World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Finance & Operations Director.

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. Our mission is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. We know that the well-being of people, wildlife and the environment are closely linked. That is why we take an integrated approach to our work. The WWF-Guianas consists of the offices in Suriname and Guyana, and we work at regional level with WWF in French Guyana and in the Amazon. WWF-Guianas is part of the registered Office of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) United States.

The Finance & Operations Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all financial, operational, and administrative functions of the Country Office. Working closely with the Country Office Director, this role ensures strong financial oversight, operational excellence, compliance with organizational and local requirements, and effective risk management.

The Director leads planning, budgeting, financial analysis, strategies to improve key operational processes and proactively supports in finding solutions, monitoring of operational and overall execution. This includes ensuring the proper use of financial resources, maintaining accurate accounting practices, overseeing contract administration, and preparing timely and reliable financial reports for internal stakeholders and donors.
This role plays a critical part in striving for the financial sustainability of the organization by foreseeing future challenges, mitigating financial risks, coordinating annual planning and budgeting processes, optimizing operational systems, and continuously improving procedures and controls.

Financial Leadership & Management

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and monitoring of expenditures.
• Identifies financial risks and proposes to SMT mitigation measures 
• Ensure proper use, allocation, and management of financial resources across the office and projects.
• Oversee accounting, reconciliation, and financial record keeping in accordance with organizational and national standards.
• Review financial reports for donor compliance, management, and external stakeholders.
• Conduct financial analyses to support strategic decisions for long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee annual audits and ensure full compliance with audit recommendations and policies (of WWF-Guianas, WWF US and donor).

Operational Management and Innovation

• Lead and optimize operational systems, procedures, and administrative processes within the office.
• Lead in innovative IT solutions 
• Ensure effective contract administration, including vendor agreements, consultant contracts, service contracts, and procurement contracts.
• Oversee facilities management, office logistics, and operational support to programs for efficient and effective support 
• Co-leads the organizational development of WWF Guianas in terms of the Financial Sustainability Plan, transformation of culture aimed at excellence, raising the levels of innovation and technological applications, and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
• Supervise and strengthen administrative, operational, and financial teams.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Identify risks including ESSF for WWF-Guianas early in development projects or donor proposals and propose mitigation measures 
• Ensure donor-specific requirements are understood, implemented, and monitored across all projects.
• Regularly assess operational and financial risks, propose mitigation measures, and implement internal control improvements.
• Ensure good understanding and full compliance with organizational financial policies, internal control standards, donor requirements and applicable national (Suriname & Guyana) laws and regulations.

Strategic Planning & Budget Coordination

• Coordinate the strategic, annual planning and budgeting cycle for the Country Office, ensuring alignment with programmatic priorities and donor commitments.
• Support scenario planning, budget forecasting, and resource allocation strategies.
• Contribute to organizational strategies that strengthen efficiency, financial sustainability, and efficient operational performance.

Contract & Grant Administration

• Oversee the review, negotiation, and management of contracts, grants, and financial agreements.
• Ensure all contractual obligations are met and documented, including deliveries, budget execution, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor financial execution of all projects, ensuring alignment with donor regulations and programmatic objectives.

Leadership, Team Development & Collaboration

• Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and capacity-building for finance and operations staff.
• Work closely with programme teams to ensure high-quality financial and operational support for project implementation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, collaboration, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Required qualifications and experience

• Advanced degree (master’s preferred) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in financial and operational management, preferably within NGOs, or development organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget development, financial reporting, accounting standards, and operational oversight.
• Strong understanding of donor compliance (e.g., EU, UN agencies, private foundations). 
• Experience in contract management, procurement, and audit processes.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of Suriname and Guyana financial regulations and labor/administrative laws.
• Analytical skills in preparing project proposals and budgets, as well as in report preparation.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a willingness to represent and speak on behalf of the organization.
• Strong team player and internal organizational networker.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with government, business, and the donor community, and other partners.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office. CRM tools are a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Dutch, English, and Spanish is a plus. 

Required Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of the business landscape and relations with conservation efforts
• Strong negotiation abilities
• Ability to conduct financial analysis at both programme and organizational levels.
• Ability to make short-term and long-term financial planning
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently
• Proficient in facilitating meetings, workshops, and discussions
• Team player with the ability to work closely with team members, in multilingual settings and different contexts
• Familiarity with the NGO sector, good understanding of the context and dynamics of non-profit work.
• Ability to work effectively with partners across the NGO, public, and private sectors
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including travelling outside of regular office hours.
• Adherence to WWF’s values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.

Working Relationships

Internal
The Finance & Operations Director will work under the supervision of the Country Director for Suriname & Guyana and supervises the sub departments Finance & Accounting, Contract & Grants Management, Operations & IT. And will closely work with the program team, People & Culture, peers and other Network Offices. 

External
Donors, private sector, local communities, NGOs, government agencies, civil society, public authorities, and academic institutions.

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

Contract Information

Employment Type: Limited-Term Staff Appointment (12 months - with the possibility of extension)