Location preference: flexible within the locations where WWF International can contract

1 MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

Enabling WWF mission delivery through the continuous pursuit of the optimum balance between efficiency and effectiveness with respect to internal systems, tools, and processes. This will be achieved via the delivery of a high standard of: strategic financial management, effective digital solutions, proactive risk management, quality guidance, advice, and communication of both regulatory and internal standards requirements all through an inclusive people-centered lens.

2 MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The Conservation Senior Specialist provides high-quality financial business partnering, analytics, and grant support to assigned WWF International Secretariat clients. The role supports effective decision-making through robust financial analysis, planning, forecasting, and reporting, and ensures strong financial stewardship, donor compliance, and long-term sustainability across the portfolio. They will be involved in all financial applications of the grant life cycle for assigned grant portfolio.

3 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance Business Partner

• Act as a primary finance contact for assigned Conservation Division clients,
  ensuring high-quality, customer-focused finance support.
• Serve as a focal point for all financial and accounting work related to their assigned
  WWF International Secretariat clients and grant portfolio. Liaise with other finance staff/functions to ensure all portfolio needs are met.
• Develop a strong understanding of the business areas, strategies, and priorities of assigned clients.
• Provide financial analysis, insights, and recommendations to support planning, prioritisation, and decision-making.
• Advise Budget Holders on budget management, forecasting, and financial
  performance.
• Support business cases and change initiatives through financial analysis and assessment of financial implications.
• Contribute to building financial literacy among non-finance stakeholders through guidance and collaboration.

Planning, Forecasting, and Performance Management

• Support annual business planning and periodic forecasting processes for assigned portfolios.
  • Analyse variances and performance drivers, ensuring assumptions are well
  understood and communicated.
  • Identify opportunities for sustainable cost optimisation and efficient resource
  allocation and bring those to budget holder’s and management attention as part of the business planning cycle, along with understanding and articulating the impact of reforms and their ultimate effect on the business.

Financial analysis and reporting

• Prepare and review financial reports for management and donors, ensuring
  accuracy and compliance with approved budgets.
  • Provide clear and relevant financial information to support management reporting and decision-making.
  • Contribute to fundraising income reviews and support the development of
  appropriate project funding models.
  • Deliver actionable recommendations based on financial analysis.

Grant Support

• Provide financial, accounting and grant support across the full grant life cycle, based on responsibilities split between finance departments.
  • Support donor compliance and adherence to internal and external financial
  requirements.
  • Coordinate with Grant Management and other finance colleagues to ensure
  consistent processes and controls.
  • Support audits and identify financial risks and appropriate mitigation actions within the scope of the Quality Assurance framework.

Other

• Contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes, tools, and reporting.
  • Support automation, efficiency initiatives, and strengthening of financial controls. 
  • Promote cost-effective practices and safeguarding of organisational assets.
• Maintain a focus on long-term sustainability, leveraging effective cost-recoverypractices.

4 PROFILE

Required Qualifications.

• Hold a first degree or equivalent qualification and 5 year experience.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing large amounts of data and producing summaries that provide clear insights.
• Financial Analysis skills and ideally from an FP&A background.
• Experience in assisting with business cases and modeling is desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies.

• Commercial in their approach to finance, balanced with a clear understanding of the non-financial objectives of the Division.
  ● Financial Leadership to understand the bigger picture and align financial priorities.
  ● Effective decision-making and financial problem-solving skills.
  ● Strong collaboration skills to effectively work with staff across various WWF
  International departments, including different units in Finance.
  ● Adaptability and flexibility to efficiently work in complex and unique circumstances.
  ● Able to influence the behavior of senior managers to ensure they deliver the
  expected financial performance for their area of responsibility.
  ● Good at networking, both internally and externally, and building relationships at all levels of the organization.
  ● An excellent communicator, particularly when dealing with complex financial
  information and a non-financial audience.
  ● Able to work autonomously across a large and complex organization.
  ● Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

5 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal.

Frequently interacts with Sr. Leadership, Regional Leadership and teams, and finance teams across WWF International. 

External.

Liaises with consultants,other finance professionals in the INGO sector, and auditors.