WWF Appointment of Director of Finance and Resources Information for Candidates June 2011 BWFL
Contents 1. The Organisation 02 2. The Role 03 3. Person Specification 05 4. Terms of Appointment 07 5. How to Apply 08 Appendix 1 09 This document provides candidates with information on the appointment of a Director of Finance and Resources for WWF-UK. For further information about the organisation please visit their website at www.wwf.org.uk. 1
1. The Organisation 1. WWF exists to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The world is facing an environmental crunch and WWF-UK is at the forefront of efforts to create a future in which people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet s natural resources a One Planet Future. 2. In order to make this vision a reality, WWF is creating solutions to some of the world s most serious environmental challenges both here in the UK and around the world, by: Safeguarding the natural world Tackling climate change Changing the way we live 3. WWF is a challenging, constructive, highly respected, science-based organisation and one of the world s leading independent environmental bodies working in partnership with governments, businesses, communities and other organisations. 4. As a leading environmental charity, WWF-UK is dependent on its 400,000 supporters, and over 85% per cent of its income of 56m is derived from voluntary sources such as individuals or the business community. 5. WWF-UK directs some 70 per cent of its conservation expenditure towards its global programmes, and, critically, seeks to influence global environmental issues through responsible actions in the UK. For example, it seeks to influence UK government and EU policy, and also works in partnership with companies such as HSBC and M&S. 6. WWF-UK is active in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and employs around 370 people. 7. WWF-UK is part of the international WWF Network, with a secretariat residing near Geneva, operating in more than 100 countries. As the second largest country organisation in the Network, WWF-UK plays an active part in shaping its strategic direction. 2
2. The Role 1. The Director of Finance and Resources reports to the Chief Executive of WWF-UK, deputising on internal matters where required. 2. The Director plays a critical role as part of the senior management team, working together with fellow Directors to ensure that the organisation s resources are structured and deployed to greatest effect. 3. The Director also supports the Trustees and the Honorary Treasurer in financial, investment, legal and risk management matters. 4. WWF-UK has four divisions: Resources, Programmes, Communications and Fundraising. The Director of Resources leads the Resources Division, which comprises Finance, IT, HR, Strategic Planning & Performance, Legal, Facilities and Internal Audit. 5. The organisation has secured a site, planning permission and some dedicated funding to enable it to move to a new purpose-built HQ in the centre of Woking in 2013. The Living Planet Centre will be an iconic and leading environmental building with facilities for visitors as well as employees. The Finance and Resources Director will oversee the construction of the building and lead the planning and delivery of the move. Key responsibilities 1. Co-ordinate the planning for and contribute to the overall strategic direction of WWF-UK, as an integral part of the senior management team, which leads and manages the organisation. 2. Work closely with other WWF Network colleagues on financial, administrative and organisational matters; for example by serving as a member of the international Network s global Operations Committee. 3. Lead the Resources Division, which currently comprises approximately fifty people (see attached organisational chart in Appendix 1) and acts as an enabler to the rest of the organisation through the provision of a customer-oriented service. 4. Through the relevant heads of teams, oversee the: Development of strategic and operating plans and budgets, providing an independent review of performance of all WWF-UK activities against key reporting indicators. Preparation of the organisation s management and statutory accounts and financial forecasts for review and approval by the Finance & Business Committee and subsequently by the Board of Trustees. 3
Management of the organisation s finances to maintain a sound balance sheet, and implement the policies agreed by the Board of Trustees for ethically and environmentally acceptable investments. Handling of all matters of taxation to optimise the tax advantages offered by WWF s charitable status. Delivery of the HR strategy to become an employer of choice; recruiting, retaining, rewarding and developing the right people to achieve the mission. Provision of systems and technology that meet the organisation s needs both current and future. Compliance with WWF-UK s corporate and charitable status with statutory requirements and supervise management of the organisation s legal services. Provision of physical office space in the current buildings and by 2013 in the new one - that provides an effective working environment for employees, and meets all legal and health and safety requirements. Delivery of the Internal Audit Programme on behalf of the Audit Committee. 5. Oversee the implementation of WWF-UK s strategy for its relationships with Business & Industry. 4
