Head of Policy – Climate in Knaphill

WWF is seeking a Head of Policy - Climate to lead their Climate team in Woking, UK. The role involves developing and assessing policies to address climate and nature crises, influencing governments and businesses. Candidates should have extensive policy development experience, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to build high‑performing teams.

Location & Compensation

• Salary: £56,297-£65,680 pa
• Location: Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working (20% in office)

Right to Work Requirement

This is a UK‑based contract; candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We do not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

We are looking to recruit a Head of Policy to lead our Climate team and help achieve a new ambitious 3‑year strategy to bring nature back from the brink by delivering a sustainable future in the UK and stopping deforestation overseas. The success of this strategy will depend on our ability to influence governments, businesses, the finance sector and policy influencers to adopt and implement creative policy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a small team committed to creating policy that enables government and business to take action on the climate and nature crisis driven by our energy and economic system.
• Lead on policy development and assessment, including analysing existing and proposed policies for effectiveness and quality while being alert to new policy ideas from other contexts or locations.
• Oversee the integration of policy and advocacy priorities through business partnerships and coordination with the sector.
• Engage with devolved offices to learn from their work and ensure objectives and activities are developed and coordinated to maximise effectiveness.
• Form links and strategic relationships with other organisations and our global network.
• Build and lead a high‑performing, creative, and confident team that is propositional and experimental in their approach to policy making and solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive policy development experience in one or more of the following areas: Climate, Food & Agriculture, Deforestation/Supply Chains, Biodiversity/Nature Restoration, or Economics/Finance.
• Strong understanding and experience of how policy is influenced, both inside and outside government.
• Experience of developing and influencing key stakeholders, changing opinions, practices and creating new models to deliver policy change.
• Understanding of policy evaluation.
• Experience of large‑scale grant and programme management.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and build high‐performing teams.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to a maximum of 31 days plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working options.
• 7.5% employer contribution to pension, increased to 10% with employee contribution.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Regular wellbeing initiatives.
• Hybrid working – required presence in the office 20% of contracted hours at the Living Planet Centre in Woking.

Diversity & Inclusion

WWF‑UK is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. As a Disability Confident Employer, we acknowledge that some candidates may require additional support to overcome barriers during the application process. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team.