Senior Assistant, Regional Director, Europe and North Africa in Woking

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime. All around the world, people are waking up to the devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss. The situation today is worse than the darkest predictions of just ten years ago, pushing billions of people to the edge and threatening lives and livelihoods. At WWF, we are facing our biggest crisis – and our biggest ever opportunity – to create a better future for people and nature.

With over 60 years of experience and an active presence in more than 100 countries, we work to achieve both on-the-ground and global policy action, from protecting and restoring species and their habitats, to transforming markets and policies toward sustainability. Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from conservation science and advocacy to HR and finance. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us tackle this enormous global challenge and drive the urgent conservation impact needed to restore our planet.

What We Do

We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. From individuals and communities to businesses and governments, we are part of a growing global movement calling for bolder action on climate and nature, demanding that world leaders set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. WWF works to address the most dominant drivers of nature loss through system-wide changes in how food and energy are produced and consumed, and in how financial systems are structured. By implementing change in every country, we aim to drive visible and positive impacts on the ground, helping to restore nature in the most critical places around the world, from the Amazon to the Coral Triangle. Engaging everyone means addressing the barriers to participation faced by some groups in society, including local communities. Conservation will only be sustainable if it is owned by, and benefits, local people. That’s why Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be at the centre of action on climate and nature. WWF is committed to using its resources and global network to support these communities in creating together the most effective solutions where they live. Humanity is still in time, we have a clear pathway to solve this crisis. At WWF, we call on everyone to join the global movement, change how we live, and take action now.

MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

Ensure excellence in effective and efficient functioning of the Secretariat. Provide the required operational functions, platforms and frameworks needed for WWF International to carry out its functions effectively in all locations.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Supports the Regional Director, Europe and North Africa (EUNA) in the fulfilment and execution of duties, both to ensure an effective management of the department, and to liaise effectively with other WWF International Divisions, Practices and WWF National Organisations, Country Offices and Associates as well as external partners and suppliers. Operates and performs with considerable independence, diversified administrative and team duties using initiative, judgement, with knowledge of the organisation's matters, and an acute sense of confidentiality and diplomacy where needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Organises and prioritises agenda, meetings and appointments and endeavours to streamline Regional Director's workload.
• Researches, answers, screens and follow-up on inquiries and multiple incoming issues and concerns addressed to the Regional Director, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Provides support for meetings and conferences including coordinating travel arrangements, preparing all relevant documents related to travel, meetings or specific subjects the team or supervisors are working on.
• Supports relevant regional committees or Country Office Boards, such as the WWF-Adria Board, WWF-Mediterranean Board, etc.
• Coordinates organisation and agenda of Europe regional team’s regular team meetings, including developing action points, monitoring and logistics, as well as in-person meetings with team and stakeholders.
• Edits correspondence, reports and documents and creates spreadsheets and presentations.
• E-mails and prepares correspondence independently where possible, based on familiarity with subject matter, and refers others to appropriate staff member or department.
• Organises travel/accommodation, including negotiating fares, visas, costs, air-mile/CO² calculations and itineraries.
• Oversees regional team budget, invoicing by third parties, and manages Regional Director's expenses (Oracle) and makes sure expenses of Regional Director's direct reports are approved.
• Supports timely delivery of budgeting and forecasting.
• Manages team folders, documents and presentations to ensure up to date and accessible by relevant team and other colleagues.
• Provides first line support to Regional Director on digital devices and applications payment systems, processes and office facilities as well as maintaining filing systems.
• Undertakes other tasks as assigned and carries out duties relying on own initiative and independent action to assist with scheduling and completing work assignments.
• Coordinates EUNA internal communications and newsletter, preparing materials, drafts and images for Regional Director and Regional Comms.

PROFILE

Required Qualifications: Secretarial/Administration diploma from a commercial college or equivalent. At least 5-7 years relevant experience as executive assistant/secretary.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Attentive to detail and follow-up with excellent organisation and prioritisation skills; efficiency;
• Excellent communication skills, empathy and people-oriented;
• Diplomacy and capacity to take initiative and work as part of a team;
• Numeracy skills to manage team budget and expenses calculations and forecasts;
• Ability to research information and synthesise it;
• Ability to produce high quality communications and Powerpoint presentations;
• Excellent computer skills with expertise in MS Office as well as a working knowledge of collaborative platforms (Google Drive, Zoom, Workplace);
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
• Interest in conservation and modern communications;
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Interacts regularly with staff and offices in the Network as required in fulfilment of duties.

External: Interacts with partners, consultants, representatives, visitors, travel agencies, embassies, hotels etc. as required in fulfilment of duties.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.

Please upload your covering letter and CV in English. Priority will be given to applications with both documents indicated. Deadline for applications: 18th February 2026. Open ended contract. Location preference: Woking, UK or Zeist - open to other WWF Int European Hubs. Work permit restrictions may apply. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

At WWF, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and unbiased consideration for all candidates regardless of their background. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.