Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF), a global leader in using economics to influence better decisions for people and nature, is looking for an experienced and established conservation leader with demonstrated passion and experience in the field of natural resources, environment, or sustainable development to spearhead our organization’s growth on the continent.
In 2021 we undertook a strategic planning effort to deepen our understanding of current environmental, social, and development issues in Southern and Eastern Africa through conversations with government officials, funders, and conservation NGO leaders. As a result, our new strategic plan for Africa outlines where CSF’s expertise in environmental economic analysis and training can be best applied in order to influence decision-making in support of both people and nature. We are now looking for a leader who can build a successful program of work in Africa based on this strategy.
Candidates should have experience working at the intersection of environmental and development issues, and a track record of building new programs and funding. Candidates should also have a strong familiarity with economic principles, tools, and methods.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a high level of energy, the ability to work independently, and a passion for building partnerships and programs.
Consultancy Summary
We are offering a twelve-month full-time consultancy, with the opportunity to transition to a long-term consultant or CSF staff member. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record of growing and leading a successful program of work in Eastern and/ or Southern Africa. This person will be able to use their existing network in the region, and also leverage CSF’s large alumni network, to seek out partnership opportunities, cultivate potential funders, and draft winning proposals. The candidate will report to CSF’s Executive Director and lead projects as they develop, which may also involve supervising economic analytical work and developing training opportunities.
This consultancy requires someone who can work independently, is an organized thinker with exceptionally good written and verbal communication skills, and someone who can juggle multiple, competing priorities. The ideal candidate will have broad experience with applied economic analysis targeted to address environmental challenges that are considered major threats to Africa’s unique natural resources and biodiversity, and the diverse communities that are so closely tied to Africa’s landscapes.
This is a full-time consultancy in a flexible work environment that will provide an active voice in the vision of a focused, dedicated, and fun organization. This position can be based anywhere in Eastern or Southern Africa (i.e. Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe) with a preference for Kenya and South Africa. CSF does not sponsor work permits or visas and will not pay for relocation expenses.
Responsibilities:
- Strategy: Carry out CSF’s strategy in Africa to leverage our experience in economic analysis and capacity building for partners, communities, and governments. Develop 1-2 regional strategies based on CSF’s overall Africa strategy.
- Planning: Build and implement a multi-year plan based on that strategy and build a team of staff to design and deliver high-quality analyses and training.
- Communication: Communicate progress on regional strategies and action plans internally within CSF and externally through media, social media, and targeted communications.
- Program Development: Seek opportunities to use economics to achieve conservation and sustainable development goals, including through policy-relevant analyses to influence decisions and training courses to build a cadre of professionals in government and civil society literate in conservation economics.
- Project Management: Lead multiple projects in Africa, which will require managing other consultants and the delivery of analytical work and capacity-building efforts.
- Fundraising and external relationships: In Africa, represent CSF at external meetings, serve as the lead point of contact for relevant partners and funders, lead the development and writing of proposals in collaboration with other CSF staff, and work closely with the Executive Director on business development, including presentations to potential funders and clients.
- Culture: Establish and maintain a culture of compassionate conservation that embraces human-centered design for conservation and supports local- and Indigenous-led conservation.
Position Qualifications:
- Relevant experience in developing and implementing capacity-building and outreach programs, such as courses and workshops.
- Advanced degree in natural resource economics, conservation finance, sustainable development, environmental policy, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience working in Africa and applying economics to environment and development issues, including working directly with policymakers, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Passion and commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.
- A strong network of contacts in government, academia, and the NGO environment in Africa.
- Profound knowledge of cultural contexts and issues related to the environment, economic growth, and sustainable development in various regions of Africa.
- Skills and experience navigating processes with partners and clients to define and target research and training to drive policy and behavior change.
- Successful track record of writing grant and consultancy proposals.
- Engaging and effective public speaker to various audiences.
- Enthusiasm for learning and taking on new problems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
- A detail-oriented and organized thinker who has the ability to work independently and can juggle multiple, competing priorities.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, CV, and link to your Linkedin profile to jobs@conservation-strategy.org by June 30, 2022.
Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter.
Those who are accepted to the next round will be notified.
NOTE: This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who have previously applied need not apply again.
