Chief Executive Officer

Inspiring and mobilising society to safeguard and restore wetlands for people and
nature.

Wetlands International is uniquely positioned as the only global science-based, not-for-profit
organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. We are deeply concerned
about the loss and deterioration of inland as well as coastal wetlands across the globe, and we
are dedicated to conserving and reversing the loss of these ecosystems for their role in
sustaining biodiversity and human well-being. Through our network of 20 offices and together
with our partners and experts, we work to safeguard and restore wetlands. By working together
and stepping up actions across whole landscapes, we can boost the resilience society needs to
deal with climate emergency and provide the basis for sustainable development.

We are currently seeking an inspiring and bold leader to join Wetlands International as its
Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reporting to the Supervisory Council of the Foundation and Board
of Association, this ambitious role is one of significant breadth and influence, combining
effective operational coordination, vision, leadership, and overall strategic responsibility
for the network organisation. The CEO builds a collective drive with the management team to
implement and further develop its long-term strategy in which vision, mission and impact are
outlined. The CEO serves as an ambassador and spokesperson for Wetlands International on major
international fora, promoting the mission and objectives of Wetlands International to ensure
wetlands are strongly positioned in the global dialogue and solutions on biodiversity, climate,
and water. The CEO will also lead in forging collaboration with external donors, partners and
funders to realise its ambitions.

The CEO will be a determined and inspirational individual with strong credibility in global
sustainability, in particular the interface between nature, water, land, climate and human
well-being, to build on the successes of Wetlands International to date and to lead the
organisational change needed for Wetlands International to achieve its ambitious objectives.
These are vital because problems in wetlands are big and urgent. The CEO will bring a track
record of strategic leadership and operational management experience gained in complex
multi-stakeholder organisations, ideally across dispersed global networks, with a demonstrable
commitment to Wetlands International’s approach. The CEO will have significant interpersonal,
relationship building skills, and cultural sensitivity to build and maintain strong
partnerships and to engage stakeholders across Wetlands International to facilitate the work of
a diverse network. The CEO will bring external representation skills to be a compelling
ambassador of Wetlands International and a track record of creating new and increasing existing
revenue streams, as well as the ability to engage and operate effectively at the highest policy
and political levels. Most importantly, the CEO will bring a deep passion and commitment to
Wetlands International’s vision and mission and be a champion for Wetlands International’s core
values.

Appointment Process and How to Apply 

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the CEO Selection
Committee in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the
assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Jess Winfield at [email protected].

Applications can be uploaded at candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies,
quoting reference number 7321. The closing date for applications is Monday,
12th August 2024.

Applications should consist of a cover letter addressing suitability against the person
specification and a full curriculum vitae.

Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in mid-August. Perrett Laver will
conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates in late August – early September,
and the Committee will then meet in mid-September to decide on a shortlist of candidates. These
individuals will subsequently be invited for formal interviews in late September – early
October. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.

Wetlands International is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and
inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on
race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic
information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. We expect the same commitment
from our staff.

As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a Data
Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is
‘Legitimate Interest’. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data
Protection and Privacy, please visit our website perrettlaver.com/privacy-statement.