Appointment Brief
Executive Director - Europe
April 2015
About us
With world attention focused on both the
environment and the economy, Environmental
Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and
business leaders turn for win-win solutions.
With programmes from Boston to Beijing, we have
tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on
strong science, uncommon partnerships and marketbased approaches. We are a vibrant organisation
that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and
contributions, where innovation and a focus on
results are a way of life.
OUR STRATEGY
Using a powerful blend of scientific research, public
activism and smart policy ideas our successes have
led to strong, effective environmental laws since 1967.
For each area of Environmental Defense Fund’s work
– Climate, Oceans, Ecosystems and Health - we have
developed a path breaking approach to meet the
world’s most pressing needs.
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Having a strong presence in Europe is integral
to meeting our ambitious goals. We have been
operating in Europe for five years and are now
looking for an Executive Director who can
exponentially grow our presence and impact.
EDF’s vision for 2015-2019 is captured in our recently
developed five year strategic plan, Blueprint 2020,
a document you can find at edf.org/blueprint2020.
WHAT WE DO
We work with influential partners and decision
makers — from companies like FedEx, McDonald’s
and Walmart, politicians in Europe, the U.S. and
beyond, and individual farmers — in order to launch
cost-saving solutions that protect nature and human
health.
Through our staff, the Board and our partners,
Environmental Defense Fund will help develop and
implement solutions that unlock the power of relevant
markets for Europeans on a global stage.
Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
About us
CLIMATE AND ENERGY
OCEANS
We envision the world turning the corner on climate
change by 2020 — emissions start coming down for
the first time. Low-carbon energy is the future and
EDF aims to use the power of markets to speed the
transition to cleaner energy.
We are catalysing reforms to make sustainable fishing
the norm in 12 key nations, shifting fisheries from
an open access free-for-all to granting fishermen
and communities secure rights to fish. This creates
a built-in incentive to fish sustainably because local
communities, the seafood industry and governments
benefit financially. Europe is a global fishing power,
responsible for 62% of the global fish catch, and its
fisheries range from Scotland’s industrial whitefish
fleets to small-scale, near-shore fisheries in Spain.
If we can help achieve truly sustainable fishing
here, the result will be healthier oceans and more
prosperity for Europe — and a powerful model for
the rest of the world.
North America and Europe are facing similar
challenges in reforming the energy sectors.
Together we can help unleash the potential of clean
technologies, innovative financing and new utility
business models to reduce climate pollution.
Our clean energy work in Europe is a two-track
approach. First, we are introducing one of our top
energy efficiency innovations, the Investor Confidence
Project, which is offering standardised energy
efficiency upgrades, so they can be financed
together at a scale large enough to tap capital
markets. Second, we are planning an in-depth
strategic analysis of how best to help transform basic
electricity business models in Europe and propose
exploring new business and regulatory innovations
to maximise penetration by solar, wind and other
renewables.
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ECOSYSTEMS
Climate change and rising human population put
significant stress on soils, wetlands and waterways.
We aim to increase the resilience of these systems
so they can thrive even under stress. EDF’s work is
focused on fertiliser pollution, wildlife habitat, coastal
protection and water use efficiency. Our Ecosystems
programmes are currently US only.
Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
About us
HEALTH
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As our air and water, the standard consumer products
we use every day in our homes are too often tainted
with pollutants or toxic chemicals. EDF is using
the dual levers of U.S. policy reform and corporate
responsibility to drive down exposures, making
information about hazards widely available and to
creating systems that ensure safety for people and
environment first.
We currently have five trustees on our Europe Board:
Carl Ferenbach (Chair), Nicholas Ferguson, Dr John
Hood, Katherine Lorenz, and Kathryn Murdoch with
the intention of expanding it this Autumn. Candidates
are being identified with the goal of having the
Executive Director involved in the final selection.
The Board of Trustees meet three times per year.
FINANCIALS
Our Europe office currently has six staff and two
consultants, with the majority of them working on
Oceans.
For the year ended 30th September 2014, our global
income was $134m. EDF has committed to sustain
the current level of activity in Europe for a minimum
of 3 years, while planning for dramatic growth.
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TEAM
Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
The role
Title: Executive Director Europe
Location: London
(with international travel)
Reporting to: President, COO and Europe Board of Directors
Reports: TBD
Compensation: Highly Competitive
Based in London, the Executive Director will develop,
articulate and ensure implementation of our European
strategy as a key component of EDF’s global vision
and objectives; partner with political, financial and
civic leaders in the UK and Europe to help advance
our climate, energy and oceans agendas; elevate the
visibility, stature and relevance of EDF in Europe;
develop a network of high-level individuals and
institutions to act as partners and ambassadors;
cultivate and expand the Board of Directors; and
identify, inspire and attract financial investments that
allow us to put our plans into action.
