WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust – IT No: 4329/1991/PMB) is a South African Non-Profit, Non-Government, and Public Welfare Organisation, established in 2004 through the merger of two regional Trusts. It pursues the realisation of its new vision of “A THRIVING and RESILIENT WORLD” through two core programmes: WILDLANDS and WILDOCEANS. Our WILDLANDS programme focuses on terrestrial conservation and underwriting the sustainable development of the green economy, and our WILDOCEANS programme concentrates on marine and coastal conservation and underwriting the sustainable development of the blue economy. The WILDTRUST’s mission is to regenerate the inter-connectedness of all things, to create opportunities to empower and restore ecological resilience and balance between humankind and nature, for a just and healthy planet.

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for a dedicated Executive Director: Programmes, who will be thoroughly committed to the WILDTRUST’s mission and vision. Candidates must have proven strategic leadership, and relationship management experience; specific requirements include:

• MSc/MBA or other related or higher qualification, with at least 10 years at senior management level.
• Strong track record of effectively leading and regionally and/or nationally scaling a performance and outcomes-based organization.
• Ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth.
• Effective fundraising skills and experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and diverse cultures.
• Strong written, verbal, financial reporting, and communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project management skills.
• Past success working with a Board and the ability to nurture existing board member relationships.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative outlook.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
• Fluent in local vernacular, driver’s license, and own vehicle.

The target group in terms of employment equity target is an African or Coloured individual. However, all applicants will be welcomed and considered.

 Responsibilities and Duties

The candidate will report to the WILDTRUST’s CEO and its Board of Trustees. Responsibilities and duties will include:

• Overseeing and strategically guiding the WILDLANDS and WILDOCEANS programmes
• Ensuring ongoing local, national, and overseas programmatic excellence and rigorous program monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensuring consistent quality of fundraising and stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Directing and overseeing programmes staff to ensure that they are motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the required standard.
• Developing and controlling programme operational budgets to promote the resilience of the WILDTRUST
• Acting as the WILDTRUST’s main adviser on all issues relating to operational programme functions and keeping abreast of latest conservation developments.

 Location: Kwa-Zulu Natal or surrounding areas

Duration: Fixed-term contract (5 years)

Start date: 1 October 2022 (negotiable)

Remuneration: Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience

TO APPLY: Submit a covering motivation letter with a 4-page CV including a minimum of 3 references to the CEO WILDTRUST: Email: roeliek@wildtrust.co.za  by 30th June 2022. Testimonials will be an added advantage.

Late applications may be disregarded. WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements and not to fill this position. Should you not receive a response by 15th August 2022, kindly consider your application unsuccessful