Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is hiring a Conservation Director that leads the delivery of transformational and lasting conservation impact by building and leading WWF – UCO’s Conservation Programmes, ensuring coherent integration of thematic and geographical programmes as presented in the Country Strategic Plan. He/she leads the tactical direction of UCO’s Conservation Agenda in partnership with key international, governmental and local partners. He/she will engage with Ugandan local civil society to support them in taking ownership of the future of natural capital management. By doing so, he/she will facilitate the further embedding of WWF – UCO in the Uganda civil society, thus, enhancing our relevance to conservation and rural development work in the country.

Working closely with the Country Director, he/she supports the engagement with multilateral and bilateral institutions to influence the policies around key conservation issues. He/she also mediates the WWF network’s engagement (through Practices) to maintain the alignment of WWF – UCO critical contributions to the WWF Global Goals

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

In this regard, the Conservation Director will;

Conservation Strategy development and Implementation;

• Lead the development/implementation of the Country Conservation strategy and programmes and ensure alignment with WWF’s Global Goals, Road Map 2030 and Africa Regional Strategic Framework.
• Lead in the development and management of a holistic programme and ensure strong coordination between the different strategic (thematic) pillars and the geographical programmes (landscapes).
• Coordinate with WWF National Offices and partners on conservation related issues (policy, advocacy, programmatic) and concerns, facilitating effective working relationships and ensuring “one voice” from the network to strengthen the governance of the natural capital in Uganda.
• Ensure WWF-UCO representation in strategic technical internal and external Conservation forums.
• Ensure WWF – UCO’s Conservation Strategy is developed, thoroughly planned, maintained and respected, and that “lessons learned” are available for future reference and use by the WWF.
• Establish linkages between WWF’s vision and conservation objectives of the Uganda Government as well as those of the donor community.
• Stay on top of the development of conservation and development trends (e.g. SDGs, CBD, INGA, Nature-based solutions, and Carbon market/financing) and inform colleagues and partners of new conservation initiatives, approaches, strategies, etc. for better integration into the WWF – UCO programmatic strategy.
• Coordinate the preparation of strategic documents, guidelines, and other materials required to guide the conservation vision of the WWF – UCO programme.
• Provide advice to the Country Director on pertinent conservation issues, technical input in strategic documents and other ad hoc advice and assistance as needed.

Program design and Implementation;

• Manage performance and build capacity of conservation staff and provide technical advice as appropriate.
• Ensure planning of conservation programmes is maintained and respected by overseeing the work of the Programme/Project managers, and compile lessons learned for future reference and use by the WWF.
• Contribute to the building of the next generation of conservationists focusing on youth and women and supporting the promotion of inclusivity in WWF-Uganda conservation approaches.
• In collaboration with the P&C Manager, ensure necessary human resources are in place to deliver on the Conservation Strategy by coordinating the elaboration of job descriptions and terms of reference for new conservation staff and consultants with Programme/ Project managers and participate in recruitment processes.
• Ensure the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework is embedded in the WWF- Uganda Conservation delivery across landscapes.
• Lead the development of the WWF – Uganda annual operational plan, the preparation of annual budgets and other reports to submit to the regional office (WWF-ROA), donors and to the Uganda office.
• Ensure project/ programme financial resources are responsibly managed.
• In collaboration with practice leaders, ensure leadership and accountability for the WWF- Uganda overall critical contributions delivery in line with the Network’s Global Goals.

Fundraising and Resource Mobilization;

• Support the Resource Mobilization/ Strategic partnership of Senior Manager, Communications Comm, Marketing and Brand Senior Manager, and the Country Director in fundraising through provision and development of transformational project ideas.
• Contribute to critical relationship building with financial and political partners to ensure influencing policy and enhancing WWF – Uganda’s donor base.
• Ensure technical backstopping for the development of big programmatic proposals.
• Support the promotion of new funding models and their integration into the conservation approach

Policy and Partnership Development;

• Support the Country Director in liaising with donors and strategic governmental partners through different ministries to contribute to policy changes and improvements.
• Liaise with the respective Policy Advisors on policy development and advocacy.
• Advise the Country Director on Policy dialogues and influence in various areas both with the WWF Network, Uganda institutions and with regional institutions.
• Ensure active participation of WWF’s partners in the Conservation Programme and its development as well as strengthening partners’ capacities in pre-identified areas.
• Develop synergies between WWF’s partners to ensure experience sharing and strengthen lobby / advocacy capacity at national level.
• Support the development of Jurisdictional programmes (Green Economy) in Uganda.
• Represent WWF Uganda in meetings with government, industry leaders, key supporters and stakeholders.
• Promotes the vision and objectives of the WWF Uganda Strategic Plan to government, donor, civil society, corporate, and WWF stakeholders at national- and international-level meetings, conferences, and fora, in collaboration with the CLT members as appropriate.

