Conservation Director

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading independent conservation organization with over 60 years of experience dedicated to sustaining the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. Established in 1961, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, employing a diverse workforce that includes experts in conservation science, advocacy, human resources, and finance. The organization is committed to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and nature loss, striving to create a better future for both people and nature. WWF's mission is to drive global policy action and on-the-ground initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring species and their habitats, transforming markets, and promoting sustainability. The WWF Caucasus Programme Office (WWF CauPO) serves as the regional hub for conservation efforts in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, focusing on high-impact conservation strategies and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Conservation Director at WWF Caucasus will play a pivotal role in setting strategic conservation and policy directions for the region. This position involves supervising the performance of conservation initiatives through robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks. The Conservation Director will direct program initiatives at a regional level, ensuring coherent design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and delivery while guiding conservation planning and implementation in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The role requires strong leadership in partner development and stakeholder engagement to influence policy, deliver conservation outcomes, and secure funding. The Conservation Director will also oversee the conservation teams and consultants involved in project implementation across the three countries, ensuring alignment with WWF's strategic goals and conservation priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Conservation Leadership: Serve on the Regional Management Team (RMT) to contribute to region-wide policies and standards. Maintain coordination with RMT members to align activities with WWF CauPO objectives. Lead strategic conservation planning processes, ensuring a coherent WWF CauPO Conservation Plan aligned with regional priorities. Oversee the review and implementation of the conservation strategy and associated policies.
• ESSF, Quality Assurance and Risk Management: Develop and maintain quality assurance systems to ensure conservation relevance across proposals. Supervise the implementation of Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESSF) and guide risk management measures in project design.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL): Design and oversee M&E strategies that align with organizational goals and donor expectations. Lead the development of logframes, theories of change, and KPIs for tracking conservation impact.
• Team Management and Talent Development: Supervise and mentor conservation staff, supporting their performance and professional development. Collaborate on workforce planning and recruitment for the conservation function.
• Communications, Partnerships & Representation: Act as spokesperson for the WWF CauPO Conservation Programme, contributing to communications products and fostering partnerships.
• Fundraising and Donor Relationship Management: Lead proposal development to secure funding for the WWF Caucasus strategy, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and timely reporting.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in natural resources management, environmental or conservation management, development studies, or relevant fields.
• At least 10 years of practical experience in leading and managing integrated conservation programs at a regional level.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans.
• Thorough understanding of conservation and development issues in the region, including the policy/institutional context.
• Experience in developing and writing project proposals for various funding sources.
• Excellent understanding of development partnerships, fundraising strategies, and governmental relations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English, Russian, and Georgian languages.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in fields such as natural resources management, environmental or conservation management, or development studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of conservation issues and for leading strategic initiatives effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of practical experience in leading and managing integrated conservation programs at a regional level. This experience should include a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans, as well as a thorough understanding of conservation and development issues specific to the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Russian and Georgian languages. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working with international partners and stakeholders. The role may require travel within the Caucasus region and potentially beyond. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Work permit restrictions may apply, and early applications are encouraged as the organization reserves the right to close the advert early.