Head, Global Policy & Advocacy Communications

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime.

All around the world, people are waking up to the devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss. The situation today is worse than the darkest predictions of just ten years ago, pushing billions of people to the edge and threatening lives and livelihoods. At WWF, we are facing our biggest crisis – and our biggest ever opportunity – to create a better future for people and nature.  With over 60 years of experience and an active presence in more than 100 countries, we work to achieve both on-the-ground and global policy action, from protecting and restoring species and their habitats, to transforming markets and policies toward sustainability.

Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from conservation science and advocacy to HR and finance. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us tackle this enormous global challenge and drive the urgent conservation impact needed to restore our planet.

What We Do
We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. From individuals and communities to businesses and governments, we are part of a growing global movement calling for bolder action on climate and nature, demanding that world leaders set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. WWF works to address the most dominant drivers of nature loss through system-wide changes in how food and energy are produced and consumed, and in how financial systems are structured. By implementing change in every country, we aim to drive visible and positive impacts on the ground, helping to restore nature in the most critical places around the world, from the Amazon to the Coral Triangle.

Engaging everyone means addressing the barriers to participation faced by some groups in society, including local communities. Conservation will only be sustainable if it is owned by, and benefits, local people. That’s why Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be at the centre of action on climate and nature. WWF is committed to using its resources and global network to support these communities in creating together the most effective solutions where they live.

Humanity is still in time, we have a clear pathway to solve this crisis. At WWF, we call on everyone to join the global movement, change how we live, and take action now.

1. MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

• Enable the WWF mission through driving a strong, inspiring, compelling, and strategic communications approach to ensure and support conservation impact in line with the strategic priorities of WWF International.
• To drive strategic communications to the Network, Governing bodies, International Secretariat and leadership in support of WWF International strategic priorities.
• To drive the strategic alignment on articulating consistent external positions on emerging issues across the Network.
• To ensure a coherent ‘One WWF, One Voice’ by integrating and supporting the communications, media and brand functions across WWF International and supporting these services to the network (offices in over 90 countries).
• To engage targeted audiences across the globe to accelerate conservation impact, influence decision makers and to build the WWF brand.
• To facilitate and coordinate the development and alignment to a global communications strategy.
• To provide common technology platforms Network-wide to enable communication with key audiences.
• To provide a Centre of Excellence to the Network and convene the Communications Community in terms of communications practice

2. MAJOR FUNCTIONS

• Leads the development and execution of global policy and advocacy communications strategies that elevate and strengthen WWF’s perspectives and influence in key global, regional, and national forums.
• Shapes and delivers compelling narratives and messaging to advance WWF’s global policy ambitions, ensuring alignment with Network-wide priorities.
• Drives strategic collaboration between policy, advocacy, and communications teams across WWF International and the Network to maximize the sustained impact of WWF’s policy influencing efforts.
• Anticipates and responds to shifting global policy developments, ensuring WWF’s communications are proactive and strategic in seizing opportunities and managing risks at a global level.
• Fosters partnerships and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders to unify and amplify WWF’s voice and presence in global policy dialogue.

3. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements integrated communications strategies that position WWF as a leading voice in global policy discussions, aligned with the WWF Mission, the goals of the Global Policy Impact Department and agreed communications priorities.
• Leads communications planning and delivery for key global moments (e.g. priority fora and initiatives), collaborating closely with WWF Country and National Offices, thematic communications leads, and other relevant internal stakeholders to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective global messaging.
• Cultivates strong, sustained relationships with policymakers, thought leaders and advocacy partners, using persuasive and compelling communications to advance WWF’s perspectives and priorities.
• Collaborates with relevant WWF International and Network colleagues to develop unified narratives and impactful messaging for diverse audiences, including policymakers, partners, donors, and the public – packaging assets for adaptation and activation by WWF Network teams.
• Anticipates global policy trends and geopolitical developments, providing strategic insights and recommendations to senior management, and leading timely, effective communications responses.
• Coordinates with Global Communication Department teams to seamlessly integrate policy and advocacy narratives into broader internal and external WWF communications.
• Drives capacity building across the WWF Network by developing targeted resources, training, and guidance to enhance effective policy and advocacy communications.
• Manages and maintains a robust library of issues management content – including precedent cases and network viewpoints – ensuring sustained accuracy, alignment, and consistency across the WWF Network.
• Monitors and evaluates the impact of communications initiatives on WWF’s policy influence, providing insights and recommendations to inform continuous improvement.
• Represents WWF International’s policy and advocacy communications in cross-functional working groups and task forces, contributing to the development of aligned global strategies.

4. PROFILE

Required qualifications.

• At least 10 years professional experience in policy and advocacy communications, ideally within a complex, international, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Deep understanding of the intersection between policy, advocacy, and communications with a proven ability to translate strategic priorities into impactful narratives and communications campaigns.
• Proven track record in crafting and delivering high-quality, persuasive communications that drive policy influence and impact.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience in communications, either in-house or in a consultancy setting.
• Knowledge and experience of working within cross-cultural teams in complex international environments.
• Knowledge and experience of the not-for-profit sector.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Experience of working in complex, international, highly matrixed operations, with a proven ability to manage and deliver effective outcomes.
• Experience working in international policy environments – including multilateral processes and negotiations – and managing communications at key global fora.
• Solutions-oriented and resilient, with strong diplomatic and communication skills, and a proven ability to build agreement and navigate challenges across diverse cultural contexts and stakeholder groups (including staff, partners, donors, and media).
• Ability to translate complex policy detail into clear, concise, accurate, and persuasive communications strategies and narratives to inspire collective action in line with organizational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality statements, briefings, reports and other materials; fluency in English is required, with additional languages such as Spanish or French considered an asset.
• A strong team player with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a dynamic, multicultural environment, and prepared to undertake occasional international travel.
• Comfort and ability in managing a portfolio of multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset through active listening, strategic thinking, and creativity, coupled with curiosity about new technologies, evolving communication trends, and a strong interest in conservation and environmental issues.
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

5. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Senior Director, Stakeholder Relations; Directors and Heads within the Global Communications Department; Communications Directors across the Network; Country Office Management and programme staff; members of the Communications Community across the WWF Network; relevant wider teams (Conversation, Compliance, Legal, Governance, Resource Mobilization); other senior personnel.

External

External stakeholders including supporters; partners; donors; corporates; governments; institutions; media; communications agencies; and wider external stakeholder relationships as relevant e.g. other NGOs, thought leaders, event organizers, public/private organizations.

Please upload your covering letter and CV in English. Priority will be given to applications with both documents indicated.

Deadline for applications: 22 July 2025

Work permit restrictions may apply.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

LOCATION: This role can be based in one of the WWF International Hubs mentioned. The vacancy being posted is a WWF International vacancy, even though the position might be hosted in a local office, WWF International still exclusively handles their own vacancies, for this reason please do not contact the local offices.

At WWF, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and unbiased consideration for all candidates regardless of their background. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.