3. Person Specification The successful candidate is likely to have a strong finance background, be operating at board level and possess all or most of the following: Experience Essential Experience of operating at Director level in a successful organisation, whether private, public or third sector. Proven experience of leading multidisciplinary functions (probably as FD, CFO or COO), ensuring that they are aligned with organisational strategy, needs and operational priorities. Ability to influence and negotiate skilfully in challenging situations to achieve constructive outcomes with both internal and external groups. Experience of project management, delivering complex outcomes within budget. An understanding of the private sector, and of engagement with businesses to achieve positive results. Experience of being able to bring about positive change in an organisation without having direct authority over those impacted. A track record of inspiring positive change through the provision of effective leadership; providing the right mix of challenge and support to direct reports, motivating and enabling them to be successful in achieving their objectives. Significant experience of cross-functional working, adopting a customer focused approach to achieve strategic objectives and deliver a high standard of service. Ability to communicate effectively and with respect for others. The ability to organise and integrate data, ideas and concepts in order to devise solutions to problems; acting as a role model to others. Enthusiasm for the mission of WWF. Desirable Experience of working in an NGO, or international professional services practice would be an asset Proven experience of leading organisation wide projects that impact across all divisions, for example an office relocation. 5
A professional accountancy qualification combined with excellent general financial management skills, including the ability to translate financial data into an overall organisational picture. A graduate degree. Personal attributes Team builder - able to build effective teams committed to organisational goals and to foster collaboration within the team. At the same time, willing to take direct responsibility and be personally accountable for performance. Proactive and thoughtful but results orientated exhibiting a strong drive for results and success, while being open to discussion and persuasion. Adaptability able to understand the bigger picture, and demonstrate the capacity to adjust successfully to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and change, so as to achieve objectives. Credible and comfortable working with senior external people. Direct and assertive as well as diplomatic; able to gain the trust of others quickly. Able to build strong relationships and drive action in a collaborative way; to engage with people driven by facts and data and those driven by feelings and beliefs. 6
4. Terms of Appointment The salary will be competitive, commensurate upon the successful candidate s experience and background. WWF-UK operates a stakeholder pension scheme, into which WWF contributes 7.5% of salary, plus an additional 2.5% if the employee contributes 2.5%. Employees are given 25 days paid holiday per year, including three days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed. Holiday entitlement increases by one day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days. In addition, WWF-UK offers a cycle to work scheme, interest free season ticket loan, childcare voucher scheme, GAYE, life assurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Scheme providing confidential counselling and an advisory service. The role will initially be based in Godalming, Surrey, but, will move to a new environmentally outstanding headquarters in Woking during 2013. 7
5. How to Apply Saxton Bampfylde has been engaged as advisers to WWF-UK on this appointment. Applications should be sent to: Stephen Bampfylde Saxton Bampfylde (ref: BWFL) PO Box 198 Guildford Surrey GU1 4FH or by fax: +44 (0)1483 531882 or email: BWFL@saxbam.com The closing date for applications is noon on 12 July 2011. Please enclose with your application: the completed detachable candidate summary form and equal opportunities monitoring sheet, which are attached. Applications from all groups are warmly welcomed; a full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements and budgets and employees managed, and latest remuneration including any benefits; a covering note of not more than 2 pages (total) summarising your proven ability related to the person and job specifications; and daytime, evening and/or mobile telephone numbers (to be used with discretion). The process An initial selection of candidates will be invited to have a preliminary discussion with Saxton Bampfylde in late July/early August and candidates will be provided with additional briefing information. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection panel in late August/ early September. You may expect to be contacted by Saxton Bampfylde not later than end of July. 8
Appendix 1. 9