Deadline for applications: 11 April 2022

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing combined revenues 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. WBCSD is 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: with a vision of a world where more than nine billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.

The Chemical Industry Group comes together to work on a projects that enable a circular economy for the group and within value chains.

 

Job Overview

Senior Manager Chemical Industry Group

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Sr. Manager to lead the Chemical Industry Group (CIG). This is a full time position based at the WBCSD offices in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Sr. Manager is responsible for managing and executing the project portfolio under the CIG within the WBCSD. The main project is looking at how the chemical industry can enable the circular economy in the value chains they participate in. This position oversees the work program, working closely with around 15 of the largest global chemical companies, partners and other WBCSD teams to ensure tangible impact. This position offers a unique opportunity to progress the ESG agenda of member companies by leveraging value chain collaborations. It also provides insights into multinational companies’ strategies, risks and opportunities, beyond the chemical sector. The position is very visible externally and the manager is expected to act as an ambassador and spokesperson for WBCSD across meetings, events and media.

The Senior Manager reports to the Director Circular Economy.

 

Responsibilities

Project management

• Define action plans (tasks, planning, resources) to support the delivery of CIG objectives  and manage progress
• Catalyze execution (following up with members, setting up expert calls, overseeing background research – coordinating with the team)

• Ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
• Facilitate member engagement in the project and their contributions, build and manage relationships with members, seek group and one-on-one conversations with member companies to understand their needs.

• Create project materials (such as business cases, guidelines, reports), i.e. collect intelligence, draft text, facilitate agreement between members, work with the WBCSD communication team for publications, etc.).
• Coordinate organization and delivery of meetings and events. This includes agenda and presentations; speaking points; appointment of, and coordination amongst panelists; etc.
• Contribute to the overall strategy development under the leadership of the Director
• Identify opportunities to accelerate action, for example through recruitment of key strategic members and partners events, partnerships and communications activities.

• Contribute to grant funding applications (recurring or new) to co-fund the chemical project activities.
• Represent WBCSD within the business community, among policymakers and other stakeholders at key events including WBCSD’s Liaison Delegate and Council Meetings, etc.

 

Qualifications

• Background and experience:
  • Master’s university degree level education with a chemistry or chemical engineering background.
  • 7-9 years’ professional experience gained in a relevant industry setting (preferable chemical Industry).
• Knowledge and expertise:
  • Strong understanding of chemical Industry - ideally from an chemical company perspective - and emerging business models across the value chains.
  • Previous experience with circular economy aspects, particularly with regards to chemical and mechanical recycling is a definitive benefit.
• Facilitation and stakeholder engagement: Evidence of successfully aligning different stakeholders and the ability to create effective relationships with new partners or stakeholders. Capacity to be assertive and take initiative when appropriate.
• Project management: Takes responsibility for projects, actions and people. Evidence of successful project management and effective facilitation of different perspectives towards a common objective. Capacity to work independently by setting priorities within own work streams, identify and proactively address problems and work to deadlines. Experience of working on an international basis (e.g. to deal with different languages, time zones and cultural expectations).
• Communication: Engaging communicator both in person and in writing, ability to adjust style of communication to suit audience (e.g. present technical topics to a non-technical audience), makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skills and confidence.
• Teamwork: Evidence of successfully working across teams and diverse interest groups, good team spirit and the ability to contribute to, and work effectively in teams of partners /stakeholders. Ability to build, nurture, and work effectively in across different functions and cultures within the organization.
• Planning & Organising: Plans activities and projects well in advance taking account of possible changes. Identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks. Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones.
• Multi-tasking: Ability to manage own projects and ad hoc demands simultaneously, set priorities, effectively utilize available resources, identify and address problems, and meet deadlines.
• Language skills: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is critical, fluency in additional languages is an advantage.

The WBCSD is a purpose driven, forward-thinking, and action-oriented organization, characterized 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 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
• International relocation support
• Sustainable commuting incentives

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