Line Management;

• Ensure that all conservation staff perform according to their JDs and performance plans.
• Coach, support, mentor conservation staff;
• Perform periodic assessments for direct reports and oversee assessments for all conservation staff

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role, 3-5 years of which should be in the East African region (preferably Uganda), with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams;
• Proven experience in designing, developing and implementing landscape programming preferably transboundary and or multi-country programming is a strong advantage.
• Superior oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven experience in managing programs funded by diversity of sources including government, aid agencies and private sector with annual budgets of at least USD 1 – 2 Millions
• Fluency in other Uganda national languages will be an added advantage
• Demonstrable and strong leadership in external engagement, strategic partnerships, policy and influence with public, private sector and funding agencies;
• Empowering leadership style in developing strong senior management and operations teams to enhance programme delivery, quality assurance, operational efficiency and risk management.
• Excellent people, team building skills to facilitate the work of others, communications skills and ability to create and excel in a dynamic working environment.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with local communities, governments, non-profit organizations, and the private/corporate sector to build partnerships and achieve common objectives.
• Knowledge and ability to work effectively and strategically with donor/funding institutions of all types.
• Proven capacity to lead the operations of an organization: financial resources, strategic planning, policy influencing, projects planning, fundraising, budget implementation and evaluation, contracts and legal compliance etc.
• Advanced university degree in environmental/natural resources management, biological sciences or related field experience.
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing large-scale complex programmes and/or institutions in the field of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields.
• Knowledge of the institutional and legal framework in Uganda, as well as of relevant policy issues.
• Technical proficiency in the field of contemporary Conservation, Natural-Resource Management or International Development, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and networks and successful outcomes in public relations.
• 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;
• Excellent ability to communicate well, motivate their team, handle and delegate responsibilities, listen to feedback, encourage teamwork, critical thinking and have the flexibility to solve problems in an ever-changing workplace.
• Initiative, judgment, flexibility, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and work effectively under time constraints, service to others, and solution oriented.
• Experience in supervising senior, self-motivated, self-driven and highly technical teams.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of WWF Uganda.
• Adherence to WWF’s Brand, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
• Demonstrates WWF’s behaviours in way of working: Strive for Impact, Listen deeply, collaborate openly and Innovate fearlessly.
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

