Vice President at Natural State

The Vice President (VP) is a key member of Natural State’s Leadership Team, responsible for driving excellence and alignment across operations, compliance, impact, and culture. The VP will oversee multiple departments - legal, HR and finance - and ensure smooth execution of the organisation’s strategy and obligations across jurisdictions. The role includes a strong advisory component, supporting the President on strategic matters related tlegal compliance, revenue generation, and organisational culture. The VP will alsserve as a key representative of Natural State, forging high-impact partnerships and amplifying the organisation’s voice across sectors.

Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Advisory tthe President
• Serve as a trusted advisor tthe President, providing high-level counsel on legal and statutory obligations, internal culture, and enterprise strategy.
• Provide regular advice tsupport executive decision-making on organisational growth, risk, compliance, and resource mobilisation.
• Work closely with the President and the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist tensure alignment across governance, strategic planning, and execution.
• Manage communications with the board and prepare the documentation and agendas for bi-annual board meetings.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure Natural State operates within an effective legal and regulatory framework across all jurisdictions, including overseeing the structuring, registration, and maintenance of its legal entities. 
• Secure and maintain all necessary government permissions, registrations, and renewals tcomply with national laws and operate effectively. 
• Oversee legal compliance across the organisation’s functions, including HR, finance, procurement, ensuring adherence trelevant regulations and internal policies. 
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for data protection, insurance coverage, and legal safeguards that protect the organisation and its people. 
• Oversee governance, statutory filings, legal risk mitigation, and coordination with legal counsel across jurisdictions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on implications and action steps.
• Organisational Culture and Human Resources
• Oversee the HR and Culture functions tbuild and sustain a high-performance, inclusive, and values-based organisational environment.
• Oversee systems for recruitment, talent development and retention, legacy planning, performance management, and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and ethical standards across all countries of operation.
• Strengthen culture through continuous engagement and alignment with Natural State’s mission and core values.
• Programmatic Delivery
• Oversee the Operations, HR and Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships departments tensure that initiatives are implemented effectively, on time, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration and accountability tdrive high-quality results.
• Policies and Donor Compliance
• Ensure organisational policies and procedures meet international donor standards and statutory requirements.
• Lead regular audits, internal reviews, and policy updates tmaintain operational integrity and transparency.
• Financial Oversight
• Coordinate the development of long-term financial strategies tmaintain organisational sustainability, including reserves, risk buffers, and funding diversification. 
• Oversee financial management systems and coordinate the budgeting, reporting, and forecasting processes. 
• Set up and ensure financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks meet both local legal requirements and international donor expectations. 
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for financial risk management, compliance, and internal controls. Ensure the Finance Manager is supported tmaintain strong systems, meet external audit requirements, and uphold donor and regulatory obligations. 
• Revenue Generation and Enterprise Development
• With the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist, support the Departmental Directors in the establishment and operationalisation of mission-aligned, revenue-generating entities.
• Ensure these ventures are financially sound, legally compliant, and strategically integrated.
• Advise on the design and scaling of sustainable income streams tsupport organisational independence and growth.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and visibility at national and international levels.
• Organisational Systems and Impact
• Partner with the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist tdevelop and refine systems for operational alignment and performance measurement.
• Promote the integration of impact monitoring tools and data systems that inform adaptive management and decision-making and facilitate programmatic performance and impact assessment.
• Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.
• External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
• Act as a leading voice and ambassador for Natural State, effectively communicating its mission, values, and achievements.
• Build strategic relationships with government agencies, funders, private sector leaders, and academic partners.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• 15+ years of experience in the social or environmental sectors, with at least 10 years at senior leadership level and demonstrable experience in operational management and both philanthropic fundraising and revenue generation through social enterprise business models.
• Proven experience in cross-functional leadership, revenue strategy, and organisational development and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability twork with executive leadership, funders, and high-level partners.