Director of environmental protection activities in Vsesvitniy Fond Prirodi Ukrayina

WWF-Ukraine is looking for a dynamic and dedicated professional for the position of Director/Director ofenvironmentalactivities, who will direct the organization's environmental work to ensure a response to key environmental and socio-economic challenges. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

WWF-Ukraine is looking for a Director of environmental protection activities who will:

• lead the development of the environmental protection strategy of WWF-Ukraine, in accordance with the goals of the organization and best management practices, in particular at the level of projects and programs,
• coordinate the work of the areas in which the organization works and develop new ones,
• will carry out general management of the nature protection team, ensuring high-quality internal coordination
• will interact with the Ukrainian and international team, as well as donors to oversee and coordinate efforts to find funding for nature protection activities
• As a member of the WWF-Ukraine Senior Management Team, will be responsible for integrating the goals of the nature protection department with the goals of others functions
• will ensure coordination and strengthening of the conservation strategy of the regional office of WWF Central and Eastern Europe
• will publicly represent WWF-Ukraine in the topics we work with and will determine the development of key partnerships for the implementation of conservation projects
• will take care of the professional development of the conservation team.

If you are intrigued by challenges and motivated by teamwork - we we are waiting for you!

Send your resume and cover (motivational) letter (in English) to [email protected]

Application deadline March 14, 2026

Applications will be considered as they are received. Please understand that we can only respond to shortlisted candidates who have submitted a complete package of documents. Job details are below:

Conservation Director

WWF-Ukraine is seeking to recruit a Conservation Directorto join the WWF-Ukraine team.

 Mission

 The Conservation Director leads WWF-Ukraine’s conservation strategy and activities, ensuring they align with regional goals to effectively address environmental and socio-economic challenges. As a member of the Senior Management Team, s/he manages the conservation staff’s professional growth, oversees fundraising efforts, and integrates conservation objectives across organizational functions while representing WWF-Ukraine externally.

 Major Duties and Responsibilities

 General

• Lead the development and implementation of an impactful conservation strategy and workplans.
• Monitor implementation and apply adaptive management to ensure effectiveness and goals achievement.
• Provide general management and strategic focus to the conservation team.
• Ensure high MEAL standards and well-organized project cycles for systemic positive change.
• Foster innovation and ensure work processes are well-resourced and timely.
• Coordinate research and external advisory to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop strategic partnerships with government institutions, CSOs, and other stakeholders.
• Lead key strategic initiatives for WWF-Ukraine.

Line Management  

• Manage key programme managers and experts following WWF people management standards.
• Foster a positive team environment and lead capacity development.
• Design staff training plans and serve as a coach and mentor for colleagues.

Conservation project management cycle

• Coordinate public sector fundraising and support corporate/individual fundraising efforts.
• Oversee project proposal development and supervise ongoing projects to ensure effective problem-solving and decision-making.
• Develop rules and toolkits to enhance internal project management effectiveness.

Organizational development and communication

• Lead the development of strategic documents and position papers for WWF-Ukraine and WWF-CEE.
• Act as a lead speaker and representative on conservation issues at national and international levels.
• Provide expert input for communication materials, campaigns, and press releases.
• Collaborate within the Senior Management Team (SMT) to integrate conservation with advocacy, communication, and fundraising.
• Contribute to overall organizational strategy, including financial management and brand positioning.
• Support regional conservation work and organizational reporting within the WWF network.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Profound experience in conservation/environmental management and leading interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of program management, budgeting, fundraising, and HR.
• Deep understanding of biodiversity and sustainable development issues in Ukraine.
• Proven experience in operational administration and change management within an international context.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Ukrainian (oral and written).
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organizational structure and cross-border teams.
• Strong decision-making, diplomacy, and results-driven mindset.
• Alignment with WWF core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.

We offer:

• the opportunity to make a difference – for the CEE region and for WWF
• challenging and fulfilling work in one of Europe’s most exciting eco-regions
• friendly and highly professional working atmosphere in an international context
• varying tasks and independent work style
• a pleasant working atmosphere and great learning environment
• a salary according to NGO standards 

For more details about this position, please visit our website at https://wwf.ua/.

If you’re interested in joining our team and want to make an impact, send your CV and cover letter (in English) with reference Conservation Director at [email protected] no later than 14 March 2026. Candidates who send a Cover letter are given preference. 

Please understand that we can only reply to short-listed candidates.