks according to the organisational needs as agreed with the Head of Programmes in individual work plans. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential: At least 5 years of professional experience of policy and practical aspects of wetlands ecosystems and climate-smart land use. At least 5 years of experience on programme/project development and implementation with a track record of successful results, working with dispersed teams and diverse partners. Proven ability to inspire, empower and motivate colleagues in and outside of Wetlands International, so as to build a high performance team. Knowledge of key issues, debates, trends and key global processes related to climate-smart land use and sustainable agriculture. Page 5 of 8
Diplomat, good listener with strong interpersonal skills and comfortable working across different cultures and levels of society; confident communicator and advocate for different target audiences at all levels. Strong willingness and ability to learn, share and innovate; Proven ability to mobilise ideas through developing and coordinating teams. Education: minimum of a master s degree in a relevant discipline. Language: excellent communications skills in English, essential: written, oral and presentation. Commitment to Wetlands International s mission, values and ways of working. Willingness and ability to travel regularly. Preferred: Has an elaborate international network with relevant (international) NGOs, academics, knowledge institutes, governments, and other regional & global institutions. Knowledge of other languages (especially French, Spanish, Dutch), a plus. Page 6 of 8
HOW TO APPLY All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this role, please find the role on our website, click on the Apply button and complete our online application form. Please attach an up-to-date CV and a Statement in ONE single document. CLOSING DATE Applications will be considered as they are received. This role may close to applications before the planned closing date of Monday, 19 th February 2018. SELECTION PROCESS Applications will be reviewed as received. The candidates meeting the essential requirements will be screened by Oxford HR before the closing date of the advert. The shortlisted candidates will be then referred for formal interview with Wetlands International. Previous applicants need not apply. EQUALITY STATEMENT Equality and diversity is at the core of Wetlands International values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected. QUERIES If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Ana Fernandes or George Alexandridis at wetlands-climate@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance. Page 7 of 8
ABOUT OXFORD HR Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and UK charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy. Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our clients. Oxford HR s team members have significant personal experience of working in international development and the social sector as well as the corporate and governmental sectors. We are in a unique position to find and assess talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Photo credits: Wetlands International