An org paralysed and crippled by incapable leadership - Campaign Manager World Animal Protection Employee Review

Sadly, an organisation that continues to be crippled by an incompetent and self-absorbed leadership that couldn’t care less about talent – both in the International office, but also in some (not all!) country offices. The International team has been undergoing severe restructures almost every 4 years now, which indicates issues with organisational leadership. Unfortunately, it’s structures aren’t what’s holding the organisation back and those ill-designed restructures have repeatedly cut down all emerging talent, leaving teams disillusioned. Accountability and transparency are some of the buzzwords that the leadership, including the newly appointed CEO, keeps repeating, but that sadly are only practiced by positions below the director levels. Individuals that tried to ensure accountability and impactful delivery were forced out of the organisation or silenced by directors that felt challenged by those voices. The International team, after many years of impactful, collaborative delivery of global campaigns as per expectation of the global leadership and board, was suddenly declared the organisational pariah and within one year completely deconstructed. Interestingly, throughout that recent restructure, everyone from Director level upwards remained safe. As a result, a massive talent loss ensued and many country office teams that relied on support from the International team are now suddenly expected to compensate for talent and expertise that has taken years to build up, but for which local resources aren’t available. What’s saddest about it all is that the teams that deliver the work both in International and in country offices are for the most part absolutely phenomenal people that are highly dedicated and passionate. It’s a disgrace to see their leaders so consistently ignore their teams’ knowledge and expertise and not being called out for wrong and harmful decisions. If you are talented in your profession, stay away from any International positions in this organisation.