Director, National Elephant Action Plans at Conservation International

Job description

About The Position

The Director of National Elephant Action Plans (NEAPs) is responsible for providing strategic oversight and programmatic direction for National Elephant Action Plans across Africa. W orking independently and as part of a small team based in Nairobi and London, and in partnership with government, IGO and NGO partners in Africa and elsewhere, they will play a pivotal role in supporting African governments and partner NGOs to develop, review and implement NEAPs - utilizing the NEAP Standards and Guidelines and assisting with their periodic review process.

They are responsible for senior-level program management and ensuring that program strategies, initiatives and outcomes advance the Elephant Protection Initiative’s human development and conservation priorities. Duties are diverse, and include designing and implementing program and conservation strategies, project management, technical oversight and monitoring, fundraising and capacity building. The Director of NEAPs ensures compliance with EPI policies, program and funding agreements, and local requirements.

The EPI Director of NEAPs will be contracted to Stop Ivory, but will fulfil an EPI Secretariat function jointly managed by Stop Ivory and Conservation International. They will report to and be tasked by the EPI Secretariat’s lead representative from both Stop Ivory and Conservation International, who work closely together on all aspects of EPI Implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in the development and implementation of specific NEAP’s and NEAP associated projects by provide technical and coordination design
• Represent the EPI externally at key international conferences and other events to share best practices and lessons learned, and serve as a trusted point of contact for EPI
  Effectively engage stakeholders including donors, government and NGOs, technical colleagues and other partners important to program success.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and development and support the programme’ s financial sustainability by identifying funding opportunities. Regularly partner with EPI Secretariat staff on funding proposals and regional/global fundraising efforts.
  Organise regional meetings, working groups, and training as required to promote information sharing. Working closely with the Communications Team, build stakeholder understanding and support by helping develop fact sheets, and related materials.
  Ensure compliance with EPI policies, funding agreements and local requirements.
  Lead on securing effective input into the NEAP process from the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group.
  Perform other related duties as agreed.

Required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in biological, environmental or conservation science or related field.
• A proven track record of not less than ten years of developing conservation programmes with Conservation INGO’s/NGOs, preferably in Africa.
• Proven track record of securing and managing large grants, contractual agreements and project budgets
• Proven project management experience for cross-border projects and/or multi-site projects.
• Ability to engage with a variety of audiences from grass roots to high ranking government and/or donors.
• Successful experience in negotiating complex agreements with governments, NGO’S and other key supporters
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal is a must. Working knowledge of French or Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint).
• A good understanding of Africa and conservation landscape, especially with member of the EPI.
• A self-starter who is able to work well independently and a strong team player with proven diplomacy skills and ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams displaying sensitivity and respect for diversity

Preferred

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure managing competing demands and complex situations and deliver satisfactory and timely results;
Willing to travel periodically across Africa.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will supervise work of experts and consultants (including tech developers) contracted to work on related EPI activities and oversee and evaluate their delivered outputs.
This is a fixed term contract position that may be renewed subject to funding.