Vice President, Wildlife Trafficking

Wildlife poaching and trafficking are multi-billion dollar illicit businesses that are decimating Africa’s iconic animal populations. Many species – most notably elephants and rhinoceroses – now face the risk of significant decline or even extinction, and large cats are increasingly threatened. Wildlife poaching and trafficking, like other forms of illicit trade, undermine security across nations and internationally.  Trafficking also threatens nature tourism and the safari industry, which are invaluable sources of revenue for rural communities and cornerstones of economic development strategies.  Conservation International (CI) recognizes  that the global trade in illicit wildlife products poses an international challenge amenable only to cooperative, international solutions.  

CI is looking for an innovative and strategic leader who can leverage these and other opportunities in the new role of Vice President, Wildlife Trafficking.  Reporting to the Senior Vice President in our Africa + Madagascar Field Division,  the Vice President will lead critical work at the regional level in Africa and play a larger strategic role in CI’s wildlife efforts in other regions and globally. Using a variety of tools and approaches that may include enforcement cooperation at the regional level through Wildlife Enforcement Networks, community-based conservation efforts, supporting improved detection at ports, collaborating with the shipping industry, among others, the Vice President, Wildlife Trafficking will create and lead a strategic effort that builds on CI’s strengths as a leader in the global effort against illegal wildlife trafficking.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead internal strategy development for wildlife trafficking work in Africa, and contribute to CI’s wildlife trafficking work globally.
• Operationalize existing international, continental, and regional wildlife protection commitments and initiatives, and implement relevant protocols, by supporting the establishment of a network of national wildlife law enforcement agencies
• Establish and cultivate new partnerships with private and public organizations and agencies to disrupt illegal wildlife trafficking and achieve lasting results
• Represent CI externally at national, regional and global forums on wildlife trafficking, such as United for Wildlife and the Clinton Global Initiative
• Lead fundraising efforts to support the implementation of CI’s wildlife trafficking strategy in Africa
• Establish linkages between CI’s wildlife trafficking work in Africa and other initiatives taking place in Africa and beyond
• Support the operationalization of regional Wildlife Enforcement Networks, focusing initially on the Wildlife Enforcement Network of Southern Africa
• Write reports and develop materials for internal decision makers and external parties, including papers for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Represent CI at external meetings with partners, donors, foundations, government officials, including but not limited to, the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife Initiative and the Clinton Global Initiative's Partnership to Save Africa's Elephants. 
• Manage CI staff as well as direct contractors and vendors as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in biological, environmental, social science, economics, international development, business or related field.
• At least 10 years of wildlife management, illegal wildlife trade, or anti-poaching experience
• Demonstrated experience in leading wildlife programs and projects from multiple funding sources and with detailed reporting requirements
• Demonstrated experience leading a dispersed team and influencing activities without direct management authority
• Demonstrated experience developing an implementing a strategy related to wildlife management or conservation
• Demonstrated talent in functioning as an agent of change in strategy development, program management, private sector/government engagement, and international policy related to conservation / wildlife trafficking endeavors.
• Proven track record in securing multi-million dollar grants to support conservation and/or sustainable development agendas.
• Demonstrated network of and/or access to high-level decision makers and opinion leaders in public and private organizations with interest in wildlife in Africa.
• Successful experience negotiating complex agreements with govements, NGOs and other key supporters.
• Superb communication and presentation skills.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in strategically managing staff and human capital. Proven ability to successfully engage and motivate staff.
• Documented experience in communicating brand and strategy to external audiences.
• Fluency in English and a second African language.

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

• Passion : We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms. 
• Respect : We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Integrity : We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.
• Optimism : We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.
• Courage : We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.
• Teamwork:   We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
• The position requires frequent international travel up to 50% of time and ability to work non-traditional and extended hours to support a global workforce in multiple time zones.