Deadline for application: 14 February 2023

WBCSD is the premier global, CEO-led community of over 200 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature positive, and more equitable future.

We do this by engaging executives and sustainability leaders from business and elsewhere to share practical insights on the obstacles and opportunities we currently face in tackling the integrated climate, nature and inequality sustainability challenge; by co-developing “how-to” CEO-guides from these insights; by providing science-based target guidance including standards and protocols; and by developing tools and platforms to help leading businesses in sustainability drive integrated actions to tackle climate, nature and inequality challenges across sectors and geographical regions.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. Since 1995, WBCSD has been uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues. 

Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability, united by our vision of creating a world in which 9+ billion people are living well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century. 

About the Job Context

WBCSD has a high standing amongst the international stakeholder community as the leading convener of progressive businesses, and increasingly for its track record of delivery of key drivers to deliver change on climate neutrality, nature positivity and greater equality. These include its role in the development of the GHG Protocol, TCFD reference scenarios and …..

Within WBCSD, the Products & Materials Pathway is focused on developing and delivering tools and solutions to accelerate the Circular Economy, which is critical to delivering on climate and nature goals and ensuring society can thrive within planetary boundaries.

Approx 45 member companies collaborate, generally also with multiple external stakeholders, across projects such as:

• Circularity Metrics (Circular Transition Indicators)
• Sustainable Plastics & Packaging Value Chains
• Circular Chemicals & Portfolio Sustainability Assessments
• Digital Product Passports

Job Overview

This newly-created position will lead a small project team of Circular Economy experts drawn from several partner organisations to develop a draft Global Circularity Protocol (GCP). This opportunity has arisen as a consequence of WBCSD’s participation in and contribution to several high-level multi stakeholder events and discussions during 2022, in which the need for such a Protocol has been developed and contextualised within existing work in the field at multiple agencies. Strong support is in place with several UN & other agencies, academia & private sector, several of which are expected to contribute experts to the effort.

Once convened, it is expected that this content development team will contribute white papers on CE Principles, conduct science-to-policy style dialogues and ultimately deliver a first full draft Protocol by end 2024. While further Protocol adaptation may be expected, the role should then pivot towards implementation both within industry (WBCSD members) and in helping to shape the enabling environment with policy makers.

Responsibilities and duties

• Contribute strongly and with authority on the development of the content of the GCP
• Lead a small multi-disciplinary and multi-agency project team of CE experts to develop the content of the GCP and, as applicable, connect with experts across WBCSD
• Liaise closely internally within WBCSD, in particular with the Policy, Advocacy & Member Mobilization Team (PAMM), which is responsible for overall stakeholder engagement with an extensive list of relevant parties and ensure that relevant external stakeholders are included in discussions and working groups
• Deliver regular updates to the WBCSD and P&M leadership
• Deliver intermediate output (whitepapers, Principles etc) against event-driven timelines
• Jointly with PAMM, create and operate appropriate dialogue mechanisms with key stakeholders
• Create a shared sense of ownership in the work and output amongst the project team
• Continue to position WBCSD a leading voice of progressive business

Qualifications Skills and Experience

• Direct experience of developing and implementing CE business models and/or policies over a minimum of 3 years. While this is still a relatively new field, we aim to bring in expertise and talent with real hands-on experiences
• While direct experience will be primary in our considerations, we expect this will suit someone with a Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline and at least 8 years overall experience in related fields
• Specific skills & characteristics:
• Project Management
• Strong inter-personal skills, connector, demonstrated ability to deliver via influence
• Strong working knowledge of circularity, should be accepted as a shaper/influencer in the field
• Strong communication skills, including ability to represent the project & WBCSD when called up to do so. Equally comfortable in enabling others to represent the project
• Experience of working in the matrix environment
• Experience of managing diverse group of stakeholders which are geographically dispersed.
• Highly self-sufficient – it is unlikely that the project will operate a support/secretariat function
• Must bring passion, drive and energy and yet be sensitive and diplomatic in facilitation and stakeholder management

The position is full-time and based in Geneva (other locations may be considered), but will also require international travel.

WBCSD is a purpose-driven, forward-thinking and action-oriented organization, characterised by diversity of gender, nationalities and work experiences.

The Work Environment

WBCSD offers a competitive, modern, and flexible working arrangement. 

• Geneva-based organization with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, London, New Delhi, Singapore and New York City. 
• Competitive compensation and benefits. 
• State-of-the-art facilities and ICT-enabled working tools. 
• Flex-time and part-time possibilities. 
• Dynamic working atmosphere. 
• Open culture encouraging interaction and sharing of ideas and opinions. 
• Sustainable commuting incentives. 

Please also note that WBCSD will only respond to candidates selected for the interview process.