Senior Director, Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since become one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries globally. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF focuses on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. The organization boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million members worldwide, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director for Africa at WWF is tasked with providing strategic and programmatic leadership for the Wildlife Program's area-based conservation and species priorities in Africa, particularly focusing on Southern Africa and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). This role is pivotal in building partnerships and providing technical expertise to mobilize financing for large-scale conservation initiatives. The Senior Director is responsible for developing and communicating a strategic vision, overseeing programs managed by the Wildlife Team, and creating impactful projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing biodiversity and community-led conservation efforts. The position also involves representing WWF at key external events and advising senior leadership on relevant issues and opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Director will lead all aspects of the Wildlife Team's work in Africa, defining the impact and results necessary for species and biodiversity conservation, as well as community-based conservation. This includes working closely with other WWF-US teams and country offices to develop long-term strategies that align with conservation goals. The role involves overseeing the Southern Africa Priority Place Program, coordinating an integrated team of experts to optimize impact and resource mobilization. The Senior Director will also serve as a champion for wildlife priorities in Africa, leading fundraising efforts and engaging policymakers to build awareness and commitment. Team building and management are crucial, as the Senior Director will build and lead a diverse team, set goals, and drive success while fostering a culture of recognition and development. Creativity and innovation are essential, as the Senior Director will need to identify solutions to complex challenges and ensure that best practices are shared across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields such as conservation, natural resource management, or large landscape management. A minimum of 12 years of experience is required, including at least 5 years in conservation roles within Southern Africa and 5 years in senior leadership positions managing staff and large, complex conservation programs. A deep understanding of African conservation issues, including ecology, biology, and community-led conservation, is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated success in strategic planning, project design, budgeting, fundraising, and program implementation, as well as proven experience in building and managing partnerships across various sectors. Excellent communication skills are necessary to convey complex information to diverse audiences, and candidates should possess strong facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields such as conservation, natural resource management, or large landscape management is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of conservation efforts and the management of natural resources.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years working in conservation specifically in Southern Africa. Additionally, candidates should have 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role, managing staff and overseeing large, complex conservation programs. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the Senior Director can effectively lead the Wildlife Team and navigate the challenges of conservation in the region.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Southern Africa may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The role does not provide relocation assistance. Additionally, the position requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in conservation and team culture. The Senior Director should be willing to travel up to 30% of the time to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.