Senior Director, Conservation Programs

Job Description

The Senior Director, Conservation Programs, will be responsible for delivering institutionally defined impacts through the implementation of conservation programs that deliver on AWF's business plan. The role will oversee execution in line with AWF's strategic vision and Theory of Change, donor compliance, timely program delivery, and quality assurance. The position will supervise and or have delegated authority to supervise Country Directors, Country Coordinators, and the Bili Landscape.

This role will also serve as a thought partner to the SVP of Conservation Programs, contributing to program strategy, performance monitoring, communication, and innovation aimed at scaling and expansion. The Senior Director will work collaboratively with key functional teams and leaders across AWF to ensure that program strategies are well integrated into AWF's overall strategic objectives, including service on the Senior Management Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of African Wildlife Foundation's conservation programs and strategies, en- suring alignment with AWF's Theory of Change and business plan, institutional priorities 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 remain on track and meet established standards and donor requirements.
• Cultivate a culture of performance, innovation, learning, and accountability to ensure AWF's field presence remains nimble, relevant, and responsive to rapidly evolving policy, ecological, and funding environments.
• Lead the annual departmental work-planning processes, ensuring effective coordination and adherence to established strategies, conservation targets, and timelines.
• Lead the departmental budget development process, identifying areas for improvement, efficiency, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Foster cross-country and cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving to strengthen the collective impact of AWF's country portfolio.
• Identify strategic needs across programs and serve as the focal point for designing solutions and driving new innovations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Represent AWF in key forums and events to showcase AWF's programs and impact, and to cultivate new opportunities and partnerships.

Institutional Effectiveness and Culture Building

• Present program impacts and storytelling to donors, partners, and other stakeholders as requested by other divisions.
• Champion the implementation of African Wildlife Foundation processes, policies, and procedures.
• Cultivate a culture of strong performance and accountability.
• Model AWF's values in all interactions and decision-making.
• Support the design of initiatives and programs critical to delivering AWF's strategy and theory of change.
• Support a transparent reporting and peer-review process that strengthens accountability across the organization.
• Regularly evaluate the evolving landscape trends and developments in the biodiversity and conservation sector and propose best practices.

Key Qualifications

• Master's degree in Conservation, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 15 years of conservation experience relevant to the responsibilities outlined above.
• At least 7+ years managing professional staff, working with cross-functional teams and large projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing professional staff.
• International experience and knowledge of the donor landscape is desirable.
• Proven ability to identify challenges, develop solutions, and make sound decisions under pres- sure.
• 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
• Fluency in English and French is required.
• Ability to translate strategy into action.
• Lived conservation experience in Africa.
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations as required.