The Executive Secretary of the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa (GDSA) provides vision, strategy and thought leadership for the Gaborone Declaration and leads execution of the requirements of the Secretariat of the GDSA, which has been delegated to Conservation International. S/he leads the development, review, and implementation of CI's strategy as GDSA Secretariat, and ensures adequate resources are secured to deliver on the strategy and its goals. As a principal spokesperson and champion for the GDSA but also as CI employee, s/he works continuously and extensively with key internal and external stakeholders and decision makers, simultaneously representing the GDSA and CI, specifically CI's engagements in Africa. S/he is CI's focal point for engagement with African Heads of State, other government representatives, partners and donors in relation to the GDSA. S/he effectively champions partnerships and alliances to secure major funding and expand CI's reach and scale of impact for the GDSA.
The Executive Secretary will supervise a small team that functions as the Secretariat, housed in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism in Gaborone, Botswana. S/he has maximum independence in performing his or her job duties. Decisions have a highly visible impact on CI's resources and reputation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide vision, leadership and thought strategy for the Secretariat of the GDSA and CI's engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Ensure that CI is well represented within GDSA signatory countries, via travel and meetings, and promote the work of CI to signatories to aid in advancement of GDSA commitments.
- Represent GDSA Secretariat's interests to CI's Leadership Group, at board meetings and in meetings with senior government officials, corporate representatives, foundations and major donors.
- Actively cultivate partnerships and alliances to raise awareness of the GDSA, design and implement projects that fulfill GDSA principles, and bring resources to GDSA initiatives.
- Provide input and technical expertise in the development of CI's overall strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, including creating 5-10 year outcomes, annual division wide work-plans and other strategy documents
- Partner with and across CI programs to effectively deliver on GDSA commitments.
- Champion efforts to support AMFD Field Programs to deliver on GDSA commitments through engagement with country focal points.
- Provide strategic oversight and programmatic decision-making for the development of new innovative programs, project proposals, and fundraising efforts including identifying and pursuing of new sources of funding.
- Fundraise for the GDSA Secretariat, ensuring financial sustainability over five years.
Working Conditions
- Work is typically performed in an office environment.
- Ability to work extended and irregular hours.
- Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate time differences with HQ and the region.
- Frequent international travel of up to 50%, often to remote locations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Advanced degree in biological, environmental, social science, economics, international development, business or related field.
- At least 20 years of broad management and leadership experience, programmatic development, government collaboration, and other relevant experience.
- Demonstrated talent in functioning as an agent of change in strategy development, program management, private sector/government engagement, and international policy related to conservation endeavors.
- Proven track record in securing multi-million dollar grants to support conservation and/or sustainable development agendas.
- Demonstrated network of and/or access to high-level decision makers and opinion leaders in public and private organizations with interest in Africa.
- Successful experience negotiating complex agreements with governments, NGOs and other key supporters.
- Superb communication and presentation skills.
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in strategically managing staff and human capital.
- Proven ability to successfully engage and motivate staff.
- Documented experience in communicating brand and strategy to external audiences.
- Fluency in English and French.
Preferred
