The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), together with the people of Africa, works to ensure the wildlife and wild lands of Africa will endure forever. We are seeking a Senior Director for Conservation Programs to lead the execution of our conservation strategies across the continent. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that AWF’s programs align with our Theory of Change and business plan, while maintaining high standards of institutional effectiveness and funding accountability.
Role Purpose
The Senior Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for AWF’s conservation programs. This involves ensuring timely and on-budget delivery of results, guiding diverse field teams, and fostering an organizational culture focused on performance, innovation, and learning. The role also involves representing AWF in high-level forums to cultivate strategic partnerships and showcase the impact of our work.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Oversight
Lead the execution of AWF’s conservation programs and strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding objectives.
Ensure timely and on-budget delivery of program results as defined in the institutional balanced scorecard.
Oversee and guide teams to ensure programs meet established standards and donor requirements.
Cultivate a culture of performance, innovation, learning, and accountability across field operations.
Lead annual departmental work-planning processes and budget development.
Foster cross-country and cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Identify strategic needs across programs and drive the design of innovative conservation solutions.
Represent AWF in key forums and events to showcase impact and cultivate new opportunities.
Institutional Effectiveness and Culture Building
Present program impacts and storytelling to donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Champion the implementation of AWF processes, policies, and procedures.
Model AWF’s core values in all interactions and decision-making.
Support the design of initiatives critical to delivering the organization's strategy and Theory of Change.
Support transparent reporting and peer-review processes to strengthen accountability.
Evaluate evolving landscape trends in the biodiversity and conservation sector to propose best practices.
Requirements and Qualifications
Master’s degree in Conservation, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
At least 15 years of relevant conservation experience.
Minimum of 7 years managing professional staff and leading cross-functional teams/large projects.
Proven leadership experience in managing professional staff.
International experience and knowledge of the donor landscape is highly desirable.
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
In-depth understanding of conservation principles, practices, and relevant policies.
Strong project management skills.
Professional fluency in both English and French is required.
Demonstrated ability to identify challenges, develop solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Lived conservation experience in Africa.
Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations as required.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the African Wildlife Foundation's recruitment portal hosted on UltiPro.
