Regional Representative, Eastern/Southern African Regional Programme (ESARPO)

Regional Representative, Eastern Southern African Regional Programme (ESARPO) Location: Nairobi-Kenya Starting date: negotiable Closing date: 30 October 2011 Salary: competitive salary will be offered Reference: WWF-REP-ESA Reports to: Director, Programme Office Management (Geneva)

WWF has retained the services of Mission Talent to perform a search for their Regional Representative for the Eastern Southern African Regional Programme (ESARPO). This regional office has been involved in active conservation work in eastern and southern Africa since 1962, beginning with the purchase of land in Nakuru (Kenya) to allow for the establishment of an enlarged park to help support the conservation of the flamingos of Lake Nakuru. Eastern and Southern Africa contains some of the world’s most unique and spectacular bio-diversity. It is home to critical places (Coastal East Africa, Africa Rift Lakes, Miombo and the Namib-Karoo) and key flagship species (Great Apes, African Elephant, African Rhinos and Marine Turtles). The office helps coordinate activities Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also works closely with projects in Namibia and WWF's office in South Africa.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides effective leadership and line management to Directors of WWF Country Offices in Eastern and Southern Africa and senior management staff of ESARPO;
Ensures that Country Offices and ESARPO are effectively and efficiently managed in all key programme areas – operations, finance, HR, conservation, communication and fundraising - achieving first-rate KPIs and providing the basis for the Coastal East Africa (CEA) NI and other network priorities in region to be most effective in achieving their objectives;
Develops all Country Offices in the region into high performing, self-sufficient and fully empowered WWF presences by providing the appropriate support and service;
Ensures that the WWF ESARPO legal and reporting requirements are met and adhere to WWF’s policies, procedures and standards.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

To create a positive, engaging and creative thriving environment for staff; leading staff effectively through creation of a shared vision for ESARPO, ensuring all staff understand their contribution to that vision, professional development and performance management;
Effectively leads/coordinates/manages and develops the ESARPO senior management team and supports them in executing the strategy and managing talent and resources for the organization;
Ensures that an overall Strategic Plan (comprising a Conservation and Operational Plan) is developed and effectively implemented by ESARPO and the Country Offices effectively contributing to the vision of the CEA NI and other appropriate priorities defined in WWF’s Global Programme Framework;
In line with the overall Strategic Plan develops annual workplan for the ESARPO with clear priorities and ensures efficient implementation;
In line with the requirements of a network-wide monitoring and reporting system ensures the establishment of a monitoring and reporting system for ESARPO measuring the performance against the overall Strategic Plan;
Ensures that ESARPO and Country Offices have the sufficient capacity and financial resources, most efficient structures, systems and processes in place to effectively implement the Strategic Plan;
Ensures the development of strong and effective Country Offices and their empowerment as well as a clear division of work between them and the Sub-Regional Office in line with different mandates and defined Job Descriptions;
Provides effective leadership and support throughout the change process ensuring effective and efficient alignment of all parts of ESARPO to the CEA NI and other deliverables/strategies defined in the Strategic Plan for the region;
Ensures timely technical, financial and journalistic reporting to donors, WWF International and all relevant parts of the WWF Network according to agreed standards;
Ensures that the WWF International Board approved policies, procedures and standards for operational, financial, personnel and administrative systems and outputs are implemented in ESARPO and it’s Country Offices;
Ensures that ESARPO cooperates with financial, operational and programmatic audits and implements in a timely manner audit recommendations;
Establishes an effective internal communications system to ensure that all staff working for ESARPO are fully informed of WWF’s Mission, Global Programme Framework (GPF) Priorities and Strategic Approaches, and kept abreast of new developments, polices and procedures as and when they arise;
In close coordination and consultation with the Leader CEA NI and Director of Country Offices participates in key fundraising approaches to WWF National Organisations, Government and Aid Agencies, corporate and private donors within the policies, procedures and standards set by the WWF International Board;
As a member of the CEA NI Shareholder Group (SHG) participates in all SHG meetings and ensures that relevant decisions and recommendations are timely and effectively implemented;
Engages effectively in all appropriate for fora and institutions at the subregional level and acts as an ambassador and representative of WWF;
Performs other duties as requested by the Director POM or his/her designate.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced University degree in Business Management, International Relations/Development and other related fields;
Additional academic training or degree in an Environmental field such as Natural Resource Management is a strong asset;
Proven track record and proficiency in successfully leading large scale programmes and/or institutions in the field of conservation, natural-resource management or international development;
At least 10 years professional experience, 3-5 years of which should be in the region, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and multiple donor budgets;
Demonstrated fund-raising skills and experience with donor/government aid agencies;
Proven success in a multi-cultural international setting;
Excellent oral and written communications skills in English;
Knowledge of other languages from the Central Africa region an asset.
Excellent leadership abilities and capacity to manage human and financial resources, with experience in leading change and driving the vision of the organization;
Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic plans;
Decision making skills with strong business acumen and drive for results;
High level negotiation and influencing skills, and the capacity to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels in the business, not-for-profit, scientific and political communities;
Track record of building organizational talent by nurturing performance culture and encouraging empowerment and delegation;
Superlative diplomatic and communication skills, including an ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals (individual donors, business leaders, public figures, WWF staff), within a broad range of cultural environments;
Must be committed to equal opportunity employment policies;
Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined, Engaging

TO APPLY Since WWF has tasked Mission Talent to undertake this search, all applications must be sent directly to applications@missiontalent.com stating WWF-REP-ESA in the subject line. Kindly attach your relevant CV (in English) and a suitability statement (not more than 350 words).

Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration can be contacted.