Country Director Full-Time

All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realization that nature is our life-support system. And that nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge.

Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife.

What we do

We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been working in Mozambique since 2001 and is currently implementing its second country strategy (2020-2030), whose goal is for WWF MCO to influence and ensure sound management and responsible stewardship and use of Mozambique’s unique biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations. The strategy, underpinned by the fact that the wellbeing and prosperity of Mozambicans is dependent on nature and that, today, the rate of loss of this life-support system demands urgent and effective action, is anchored around three conservation pillars, namely: i) inclusive conservation of habitats and species; ii) sustainable and equitable livelihoods; and iii) greening the footprint of economic development. The strategy will focus on six priority landscapes and seascapes, namely, Lake Niassa & Lichinga Plateau, Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve, Zambezi Delta, Primeiras & Segundas Environmental Protected Area and Inhambane seascape.

We are looking for a dynamic and committed Country Director, with knowledge and experience of the country and the region, to develop and lead WWF Mozambique. This is a replacement.

Contract type: fixed term (2 years)

Mission

Shape the conservation and sustainability agenda of the Mozambique Country Office to deliver on WWF’s global priorities nationally, regionally, and globally; and contribute to strong leadership within the WWF Network.

Main Function and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high performing Country Office with efficient operating systems professional and skilled staff, and strong financial resources, delivering conservation impact in places that are key for WWF’s Network Initiatives and other global conservation priorities, positioning it as the leading Conservation INGO nationally, regionally and globally;
• Lead the vision, strategic planning, and future institutional development of WWF Mozambique Country Office;
• Accountable for the management of the WWF Mozambique Country Office and ensure is managed effectively and efficiently in all key programme areas: Conservation Programme, Finance & Administration, People & Culture, Partnership Development, Communications, Fundraising, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Quality Assurance;
• Provide effective leadership and line management for all members of the Country Leadership Team;
• Represent WWF Mozambique at network meetings with government, industry leaders, key supporters and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role, 3-5 years of which should be in Southern Africa with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Experience with Conservation INGOs will be a strong advantage;
• Master’s degree in Business Management, International Relations, Development, or other related fields. A degree in an environmental or conservation field will be an advantage;
• Sound knowledge and understanding of conservation priorities and programmes in the sub-region and Mozambique in particular;
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading and managing large scale programmes and/or institutions in the fields of conservation, natural resource management, international development and/or other related fields;
• Superior oral and written communications skills in English and Portuguese. Fluency in Mozambique national languages will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competences

• Demonstrable and strong leadership in external engagement, strategic partnerships, policy and influencing with public, private sector and with funding agencies;
• Empowering leadership style in developing strong senior management and operations teams to enhance programme delivery, quality assurance, operational efficiency and risk management;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that support the ability to represent the organization at a range of local and international fora, media and general public;
• High-level negotiation, collaborating 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;
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare and submit in English: a cover letter and a curriculum vitae, all together not exceeding 5 pages.

The subject should read “Moz-CD001”.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for follow up. If you have not been contacted six weeks after closing, consider your application unsuccessful.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.