Conservation South Africa, as a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development—one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the goods and services they provide. Conservation South Africa seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation- based economic growth models and long-term human well-being.
CSA seeks to appoint a Chief of Party / Senior Project Director to be based in South Africa.
This is for the Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar Project.
The project aims to Improve the resilience of climate-vulnerable smallholder farmer families, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and leverage private sector climate investments.
Reporting to the Country Director for CI Madagascar, this senior position will be responsible for CI representation, leadership and management of significant multi-million-dollar multi-lateral project.
Responsibilities:
- Provides overall leadership management and general technical direction of the entire project, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and stakeholders, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the donor agreement
- The COP/SPD must identify issues and risks related to project implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate adjustments. S/he serves as the main point of contact for government relations, donor relations and private sector outreach, and all other counterparts and implementing partners
- Manage the preparation and presentation of all proposed implementation plans and reports, as well as any other duties required that may arise during the course of the project
- Leads and manages the project team – providing strategic direction, vision, coordination, resource management, and supervision required to accomplish strategic goals and objectives and to deliver superior quality products
- Oversees all project staff and builds local and institutional capacity, including managing and mentoring
- Oversees the completion of all technical requirements, including project results and deliverables, developing solutions to keep deliverables on track and motivate staff and partners
- Serves as the primary CI representative and liaison with the donor and all internal and external stakeholders, building and maintaining critical partnerships for CI.
- Directs the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports, submitting timely, accurate and professional reports that meet donor requirements.
- Directs and oversees grant implementation, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation and quality assurance.
- Establishes and maintains effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems
- Guarantees the efficient and effective use of the resources to reach the desired results of the project, monitoring the work plans, budgets and finances, in accordance with the procedures of the donor
- Perform other duties as required
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in the relevant discipline or filed related to the objectives of the project – natural resource management, including species conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation (REDD+), land-use planning, livelihood trainings. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
- At least 10 years or more of progressively responsible international work experience implementing multi-sector programs or a complex consortium of organisations, with demonstrated strong management skills
- At least five years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff and assembling teams working on multi-faceted international development programs
- Proven leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision and budgeting
- Experience and knowledge of relevant donor regulations, policies and procedures with demonstrated success managing international projects of similar scope and scale
- Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively and establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of national and local government, the private sector and civil society
- Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program quality through donor approved monitoring and evaluation systems
- Superb technical and analytical skills.
- Superior interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Written and verbal communication skills with written and oral English and French fluency required; Verbal communication skills in Malagasy will be an added advantage
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook
- Previous Senior Project Director, Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party experience preferred
- This position requires significant coordination skills, broad general and technical knowledge, experience in developing countries and skills to ensure coherence and consistency within project deadlines.
- Frequent travel (> 20%) to project site and other office locations locally and internationally
- Comfortable working out of doors for extended periods
- Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines and/or with staff in different time zones
To apply, refer to the Conservation International’s Careers page and apply directly through our online job application form for this position.
More Information
- Job City South Africa