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Director of Policy
£82,450 pa + Excellent benefits
Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working (minimum 40% in person collaboration per month)
About the role
We’re looking for a highly strategic Director of Policy with deep experience of influencing policy and political decision-making to lead WWF-UK’s policy development and influence at a critical moment for climate and nature.
This is a senior leadership role at the heart of WWF-UK’s strategy and impact. Working across advocacy, conservation, science, in the UK and internationally, you will shape and drive a small number of high-impact policy priorities capable of unlocking meaningful change across systems including food, finance, trade and land use.
You will lead a high-performing Policy team, strengthening WWF-UK’s ability to respond quickly and credibly to political opportunities with deliverable solutions. This is a role for someone who combines deep policy expertise with sharp political judgement, trusted relationship-building and the ability to influence both behind the scenes and at the highest levels externally.
Working with the advocacy Directorate, you will build and maintain trusted senior relationships across Whitehall, including with departments such as the Cabinet Office, Treasury and FCDO, helping shape thinking early and informally while also influencing policy development and implementation with colleagues and partners internationally.
Alongside leading and developing a collaborative and confident team, you will contribute as a senior organisational leader, helping shape direction, organisational outcomes and strategic decision-making across WWF-UK.
This is an opportunity to lead policy work that helps tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges, while building the partnerships, coalitions and political influence needed to turn ideas into action and impact.
Skills and experience
You’ll bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, including:
Essential
· Significant senior-level experience of developing and influencing policy through to implementation, including shaping practical and politically deliverable solutions
· Strong understanding of UK political and policy-making environments, including experience of influencing senior stakeholders, policy makers and decision-makers through trusted relationships
· Experience of operating effectively in fast-moving and politically sensitive environments, responding quickly and credibly to emerging opportunities and challenges
· Track record of delivering high-impact policy outcomes across complex issues and multiple stakeholders
· Experience of building and maintaining senior relationships across government, business, civil society, finance or international institutions
· Strong strategic judgement with the ability to identify priorities, simplify complexity and focus organisations around a small number of actionable policy asks
· Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams, including matrix and cross-organisational leadership
· Experience of leading organisational or cross-functional priorities through collaboration, influence and strong stakeholder engagement
· Experience of managing significant programmes, budgets and organisational priorities effectively
· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to different audiences
· Strong analytical skills and confidence using evidence, insight and data to shape decisions and influence policy
· Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, balancing strategic thinking with delivery and pace
· Commitment to inclusive leadership and experience of building equitable, diverse and inclusive approaches to policy development and decision-making
· Strong self-awareness, resilience and openness to challenge, feedback and learning
Desirable
· Experience of influencing international policy, coalitions or global advocacy agendas
· Experience of working across devolved policy environments including Scotland, Wales and/or Northern Ireland
· Understanding of climate, nature, food, finance, trade or land use policy
· Experience of developing policy-led partnerships, funding proposals or income generation opportunities with funders, businesses or philanthropic organisations
· Experience of involving affected communities or external partners in policy development and design
· Experience of working across advocacy, science, conservation or campaigning environments
· Experience of building voluntary action or partnership-based approaches alongside formal policy and regulation
· Fluency or working proficiency in languages other than English would be advantageous
What we offer
We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:
• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year pro-rated, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
• 5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We're a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.
At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.
We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
How to apply
Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.
Application closing date
14/06/2026
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.
We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.
Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.
We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.
If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Project & Finance Officer
Location: London (Hybrid working – minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £30,000-£34,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Finance & Administration
About the Changing Markets Foundation
The Changing Markets Foundation was formed to accelerate and scale up solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. We work to expose unsustainable corporate practices and drive systemic change across sectors, helping to shift markets towards more sustainable models. Through research, advocacy, communications and coalition-building, we work with partners around the world to influence businesses, policymakers and consumers.
We are a small, dynamic and mission-driven team, committed to creating meaningful impact. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative organisation working at the forefront of sustainability campaigning and market transformation.
About the Role
We are seeking an organised, proactive and detail-oriented Project & Finance Officer to support the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation across finance, project coordination, fundraising administration and office operations.
This is a varied and hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working across multiple priorities in a small, fast-paced NGO environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting financial processes, grants administration, campaign delivery and organisational coordination, ensuring strong internal systems and effective operational support across the team.
The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams independently.
Key Responsibilities
Finance & Administration
- Process staff expenses, credit card reconciliations and invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
- Support payment processing, including setting up bank payments as part of internal dual-control financial procedures.
- Assist with maintaining accurate financial records and supporting internal financial controls.
- Support during the audit by collating documentation, schedules and supporting information.
- Draft service agreements and support contract administration, including maintaining organised records and tracking approvals.
- Support organisational governance, including preparation for Board meetings, drafting agendas, compiling papers and taking minutes.
- Assist with general financial and administrative processes to support the smooth running of the organisation.
Fundraising & Grants Administration
- Set up, maintain and monitor a fundraising and grants calendar, including proposal deadlines, grant start and end dates, as well as financial and narrative reporting deadlines.
- Support donor communications, including individual giving administration and correspondence.
- Track grant and subgrant agreements, monitor signature status, and ensure fully executed agreements are appropriately stored and accessible.
- Support correspondence and administration relating to US foundations and other funders.
- Maintain accurate grant records and filing systems to ensure compliance and effective reporting.
Project & Campaign Support
- Support the delivery of the organisation’s campaigns and advocacy projects, primarily on methane, including coordination across workstreams and follow-up on agreed actions.
- Assist with website updates, newsletters and other communications materials.
- Manage correspondence with companies, policymakers, partners and other external stakeholders.
- Support campaign launches, including coordination of logistics, report production and visual materials.
- Help organise events, workshops and webinars, including technical and logistical support.
- Support partnership working on joint campaigns and advocacy activities, including administration of subgrants and partner coordination.
Office Operations
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of the London office.
- Organise internal meetings, staff activities and office logistics.
- Liaise with building management and service providers as required.
- Coordinate office procurement, supplies and mailings.
Person Specification
Essential
- At least 2–4 years’ relevant professional experience, ideally within an NGO, charity, public interest or mission-driven organisation.
- Experience supporting financial administration, including invoices, expenses, payment processing or financial record-keeping.
- Experience of project coordination, grants administration or organisational operations.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, including Excel/Google Workspace, and confidence working with databases and online systems.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a small team.
Desirable
- Experience working in an NGO, campaigning or sustainability-focused organisation.
- Familiarity with grants cycle, donor reporting or fundraising administration.
- Experience supporting events, webinars or stakeholder engagement.
- Experience of board administration or governance support.
- Interest in sustainability, environmental issues or public-interest advocacy.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to contribute to high-impact sustainability and advocacy work.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment within a small, international team.
- Hybrid working arrangements (minimum three days per week in our London office).
- 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
- Employer pension contributions of 4% of eligible salary
- Annual personal Health & Wellbeing budget (after probation)
- Private health and life insurance benefits reimbursement (after probation)
- Opportunities for professional development and learning.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, communities and experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.