WWF International Africa Director Job Vacancy

Position title: Director, Africa
 

Reports to: Director General, WWF International
 

Supervises: Senior Leadership Team of WWF Africa

I. Mission of the Department: 

To develop and lead WWF in Africa so that it is highly influential; is able to shape the sustainability agenda of Africa domestically and globally to deliver WWF’s global priorities; and plays a leadership role within the WWF network.
 

II. Major Functions:

Leads the strategic planning and future institutional development of WWF in Africa as the leading conservation INGO in Africa and enables the Africa offices to play a leading role in the WWF Network;
 

Provides thought leadership on key issues at the highest organisational level and manages key partnerships in and outside Africa such as Africa Development Bank, African Union, NEPAD, SADC and relevant Governments to ensure optimal communication and mutually beneficial relationships;
 

Builds strong and high-performing offices in Africa, and creates a culture of commitment and high standard of work ethics amongst all level of staff.

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides overall direction and leadership in the implementation of the Africa vision 2020 and in developing and executing WWF strategic objectives and institutional vision in Africa to achieve the highest conservation impact and outcomes;
• Further strengthens WWF’s profile, reputation and credibility in Africa and influences policies to achieve WWF’s global programme priorities;
• Initiates and leads strategic partnerships with governments, corporate, civil society etc relevant to WWF’s institutional vision and global initiatives in Africa;
• Ensures effective communications with WWF Network, governments, international organisations, other non-governmental organisations, industry and public to ensure strong profile of WWF and its activities, as well as leveraging opportunities between national, regional and global levels;
• Ensures WWF in Africa has a solid long term development strategy and is financially strong to deliver on its conservation agenda;
• Ensures Country Offices are effectively and efficiently managed in all key areas – conservation, operations, finance, HR, communication, marketing, fundraising, policy and partnerships;
• Ensures the compliance of country offices in Africa with WWF International and WWF Network policies, standards and procedures, including the Compact;
• Provides effective leadership and line management for all members of the senior leadership team at the Africa Secretariat and Programme, Subregional and Country offices;
• Effectively leads, coordinates, manages and develops the senior management team and supports them in executing the strategy and managing talent and resources for WWF in Africa;
• Builds a culture of performance, positivity, engagement, creativity and work ethics within all offices in Africa;
• Leads staff effectively through creation of a shared vision ensuring all staff in Africa understand their contribution;
• Perform other duties as requested by the WWF International Director General or his/her delegate.

IV. Profile:
 

Required Functional Skills:

• At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in leading national, regional or international organisations;
• Proven knowledge and experience of the not-for-profit sector, preferably of environmental and/or developmental non-government organisations;
• Experience working with and influencing government officials/ departments and other key stakeholders in Africa;
• Good understanding of key conservation challenges in Africa and linkages with global priorities;
• Proven track of leading and building an organisation;
• Broad knowledge of operational issues and performance management, including the development and implementation of successful strategic Business Plans;
• Advanced degree in Business Management, International Relations/Development or other related fields;
• Exposure to and understanding of policy and partnership related work;
• Knowledge of the WWF Network an advantage;
• Excellent written and spoken English. French and any other African languages will be an added advantage.

Required Behavioural Skills:

• A proven leader with the capability of growing an organisation’s impact and building future leadership and talent in the organization;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to represent an organization at a range of local and international fora, in the media and with the general public;
• High level negotiation, collaborating and influencing skills and the capacity to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels in the business, not-for-profit, scientific and political communities;
• Have networks at the highest levels of Government and Business;
• Very strategic and demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic plans;
• Track record of building organizational talent by nurturing performance culture and encouraging empowerment and delegation;
• Decisive, courageous and resilient;
• Passion for conservation and WWF’s mandate;
• Committed to equal opportunity employment policies.
• Experience and a good understanding of operating in different cultural environment and managing remote teams;
• Ability to drive change and high performance;
• Available to travel extensively;
• Adheres to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

V. Working Relationships:
 

Internal – Works closely with the Director General, SMT and other Unit Heads of WWF International. Interacts frequently with CEOs and SMTs of WWF National Organizations and participates in various network committees as appropriate.
 

External – Interacts creates and fosters links with leaders in governments, intergovernmental institutions, business and industry, NGOs, local communities, donors and other strategic partners within the Africa Region and globally as appropriate.
 

This job description covers the main tasks. 

Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.

How to apply:

Email a cover letter and CV to int.recruitments@wwfint.org with the subject line Director, Africa 

Deadline for applications: 13th August 2013

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.