Reporting jointly to Fred Krupp and Liza Henshaw,
as well as to the Board of Directors, you will work
closely with the executive leadership team of EDF
to establish an identity and a high level presence
for EDF in Europe.
• Work in close partnership with the Board,
President, COO and CFO to ensure proper financial
and fiduciary oversight
• Report to the Board on activities and plans at
Board meetings and other executive meetings
as designated
• Provide leadership and direction to the staff team
based in London and elsewhere in Europe as
appropriate
• Ensure that the organisation is appropriately
resourced to carry out agreed strategic objectives
and associated operational activities
Influencing
• Serve as the chief public representative of EDF in
Europe, its membership, including strengthening
EDF’s reputation as a leading environmental nongovernmental organisation; cultivate partnerships
with and represent EDF among other European,
national, and regional organisations
• Increase knowledge of EDF with decision-makers
at the highest levels and forge partnerships with
key individuals and institutions in pursuit of a
common agenda
Fundraising
Governance and Leadership
• Work with EDF’s Development Department
to develop short and long term strategies for
fundraising and planned giving and oversee
the execution of those strategies
• Develop a long-term growth strategy that guides
the development of programme, fundraising,
communications and operational initiatives –
within the context of EDF’s Strategic Plan
• Identify and seek funding from individuals,
government and private foundations and
coordinate the writing of grant proposals
for all areas of EDF in Europe
• Develop a strong EDF team working in Europe,
taking advantage of matrix management to draw
in different resources and perspectives towards a
common set of strategic goals
• Assist with specific fundraising projects,
as necessary
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Identify and cultivate new Board members whose
talents, interests and commitment will further the
mission and expand support for EDF’s work in
Europe and UK
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Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
The person
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• An individual who can articulate a global vision
and inspire others to want to actively help achieve
that vision
• An individual who leads through influence and is
equally comfortable leading from the foreground
and the background
• Considerable senior management experience with
a track record of effectively leading and regionally
and/or nationally scaling a performance and
outcomes based organisation and staff
• An open and accessible person whose genuine
interest in others, respect for their ideas, and
concern for their needs generates a culture of trust
and collaboration
• Experience in and/or significant understanding
of nonprofit institutions and developments and
challenges in philanthropy considered a plus
• A visionary who understands “the big picture”
and can identify future needs, develop strategies,
establish priorities, and proactively address issues
• A professional background in sustainability, or in
one of our core areas of focus: climate and energy,
oceans, ecosystems or health
• Highly developed intellectual capacity and rigour
• Significant organisational leadership experience
at a UK and/or European level, gained in business,
non-government organisation or Government, and
the ability to operate effectively in a global context
• A relevant degree required, ideally Masters
• An articulate champion and spokesperson for
EDF’s issues to individuals, public, media and
other forums
• Excellent communicator who can engage credibly
with people from different backgrounds and
cultures with ease and confidence
• Passion for market and science based solutions to
environmental challenges
• An astute and effective networker and influencer
• A collaborative approach
• Knowledge of new media and how technology
is used to advance an organization and its work
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Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
How to apply
To apply for this position, please upload a
comprehensive CV and a supporting statement of
no more than two pages of A4 via the Prospectus
website. Please ensure that your application fully
addresses the appointment criteria in the person
specification.
You should give the names, positions, organisations
and telephone contact numbers of two referees,
one of whom should be your current/most recent
employer. References will only be taken once your
express permission has been granted.
We ask that you complete the equal opportunities
information online when you submit your application
via our website. The information collected will be
treated as confidential, used for statistical purposes
only, and will not be treated as part of your
application.
We would also be grateful if you could let us know
if you will require any special provision as a result
of any disability should you be called for interview.
Finally please ensure that you have included mobile,
work and home telephone numbers, as well as any
dates when you will not be available or might have
difficulty with the indicative timetable.
TIMETABLE
Closing date: May 19th
Meetings with Prospectus: May 25th – June 5th
Interviews with EDF:TBC
These dates may be subject to change and applicants
will be advised in advance should this happen.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Should you decide to make a formal application,
you will receive feedback within seven working days
of the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be
required to undertake an additional assessment prior
to the final interview. The successful appointment is
subject to a satisfactory criminal records disclosure
and written references.
QUERIES
If you have any queries on any aspect of
the appointment process, need additional
information or would like to have an informal
discussion, please contact Borge Andreassen
or Stella Pedersen on 020 7691 1920 or via email
at [email protected] or
[email protected]
Applications should be made via the Prospectus
website at: www.prospect-us.co.uk/executive/job/
HQ00154562
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Executive Director - Europe | April 2015
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