WWF is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead WWF-Hungary at a pivotal moment for nature, climate, and society in Hungary.
At certain moments in a career, experience and personal values align around a broader question: what do I want to contribute to?For leaders motivated by public impact, environmental resilience, and long-term societal change, this may be such an opportunity.
If you are an internationally experienced leader considering a return home to Hungary, looking for work with real meaning and tangible impact, we would particularly welcome your interest.
This is a senior leadership role at the heart of one of Europe’s most ecologically important regions, driving conservation impact while strengthening organisational performance, partnerships, and long-term financial sustainability.
WWF-Hungary works on protecting and restoring rivers, wetlands, and natural forests, while advancing climate action and sustainable land use. The organisation is part of WWF’s global network and WWF Central and Eastern Europe.
ABOUT WWF
WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organisations, active in nearly 100 countries with the mission to stop the degradation of the natural environment and build a future where people and nature thrive.
WWF Central and Eastern Europe (WWF-CEE) operates across seven countries, delivering cross-border conservation impact in one of Europe’s most important ecological regions. WWF-Hungary is a key national organisation within this network, with a strong track record in protecting and restoring wetlands, rivers, floodplains, and natural forests, while advancing climate action and sustainable land use.
Based in Budapest, WWF-Hungary brings together a team of around 40 professionals working across conservation, corporate engagement, communications, finance, and operations.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead WWF-Hungary into its next phase of development and impact.
The CEO will be responsible for strengthening WWF-Hungary’s conservation impact, organisational performance, financial sustainability, and public profile, while ensuring strong integration within the WWF-CEE and global WWF network.
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a balance of strategic vision, operational discipline, external influence, and people leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic leadership and impact
• Define and deliver WWF-Hungary’s strategic direction in alignment with WWF-CEE and global priorities
• Drive measurable conservation impact across key programme areas in Hungary
• Ensure effective annual planning, prioritisation, and performance management
Organisational leadership
• Build and lead a high-performing, motivated, and accountable organisation
• Strengthen leadership capacity, talent development, and succession planning
• Foster a collaborative and values-driven organisational culture
Financial sustainability and growth
• Lead fundraising strategy and execution across public, private, and institutional sources
• Strengthen long-term financial resilience and diversify income streams
• Oversee budgeting, financial performance, and operational efficiency
External engagement and influence
• Position WWF-Hungary as a leading voice in environmental policy and practice as well as sustainability in Hungary
• Build strategic partnerships with government, business, civil society, and donors
• Represent WWF-Hungary in WWF-CEE governance, WWF network, and international fora
Governance and compliance
• Ensure strong governance, transparency, and compliance with legal and WWF standards
• Act as key liaison to governance bodies and statutory stakeholders
• Safeguard organisational integrity and risk management
Candidate Profile
• University degree; 10+ years of professional experience (or postgraduate degree with 8+ years), including senior leadership experience
• Proven track record in organisational leadership, strategy development and execution, and team management
• Strong experience in fundraising, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement
• Solid financial and operational management skills
• Understanding of environmental sustainability and conservation issues, preferably in Central and Eastern Europe
• Strong communication skills in English and Hungarian
• Experience working in complex, matrix or international organisations
• Strong alignment with WWF values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration
We offer
• A senior leadership role with direct impact on conservation outcomes in Hungary and the wider region
• A mission-driven organisation embedded in a strong international network
• The opportunity to shape strategy, partnerships, and organisational development at national and regional level
• A professional, committed, and international working environment
• Competitive NGO-level remuneration package
Location & Application
Based in Budapest, Hungary. The position reports to the Regional CEO of WWF-CEE (Vienna).
Start date: as soon as possible.
Please send your CV and motivation letter to hr@wwf.bg, attention: Tsveta Petrushinova, Regional Manager Human Resources, by 13 May 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more information about WWF-Hungary, check www.wwf.hu.