• Lead the development/implementation of the Country Conservation strategy and programmes and ensure alignment with WWF’s Global Goals, Road Map 2030 and Africa Regional Strategic Framework.
• Lead in the development and management of a holistic programme and ensure strong coordination between the different strategic (thematic) pillars and the geographical programmes (landscapes).
• Coordinate with WWF National Offices and partners on conservation related issues (policy, advocacy, programmatic) and concerns, facilitating effective working relationships and ensuring “one voice” from the network to strengthen the governance of the natural capital in Uganda.
• Ensure WWF-UCO representation in strategic technical internal and external Conservation forums.
• Ensure WWF – UCO’s Conservation Strategy is developed, thoroughly planned, maintained and respected, and that “lessons learned” are available for future reference and use by the WWF.
• Establish linkages between WWF’s vision and conservation objectives of the Uganda Government as well as those of the donor community.
• Stay on top of the development of conservation and development trends (e.g. SDGs, CBD, INGA, Nature-based solutions, and Carbon market/financing) and inform colleagues and partners of new conservation initiatives, approaches, strategies, etc. for better integration into the WWF – UCO programmatic strategy.
• Coordinate the preparation of strategic documents, guidelines, and other materials required to guide the conservation vision of the WWF – UCO programme.
• Provide advice to the Country Director on pertinent conservation issues, technical input in strategic documents and other ad hoc advice and assistance as needed.
• Manage performance and build capacity of conservation staff and provide technical advice as appropriate.
• Ensure planning of conservation programmes is maintained and respected by overseeing the work of the Programme/Project managers, and compile lessons learned for future reference and use by the WWF.
• Contribute to the building of the next generation of conservationists focusing on youth and women and supporting the promotion of inclusivity in WWF-Uganda conservation approaches.
• In collaboration with the P&C Manager, ensure necessary human resources are in place to deliver on the Conservation Strategy by coordinating the elaboration of job descriptions and terms of reference for new conservation staff and consultants with Programme/ Project managers and participate in recruitment processes.
• Ensure the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework is embedded in the WWF- Uganda Conservation delivery across landscapes.
• Lead the development of the WWF – Uganda annual operational plan, the preparation of annual budgets and other reports to submit to the regional office (WWF-ROA), donors and to the Uganda office.
• Ensure project/ programme financial resources are responsibly managed.
• In collaboration with practice leaders, ensure leadership and accountability for the WWF- Uganda overall critical contributions delivery in line with the Network’s Global Goals.
• Support the Resource Mobilization/ Strategic partnership of Senior Manager, Communications Comm, Marketing and Brand Senior Manager, and the Country Director in fundraising through provision and development of transformational project ideas.
• Contribute to critical relationship building with financial and political partners to ensure influencing policy and enhancing WWF – Uganda’s donor base.
• Ensure technical backstopping for the development of big programmatic proposals.
• Support the promotion of new funding models and their integration into the conservation approach
• Support the Country Director in liaising with donors and strategic governmental partners through different ministries to contribute to policy changes and improvements.
• Liaise with the respective Policy Advisors on policy development and advocacy.
• Advise the Country Director on Policy dialogues and influence in various areas both with the WWF Network, Uganda institutions and with regional institutions.
• Ensure active participation of WWF’s partners in the Conservation Programme and its development as well as strengthening partners’ capacities in pre-identified areas.
• Develop synergies between WWF’s partners to ensure experience sharing and strengthen lobby / advocacy capacity at national level.
• Support the development of Jurisdictional programmes (Green Economy) in Uganda.
• Represent WWF Uganda in meetings with government, industry leaders, key supporters and stakeholders.
• Promotes the vision and objectives of the WWF Uganda Strategic Plan to government, donor, civil society, corporate, and WWF stakeholders at national- and international-level meetings, conferences, and fora, in collaboration with the CLT members as appropriate.
• Ensure that all conservation staff perform according to their JDs and performance plans.
• Coach, support, mentor conservation staff;
• Perform periodic assessments for direct reports and oversee assessments for all conservation staff

• Superior oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrable and strong leadership in external engagement, strategic partnerships, policy and influence with public, private sector and funding agencies;
• Empowering leadership style in developing strong senior management and operations teams to enhance programme delivery, quality assurance, operational efficiency and risk management.
• Excellent people, team building skills to facilitate the work of others, communications skills and ability to create and excel in a dynamic working environment.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with local communities, governments, non-profit organizations, and the private/corporate sector to build partnerships and achieve common objectives.
• Knowledge and ability to work effectively and strategically with donor/funding institutions of all types.
• Proven capacity to lead the operations of an organization: financial resources, strategic planning, policy influencing, projects planning, fundraising, budget implementation and evaluation, contracts and legal compliance etc.
• Technical proficiency in the field of contemporary Conservation, Natural-Resource Management or International Development, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and networks and successful outcomes in public relations.
• 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;
• Excellent ability to communicate well, motivate their team, handle and delegate responsibilities, listen to feedback, encourage teamwork, critical thinking and have the flexibility to solve problems in an ever-changing workplace.
• Initiative, judgment, flexibility, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and work effectively under time constraints, service to others, and solution oriented.
• Experience in supervising senior, self-motivated, self-driven and highly technical teams.

• At least 10 years professional experience in a leadership role, 3-5 years of which should be in the East African region (preferably Uganda), with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams;
• Proven experience in designing, developing and implementing landscape programming preferably transboundary and or multi-country programming is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in managing programs funded by diversity of sources including government, aid agencies and private sector with annual budgets of at least USD 1 – 2 Millions
• Fluency in other Uganda national languages will be an added advantage
• Advanced university degree in environmental/natural resources management, biological sciences or related field experience.
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing large-scale complex programmes and/or institutions in the field of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields.
• Knowledge of the institutional and legal framework in Uganda, as well as of relevant policy issues.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of WWF Uganda.
• Adherence to WWF’s Brand, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
• Demonstrates WWF’s behaviours in way of working: Strive for Impact, Listen deeply, collaborate openly and Innovate fearlessly.
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.