africa director

Re:wild protects and restores the wild. We have a singular and powerful focus: the wild as the most effective solution to the interconnected climate, biodiversity, and human wellbeing crises. Founded by a group of renowned conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio, Re:wild is a force multiplier that brings together Indigenous Peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need. Learn more at rewild.org.

Re:wild seeks an experienced, dedicated regional Director to lead and scale up our work across Africa through a partnership-based model, which supports local conservation organizations, Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), government agencies, park rangers, emerging conservation leaders, and young people dedicating their lives to protecting biodiversity. Re:wild has a long history of engagement across West and Central Africa, East Africa, Madagascar, and Southern Africa and a network of local partners working to protect, manage, and restore the most important places for nature, recover endangered species, prevent wildlife crime, strengthen local capacity and conservation leadership, and advocate for Earth.The Africa Director – a new position to the organization – will work with Re:wild team members and partners to develop a clear strategy for scaling up Re:wild’s work in Africa, with a principal focus on the continent’s biodiversity hotspots and high biodiversity wilderness areas, and lead the development and implementation of a program of work under this strategy. The Director will work closely with Re:wild’s other programmatic leads to ensure close synergies amongst all bodies of work.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a Re:wild strategy for biodiversity conservation across Africa. This strategy must:

  • be scientifically sound, deliver high impacts for biodiversity, and be partner-led;

  • capture and focus on Re:wild’s priority landscapes and thematic approaches in the region; and

  • leverage the unique strengths and approach of Re:wild.

• Build an alliance of partners across Africa with similar ethos, ambition, and focus as Re:wild to deliver high-impact conservation.

• Help generate significant increases in funding for conservation action by:

  • aligning partners and funders around large-scale, regional visions;

  • creating donor coalitions around landscapes and thematic issues critical to African conservation;

  • developing and writing fundraising strategies and proposals;

  • engaging new and current donors; and

  • identifying opportunities to leverage even greater conservation opportunities via government and private funding streams.

• Leveraging Re:wild’s guardians work, support partners, where needed, to build their institutional and individual capacity to deliver higher impact conservation.

• Manage and grow a portfolio of projects and partners working across key landscapes in Africa including, but not limited to, the Eastern Congo, Eastern Afromontane mountains, East African coastal forests, Guinean Forests, Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands, and the Zambezi Valley.

• In partnership with other Re:wild programs, help build or expand initiatives for conservation area establishment and management, ranger professionalization, wildlife crime prevention, exploration, species conservation, national Red Listing and KBA identification, wildlife trade, conservation advocacy, Indigenous peoples, and women in conservation.

• In close collaboration with the Re:wild impact monitoring team, ensure all data on Re:wild’s work and impact in Africa is tracked.

• Work closely with Re:wild’s communications and marketing teams to promote the work of Re:wild and our partners and support conservation impact in the region.

• Strategically build Re:wild’s core capacity in the region; recruit and manage new team members as resources allow and ensure they are connected to other departments within Re:wild to ensure their success.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Commitment to and passion for Re:wild’s mission, vision, and values.

• Advanced degree and minimum of 5 years of experience as a senior leader in the conservation field and at least 10 years of experience working in Africa.

• Experience managing, funding, and working within a diversity of conservation projects and/or programs.

• Strong commitment to collaborative and participatory approaches. Skilled at bringing together groups to coordinate resources and efforts and in managing diverse opinions effectively.

• Experience managing effective teams and able to work with a diverse team and set of partners, efficiently communicating and sharing knowledge and ideas, advancing organizational positions and seeking advice when needed.

• High degree of initiative and ability to work with autonomy within Re:wild’s mission and values.

• Experience in fundraising and budget management.

• Persistence and ability to overcome obstacles and to take calculated risks to accomplish goals.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.

• Written and verbal fluency in English and French required. Proficiency in Portuguese, Malagasy, Swahili, or other African languages ideal.

• Ability to undertake regular international travel and work across time zones.

Location

In region required, preference for East, Central, Southern or West Africa. Preference for candidates who are host country nationals or possess valid work authorization to work in the country of hire.

Position

Full-time

Compensation

Re:wild offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a CV or resume and cover letter to careers@rewild.org.The position will remain open until filled.

About Us

At Re:wild, we work with partners, Indigenous people and communities in more than 90 countries to protect and restore the diversity of life on Earth. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.