Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, established with a mission to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. With over 5 million members and a global network active in more than 100 countries, WWF focuses on conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring sustainable use of renewable natural resources, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. The organization has been operational for over four decades in Mesoamerica, successfully collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders including government entities, the private sector, civil society, international cooperation agencies, and the WWF network itself. This extensive collaboration has allowed WWF to expand its scope of work in the region and strengthen ties with actors globally, enhancing its impact and effectiveness in conservation efforts.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for WWF Mesoamerica is tasked with providing vision and leadership across Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. This role involves representing WWF to key stakeholders and partners, leveraging the resources of the WWF Network to empower the country office in delivering high-impact conservation results that align with WWF's global goals. The Country Director is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of WWF Mesoamerica through three interconnected pillars: Conservation Impact, Organizational Culture, and Operational Excellence. This includes ensuring that WWF’s mission aligns with national conservation policies, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, and managing the organization as a Center of Excellence. The position is fully accountable for risk management and compliance with WWF standards, donor requirements, and local laws, ensuring that risks are identified, mitigated, and reported effectively. The Country Director will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Country Offices and LAC Secretariat, and will be responsible for the overall performance and operational effectiveness of WWF Mesoamerica.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director leads the strategic planning and implementation of WWF Mesoamerica’s integrated strategy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Key responsibilities include building and maintaining a positive organizational culture aligned with WWF values, leading organizational development processes, and identifying and developing talented team members. The Country Director is also responsible for resource mobilization and fundraising strategies, ensuring financial sustainability through diversified funding sources. This includes managing organizational risk, ensuring compliance with operational and financial standards, and establishing effective monitoring and evaluation systems. The role requires establishing strong internal and external communication mechanisms, engaging with partners and stakeholders, and ensuring effective advocacy and collaboration with government and private sectors. The Country Director will also oversee the implementation of WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework, ensuring compliance and risk management across projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in Conservation, Natural Sciences, Management, International Development, Policy, Sustainability, or a related field. Higher academic qualifications may be substituted by relevant work experience. A minimum of 12 years of proven experience in leadership positions within NGOs is required, with a focus on managing large, diverse teams and networks. Candidates should demonstrate experience in strategic planning, financial and risk management, and organizational transformation. Excellent communication skills are essential, along with the ability to motivate teams, delegate responsibilities, and solve problems effectively. Technical proficiency in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, or International Development in the context of Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize is also necessary, along with experience in public relations and fundraising.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in relevant fields such as Conservation, Natural Sciences, Management, International Development, Policy, or Sustainability is required. Candidates with higher academic qualifications may have their experience considered as a substitute. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles and practices relevant to conservation and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of experience in higher leadership roles within NGOs, preferably with a focus on conservation or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading and managing organizations, including experience in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational change. Experience in mobilizing resources and building partnerships with various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for fulfilling the responsibilities of the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The application process requires candidates to submit a Cover Letter and CV in English by the deadline of November 6th, 202

• The position is likely to be full-time and may involve international collaboration, given the regional scope of WWF Mesoamerica's operations. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description but are typically competitive within the NGO sector.