Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job content

Position description

The FairWild Foundation (FWF) are seeking a Chief Executive Officer for the first time in the Foundation’s history. We’re looking for a dynamic and highly motivated professional in the field of business and biodiversity conservation to lead our exciting new growth and expansion strategy and mould new models of sustainable business.

About The FairWild Foundation

Legally incorporated in Switzerland, and currently managed from offices in Cambridge, UK, the FairWild Foundation (FWF) has been operational since 2008.

The FairWild Foundation is a non-profit organisation that operates and manages the FairWild Standard (FWS). This is an internationally recognised certification system providing a framework for sustainable, fair and value-added management and trading of wild plants and similar natural resources, including fungi, lichen, and algae.

The global trade in wild-harvested plants creates both opportunities and threats for biodiversity. These plants are used as ingredients in foods, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and other products, and are harvested from the wild by rural people, often using traditional methods. Wild harvest is a key example of how biodiversity supports humanity. However, to be sustainable, this harvest has to be based on sound ecological principles and has to be fair to the people who are the custodians and harvesters of that biodiversity.

About The CEO Role

The CEO is appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to provide direction and leadership of the Foundation towards the achievement of its vision, mission and strategy.

Key Roles Include

• Overall management of the organisation, its employees and assets, with particular responsibility for fundraising, external relations and networking;
• Expanding the reach and impact of the FairWild Standard across different market niches and geographical territories;
• Guiding a process to review and update the FairWild Standard;
• Increasing the engagement of the FWF with partners and other actors to influence the broader landscape around sustainable use in ways beyond certification; and
• Driving the development of new strategic partnerships to help attain the FWF’s overall objectives.
  

The role is initially offered on a self-employed consultancy basis, with considerable opportunity for the CEO to shape the future organisational structure of the Foundation, including establishment of permanent employment options. The role is initially envisioned as a remote working opportunity, with the requirement for regular travel to meet with FairWild Secretariat staff and partners in Cambridge, U.K., or at other locations in Europe. Flexible working will be considered, including the possibility to carry out the role part-time (minimum 75% FTE).

About You

This is a varied and challenging position that will suit a self-directed person with substantial experience in a relevant sector. Prior knowledge of the natural ingredients market is preferential. Masters level qualifications in a conservation-related field would be an asset, as would prior private sector experience and a track record of organisational development and fundraising. Familiarity with international certification and eco-labelling schemes would also be advantageous.

We are looking for a strategic thinker able to work with both the big picture and the detail. You must be an inspiring people leader with strong listening and verbal communication skills with a passion for advocacy. You will need to be commercially astute with the ability to influence and problem solve.

Application instructions

Please submit a covering letter and CV with a minimum of 3 contactable referees. Applications should be sent toclick apply.

Closing date: close of business (5 pm GMT) on November 8th2021.

The FairWild Foundation supports, facilitates and promotes equality of opportunity and a culture which celebrates diversity and inclusion. The diversity of our people is important and we value and celebrate individual differences.

A full job description is available to review, please emailclick apply.

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