At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead WWF-UK's finance policy to drive a net zero, nature-positive transition.
- Company: Join a global conservation charity making a real impact on the planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26+ days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Shape financial policies that protect our planet and influence decision-makers globally.
- Qualifications: Expertise in finance policy and proven leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful office surrounded by nature with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 58800 £ per year.
£56,297 - £70,000pa + excellent benefits
Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working
Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month
About the role
We’re excited to be recruiting a Head of Finance Policy to lead WWF-UK’s work on shaping and influencing financial sector policy in support of a net zero, nature-positive transition. In this role, you’ll set the strategic direction for WWF-UK’s finance policy agenda, developing and advocating for policy solutions that align the financial system with climate and nature goals. You’ll lead a specialist policy team and work closely with colleagues across Advocacy, Conservation, Science and Business Advocacy to turn evidence into credible, politically relevant policy change. You’ll represent WWF-UK with senior policymakers, regulators, financial institutions and partners, building strong coalitions and influencing decision-makers in the UK and internationally. You’ll also play a key role in shaping how the financial sector’s voice supports stronger government action, and in ensuring WWF’s finance policy work connects to wider priorities such as deforestation, food systems and nature restoration. This is a senior leadership role for someone with deep expertise in finance policy, strong political judgement, and the ability to lead teams and partnerships to deliver real-world impact.
Skills and experience
- Essential
- Significant experience leading policy development and influencing in the area of financial sector regulation or sustainable finance
- Strong understanding of how government policy is developed and influenced, and how political context shapes policy outcomes
- Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders, decision-makers or regulators to achieve policy change
- Deep expertise in one or more relevant areas such as climate and environment, nature restoration, deforestation or sustainable supply chains
- Experience developing and delivering policy strategies from concept through to implementation
- Strong analytical capability, confident working with evidence, data and complex policy detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to make complex issues clear and compelling
- Proven people leadership experience, including leading, motivating and developing specialist teams
- Experience managing programmes, projects or budgets in a complex organisational setting
- Strong alignment with WWF-UK’s mission, values and commitment to inclusive, equitable policy making
- Experience working with or within government, regulators, central banks or international policy institutions
- Experience operating across devolved UK policy contexts (e.g. Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- Experience working in international policy environments or with global networks
- Experience managing grants or working with external funders and partners
- Experience developing policy approaches that involve affected communities or diverse stakeholders
What we offer
We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:
- Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
- 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
- Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world. At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help. We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
How to apply
Click the apply now button to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK. Application closing date: 08/03/2026
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself. We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter. Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent. We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting. If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
Head of Finance Policy in England employer: WWF
Contact Detail:
WWF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Policy in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and policy sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat about your passion for sustainable finance. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research WWF-UK’s mission and values thoroughly. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around climate and nature. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your previous work in finance policy. Bring it along to interviews or share it during networking events to demonstrate your skills and insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can tailor your CV and supporting statement to really shine a light on why you’re the right fit for the Head of Finance Policy role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Policy in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the Head of Finance Policy role. Highlight your experience in finance policy and how it aligns with WWF-UK's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, don’t forget to showcase your people leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in the past. We love to see strong leaders in action!
Be Clear and Compelling: Your written communication skills are key! Make complex issues clear and compelling in your application. We appreciate clarity and conciseness, so keep it engaging and to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at WWF
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of finance policy, especially in relation to climate and nature goals. Brush up on recent developments in sustainable finance and be ready to discuss how these impact WWF-UK's mission.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Think about specific instances where you've successfully driven policy change or built coalitions, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Connect the Dots
Be ready to articulate how your previous experiences align with WWF-UK's values and mission. Highlight your understanding of the political context and how it shapes policy outcomes, especially in relation to deforestation and nature restoration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current projects or challenges in finance policy, showing that you're not just interested in the position but also in contributing to their goals.