World Resources Institute (WRI) works to improve people’s lives, protect nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems such as food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations. Our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect the Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
WRI Europe is a growing entity within the World Resources Institute network, with around 150 staff across The Hague, London, and Bonn, it recently entered an exciting new chapter as an independent organization with its own Board. Its primary focus is to influence European Union policy, regulation, and finance to accelerate global transitions for people, nature, and climate. By influencing high-impact EU policies and sharing insights from Europe’s own transition experience, WRI Europe helps inform work in countries across the network. It also serves as an important hub within the global network, contributing cutting-edge research and technical expertise, and hosting key operational functions.
WRI is seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to join us as Regional Director, Europe. The Regional Director will provide overall leadership for WRI Europe, shaping strategy, guiding people and culture, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring strong institutional performance. You will drive WRI’s EU engagement, elevating our influence with European institutions and aligning policy, finance, and partnerships with global priorities. As a key member of WRI’s global leadership team, you will steward critical relationships with European donors and partners, oversee regional operations, and ensure that Europe’s engagement translates into meaningful, measurable impact worldwide.
The ideal candidate for this critical position will possess strong knowledge and exposure with EU’s political, economic and policy landscape, with demonstrated experience influencing policy and engaging with high-level stakeholders. Your background will entail progressively senior professional experience, including leadership roles in complex, international and/or matrixed organizations. You will have a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing organizational performance and financial management. An excellent communicator with strong partnership-building skills, you will be comfortable stewarding large-scale donor relationships and representing WRI in high-level global forums. Above all you will align with WRI’s shared ideals that guide our work: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership, and Care.
The role is based in The Hague, the Netherlands, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements possible. The successful candidate should be available to travel frequently within Europe, particularly to Brussels and other network countries. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package in a workplace that centres diversity, equity and inclusion. WRI offer a commitment for professional development and learning as part of a fulfilling global network of experts.
To apply, applications should consist of a covering letter explaining the motivation and qualifications for the position and a full curriculum vitae. Applications can be uploaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/, quoting reference number 8393.
The closing date for applications is at 9 am CEST on Monday 27th April 2026.
Informal inquiries and questions can be directed to Boris Evenhuis: boris.evenhuis@perrettlaver.com
WRI is committed to advancing equity and inclusion and ensuring equal opportunity for all.
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
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