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Conservation International (CI) works to conserve natural capital, the foundation of socio-economic development. However, current development models – which have the potential to improve the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people in poverty around the world – generally erode the healthy ecosystems and ecosystem services upon which sustainable development ultimately depends. We propose a new development model (healthy, sustainable societies), in which the wealth of nature is wisely managed and distributed equitably for current and future generations through the recognition and mainstreaming of the values of natural capital in the development decision-making process.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Field Programs, the Senior Vice President (SVP) for the Africa + Madagascar Field Division is responsible for providing the strategic direction, leadership and oversight for the Field Programs within Africa. The Senior Vice President leads and manages the Africa + Madagascar Field Division to ensure high level delivery of results according to CI’s business model, institutional priorities, and agreed-upon “healthy sustainable societies framework.” This position leads the development and implementation of local-to-regional level strategies and integrates these at the global scale. This includes conservation strategies for terrestrial and marine priority areas, development of sustainable production and consumption mechanisms, and design and implementation of cutting-edge mechanisms of distribution of nature’s benefits. The Senior Vice President also ensures overall excellence in administrative, financial and staff management issues, and serves as the main representative and spokesperson for the field division. The SVP integrates field program results into coherent products to influence development pathways of countries and independent provinces and states, and engages with key partners, especially development agencies and other key stakeholders. The SVP engages with CI Senior Leadership to help align research and policy needs for field program priorities as well as ensure that field demonstrations are properly considered within amplification goals directed to key audiences in the development world. The position directly supervises the Field Division Director of Operations, all Country Directors within the Division and other staff as determined by the Division’s staffing plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Development & Implementation
- Consistent with CI’s overall mission, lead and manage all aspects of CI’s presence in the Field Division in accordance with the priorities and business principles to deliver results in line with CI’s goals as part of the mission.
- Define and integrate at the Field Division scale any and all issues that represent threats and/or opportunities, and consolidate them into a division-level conservation strategy. This will include conservation strategies for terrestrial and marine high priority areas that are based on scientifically sound priorities. Establish and maintain cooperative partnerships with both internal and external partners including CI business units in HQ and around the world, multilateral agencies, government bodies, conservation NGOs, private sector partners, and scientific agencies to achieve conservation outcomes in the division.
- Participate in the implementation of the entire Field Unit’s strategic plan according to agreed-upon activities and initiatives that best take advantage of overall needs and expertise. Participate as a full member in the deliberations, meetings, annual planing, assessments, etc. of CI’s Leadership Group.
- Support the engagement of CI in emerging international Healthy, Sustainable Societies discussions and, with other Division heads, develop communications products for the implementation of engagement strategies with these stakeholders.
- Lead the implementation of the Green Economy Framework within field programs in the Africa + Madagascar Field Division and develop key internal communications, work planning and reporting components as appropriate and required.
- Work in coordination with other Division heads (in field and HQ) to ensure the integration of Healthy Sustainable Societies roll-out with other CI business units and overall institutional priorities.
Fundraising
- Manage a comprehensive fundraising program to raise annual and long-term funding from individuals and foundations and ensure that fundraising goals are met.
- Generate a sufficient and sustainable financial resource stream for high-level conservation delivery in all programs within the division.
- Coordinate fundraising strategies and plans with other CI programs with fundraising responsibilities including:
- Center for Environmental Leadership in Business
- Center for Environment and Peace
- Development
- Collaborate with other senior leaders to develop relationships with partners in the public and private sector that are key to CI’s success. Personally take the lead on such partnerships when the focus of work with the partner is to raise funds and the role for the SVP is agreed to as the best strategy.
- Build a sustainable fundraising infrastructure within the Africa and Madagascar Field Division and throughout the organization.
Risk Management
- Identify and monitor areas of risk for the Africa + Madagascar Field Division and implement strategies to mitigate as appropriate.
- Implement plans to keep CI in compliance with its legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
- Ensure that employees within the Africa + Madagascar Field Division have received, read and understand CI’s Workplace Conduct and other pertinent policies, procedures, rules, regulations and laws.
- Support internal and external audits, ensuring audit findings and recommendations are addressed.
People and Program Management
- Accountable for the overall administrative, financial and staff management of the division and its field programs, and that these are conducted in a manner that ensures stability, provides a motivating environment and is in compliance with local laws and CI policies.
- Align staff efforts toward overall objectives and manage performance.
Working conditions:
Frequent travel, >25%.
Position requires living and working in Nairobi.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required (critical to successful job performance. Applicants not meeting required skills may not be hired)
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in related field and minimum10+ years direct experience leading conservation efforts at country and continental scales.
- Demonstrated track record of strategy innovation and program implementation.
- Demonstrated leadership and team building skills.
- Proven success and demonstrated results in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals at the seven figure level.
- Proven ability to formulate and execute results utilizing strong analytical, critical decision-making and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to interact with Senior Executives at other non-governmental organizations.
- Clear and concise verbal and written communications skills.
- Extensive professional experience in public speaking and developing presentations.
- Proven financial management and analytical skills, including experience with planning and managing complex budgets.
- Strong interpersonal skills, personal and professional confidence, and presence, and the ability to effectively build strong relationships both internally and externally with individuals across disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
- Demonstrated strong management skills with the ability to mentor and motivate staff, to provide leadership and to build an effective, successful fundraising team.
- Passion for conservation of nature and a commitment to Conservation International’s vision and mission.
Preferred:
- Working knowledge of development economics and national development planning.
- Excellent contacts in academic and development world.
- Able to speak at least one of the two most important languages in Africa (French or Portuguese)
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