Job Description

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.

DIRECTOR, WWF-NORTH AFRICA

Reports to: Regional Director Europe & North Africa, Country Offices

Supervises: WWF-North Africa Senior Management Team (SMT)

Location: WWF-North Africa, Tunis, Tunisia

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The Director leads and oversees WWF's engagement in North African countries, including Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt, with a focus on Tunisia where most staff and projects are located.

The Director provides effective leadership to all WWF staff in North Africa and line management to the WWF North Africa Senior Management Team.

The Director ensures that WWF North Africa is effectively and efficiently managed across all key areas, including Conservation, Fundraising, Operations, Finance and Administration, People & Culture, Organisational Development, Communications and Partnerships, achieving first-rate KPIs and building a strong and reputable office with highly motivated and skilled staff who deliver conservation impact at scale.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CONSERVATION IMPACT

Working closely with the Conservation Director and relevant colleagues:

• Ensure the effective delivery of projects and programmes on time, within scope and budget, and in compliance with WWF and donor quality standards.
• Lead strategic planning and implementation processes, setting nationally relevant priorities and objectives aligned with WWF's global priorities and agreed conservation outcomes.
• Ensure the organisation's project and programme portfolio balances impact, risk, resources and organisational capacity while identifying opportunities to increase the scale and value of funding.
• Represent WWF-North Africa externally and build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local communities, government departments, WWF offices, donors and strategic partners, to support advocacy and conservation objectives.
• Ensure the effective implementation of WWF's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) across all relevant programme and project activities.

RESOURCE MOBILISATION

Working closely with relevant colleagues:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors, funding partners and strategic stakeholders to support organisational growth and long-term sustainability.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that align with organisational strategy, priorities, capacity and areas of comparative advantage.
• Ensure the development and submission of high-quality proposals that are compelling, compliant, technically robust and financially sound.
• Manage a robust pipeline of funding opportunities and proposals to secure the resources required to deliver the office strategic plan and achieve financial sustainability.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Working closely with the Finance Director, Operations Manager and relevant colleagues:

• Maintain a fit-for-purpose organisational structure and ensure effective Senior Management Team (SMT) governance and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with WWF International and Network policies, donor requirements and applicable local legal and regulatory obligations across WWF-North Africa's operations.
• Ensure effective risk management, with regular SMT review of key operational, financial and programme-related risks.
• Foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

Working closely with the SMT, People & Culture Manager and relevant colleagues:

• Provide strategic leadership by setting clear directions and priorities informed by organisational strategy, contextual understanding, evidence, opportunities and risk.
• Build organisational capability and foster a positive work environment through open and transparent communication, coaching, mentoring, staff development and clear expectations, ensuring employees and stakeholders are well informed of key decisions, priorities and their rationale.
• Foster a culture of high performance, accountability and employee engagement through positive leadership, clear expectations, regular feedback, recognition and effective performance management.
• Model WWF values and expected leadership behaviours, establishing and reinforcing clear standards of conduct and behavioural expectations.

PROFILE

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10-15 years of professional experience in a leadership role, a minimum of five years of which should be in the North Africa region, with demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary teams and multi-donor budgets. Experience with conservation INGOs or other international organisations will be a strong advantage.
• Master's degree in Business Management, International Relations, Development or another related field. A degree in an environmental or conservation field will be an advantage.
• Proven track record in successfully developing and leading large-scale programmes and/or institutions in the fields of conservation, natural resource management, international development and/or other related fields.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent leadership and management skills, with demonstrated fundraising experience and experience partnering with donors and government aid agencies in large-scale programmes.
• Excellent communication skills in English, together with a strong command of Arabic and French.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to operate at all levels and build effective relationships with local communities, civil society organisations, government agencies, governmental policy and decision-makers, and the business community.
• A track record of building organisational talent by nurturing a performance culture and encouraging empowerment and delegation.
• Proven knowledge and experience of the non-profit sector, preferably within environmental organisations.
• High-level negotiation, collaboration and influencing skills.
• Embraces the WWF mission and organisational values of Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Interacts with the Regional Director Europe & North Africa, Country Offices; WWF North Africa Senior Management Team; and staff across all countries under the remit of WWF North Africa. Coordinates with WWF-Mediterranean, WWF International and the wider WWF Network.

External: Interacts with the leadership of national government institutions, international and national NGOs, academic institutions, media, donors, specialists, consultants and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Regional Director as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the responsibilities anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.

WWF offers a local employment contract in accordance with host-country regulations.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a diverse workforce.

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

Deadline for applications: 19 October 2026

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.

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.