Chief Executive Officer

The Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) is a pioneering international conservation organization working at the forefront of efforts to save the endangered wildlife of the Sahara and the Sahel. Since its founding in 2004, SCF has been instrumental in the protection and restoration of unique desert antelopes, such as the addax and scimitar-horned oryx, establishment of one the largest protected areas in the world in Niger, implementation of a recovery programme for the planet’s largest bird, the North African ostrich, and has put Saharan wildlife on the global conservation agenda through a combination of field work, communications, and outreach.

Nearly 15 years after it was established, SCF is at a transition point in its development. It has a growing portfolio of species-focused and landscape management initiatives, including a major new EU-funded project in Chad, and a broadening suite of partnerships. A new strategic plan has been developed which sets ambitious goals for advancing the restoration of key target species across the Sahara and Sahel and improving the management of the ecosystems they depend on, as well as amplifying SCF’s role as a leading global voice for the conservation of the region’s unique wildlife.

As part of the implementation of the new strategy and in line with the overall growth and evolution of the organization, SCF is now embarking on the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer. The CEO’s role will be to assume the overall leadership of the organization and guide SCF into a new phase of its development, building on its past achievements and positioning it for greater growth and impact in the years ahead. This is a rare opportunity to assume the leadership of an entrepreneurial, resilient, and dedicated team with a history of landmark conservation achievements laying strong foundations for further impact.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SCF is recruiting a visionary, passionate, and skilled Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization. He or she will be the primary leader of the staff and operations, set strategic direction and execution, and build strong relationships and collaborations with a wide range of local and government partners, funders, conservation organizations and networks, and other actors relevant to SCF’s work. The successful candidate will be a creative problem-solver, outstanding leader and developer of effective teams, and be committed to achieving impact in nature conservation. Further, he or she will have a deep interest and broad understanding of nature conservation, including the aims and mission of SCF.

PROFILE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills and expertise in three crucial areas:

1. Strategy
   1. Strong understanding of organizational strategy and business development as required to guide SCF’s growth and impact
   2. Ability to drive outstanding results based on clear organizational priorities
   3. Capability to clearly articulate the organizational vision and build momentum within the staff and board for achieving significant outcomes
   4. Expertise in developing and executing an effective strategy for generating the revenue that the organization needs to succeed
2. Communications and Relationships
   1. Skilled written and oral communication skills across diverse stakeholders
   2. Ability to develop and manage diverse alliances and partnerships
   3. Ability to design communications and marketing efforts to underpin fundraising
   4. Fluency in representing the organization externally with a diverse range of audiences
3. Management
   1. Strong team management skills
   2. Expertise as an organization-building entrepreneur (experience, outlook, energy)
   3. Strong organizational planning and execution skills
   4. Developed capability in building a healthy organizational culture
   5. Experience in overseeing health, safety, and security
   6. Budget development & management skills
   7. Ability to develop organizational systems that drive results

Additionally, the ideal candidate will:

• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills and a good sense of humor;
• Be able to solve problems with adaptability, patience and creativity;
• Have experience working in Africa and directly in development or conservation NGOs;
• Be fully bilingual in French and English.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Compensation according to qualifications and experience in line with the international NGO sector and French employment conditions.
• Duration of work: full time.
• Type and duration of contract: indefinite contract (cadre) with non-obligatory trial period of 4 months (twice two months maximum).
• Workplace: SCF-Europe offices in Bussy Saint Georges (77600), France.

Sahara Conservation Fund – CEO Job Description – 2018 3

• Expected travel: 40%
  • Travel to Africa to become familiar with the projects and their staff, and to meet the partners of the organization.
  • Travel for the purpose of fundraising and organizational representation also required.

APPLICATIONS

• Letter of interest and recent CV in English and French, including three references, by mail to jobs@scf-europe.fr
• Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through November 15, 2018.
• Job start date: 2nd quarter 2019 with some flexibility either way.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.