Executive Director, Water Footprint Network

Water Footprint Network is looking for an exceptional person with a strong background in the global water sector to lead our talented multi-cultural team as Executive Director. This is a tremendous opportunity to help us maximize our impact at a critical time, when water crises are increasing in frequency and severity and water related issues and opportunities are rapidly rising to the top of corporate and policy agendas.

Water Footprint Network is an independent foundation that promotes the transition towards fair and smart use of the world’s fresh water, with a special emphasis on water consumption along supply chains of commodities.  We provide science-based, practical solutions and strategic insights that empower companies, governments, small-­scale producers and individuals to transform the way we use and share fresh water within earth’s limits.

We are a dynamic, international learning network. Working together with and supported by our partners around the world, we drive action towards sustainable, efficient and equitable water use, build communities to escalate change in river basins, share knowledge and train practitioners to solve the world’s water crises. As the global leader in Water Footprint Assessment, we find solutions using a common methodology that interlinks water-­related issues and leads to strategic action for water stewardship, resource efficiency, fair allocation and good governance. Our data, tools and Global Water Footprint Standard bridge sectors and viewpoints, illuminate the path towards integrated water resource management and accelerate progress towards sustainable development. More information can be found at www.waterfootprint.org.

Profile of the candidate

You are an enthusiastic, dynamic and amiable person with a strong background and network in the global water sector (minimum ten years of experience). You have proven management skills to lead a professional multicultural team operating internationally. You have a proven track record in fundraising. You are a strategic thinker and able to advance the key activities of the organisation, as laid out in its Strategic Plan 2016 -­ 2020. You have experience in diverse working environments, including working in or with governments, business, non-­governmental organisations, United Nations and academics. You are sensitive to different cultures and perspectives and committed to sustainability in the broadest sense. You are an excellent communicator and have strong speaking and writing skills in English.

Main tasks

• Provide leadership in executing Water Footprint Network’s Strategic Plan 2016-­2020 and update strategy over time in close collaboration with the Supervisory Board.
• Provide daily management of all aspects of the organisation, ensuring the quality, development and execution of the organisation’s key activities.
• Raise core funds and project funds for the organisation’s key activities.
• Deliver responsible financial management and develop the organisation’s income to sustain its activities.
• Ensure effective and strategic external communications of Water Footprint Network.
• Develop and execute personnel policy.
• Recruit and supervise Water Footprint Network staff and consultants and maintain respectful and transparent internal communications.
• Prepare, organise and follow up on the Water Footprint Network’s Supervisory Boardmeetings.
• Develop the organisation’s partner engagement activities and be responsive to partners.

The Executive Director reports to the Supervisory Board of the Water Footprint Network. (S)he works in close collaboration with the Management Team and rest of the staff. The current Executive Director will continue as the Chief Policy Advisor with whom a strong liaison is expected. The Executive Director supervises the work of the team, which currently comprises nine staff members.

Conditions

The position is offered for an initial two-­year period, with possible extension. The gross monthly salary will depend on experience. The salary is based on a working week of 40 hours per week. The starting date of the job is preferably 1 January 2017. The job is located in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Information and application

For more information about this vacancy you can contact the chair of the Supervisory Board, Arjen Hoekstra, telephone +31 534 893 880, e-­mail a.y.hoekstra@utwente.nl. Your written application, provided with a CV and at least two references should be sent before 30 September 2016 to info@ waterfootprint.org, with reference to “Vacancy Executive Director”.