Overview

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.

POSITION SUMMARY

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) will utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa districts of Botswana targeting improved management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands.

The Chief of Party is responsible for the leadership and management of this ambitious and pioneering Project. The Chief of Party will provide overall leadership management and oversee technical direction of the project, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and stakeholder and a focus on achieving results.

The Chief of Party will deliver agreed GCF outcomes related to beneficiaries reached, improved land / livestock management and increased income generation in climate-vulnerable populations. This position is accountable for risk oversight and adaptive management for all components of the project including to ensure that the project delivers in line with CI’s standards and values in every respect.

The position will serve as the main point of contact for government relations, the GCF Accredited Entity (CI GEF Agency), key parastatal relationships (Botswana Meat Commission, Citizen Enterprise Development Agency), sub-grantee management (RARE and BUAN-CICE – Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources – Center for In-Service and Continued Education) as well as all other counterparts, stakeholders and implementing partners. Additionally, the Chief of Party  will be required to present at national, regional and global forums in order to articulate GCF and CI intent, demonstrate Project goals / outcomes as well as sharing lessons learned.

The Chief of Party will manage the preparation and presentation of all implementation plans and reports in an accurate and timely manner. As such, a strong leadership track record at a similar scale and in similar Chief of Party roles is a fundamental requirement. The successful candidate will be able to live and work in Botswana, regularly engaging Government partners at a senior level. High-end diplomatic, communication, coordination and people management skills, demonstrated technical knowledge, and practical experience in Southern Africa is also essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and adaptively manages the project team – providing strategic direction, technical direction, vision, coordination, systems and  resource management, capacity building, mentoring and the necessary supervision required to accomplish gender sensitive strategic goals and objectives.
• Oversees the delivery of all technical implementation, finance, accounting, design and performance management. Ensures compliance with the Environment and Social Labour Plan, developing solutions to keep deliverables on track and motivate staff and partners.
• The position will serve as the main point of contact for government relations, the GCF Accredited Entity (CI GEF Agency) and all internal and external stakeholders, building and maintaining critical partnerships for CI. Perform other duties as required for representing and optimizing delivery of the Project.
• Directs the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports, submitting timely, accurate and professional reports that meet donor requirements. Establishes and maintains effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems.
• Directs and oversees grant implementation progress performance monitoring, evaluation and learning ensuring that all strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation and quality assurance.
• Ensures accountability across the Project Team, including self-accountability, for 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• While the position will be based in Gaborone, there will be regular and frequent travel to the three project areas and remote areas within these areas to reach Project beneficiaries.
• Regular work outside normal working hours in accordance with the seasonal nature of this agricultural project.
• The successful candidate needs to be comfortable driving and staying overnight in remote conditions that require self-sufficiency.
• International travel is likely once the project is underway including to the CI Regional HQ in Nairobi, Kenya

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline or field related to the objectives of the project – rangeland ecology, sustainable agriculture, livestock production, livestock-wildlife veterinary studies, land-use planning, livelihood trainings. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• At least ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible work experience implementing multi-sector programs or consortiums at a comparable scale, with demonstrated strong management skills related to achieving excellence through complex field delivery.
• At least seven (7) 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 diplomatic, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with English fluency required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook;

Preferred

• Previous experience or training with regenerative grazing or Commodity-based Trade practices and protocols.
• Previous Senior Project Director, Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party experience with a multi-lateral funding.
• Experience with communal land issues and management arrangements or community conservation agreements.
• Experience and/or prior knowledge of ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation projects, meat value-chains, or accredited professional development and job creation programs.
• Demonstrated experience of generating effective teamwork for a staff >50 individuals in different geographic areas including Southern Africa.
• Demonstrated experience adjusting and managing a team during Covid lockdown regulations.
• Experience and willingness to support staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities if needed.
• Verbal communication skills in Setswana and/or an additional language in the Project target areas.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision.
• Ability to live and work in Botswana without additional permits required.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: May 21, 2021 (11:49 PM EST) 

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization. 

• Passion: Inspired by people and by nature, we are urgently compelled to drive change for a sustainable future.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions.
• Teamwork: We work together as one CI, recognizing that inclusion, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.
• Respect: We respect each other and work to earn trust, valuing our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Courage: We pursue our vision, taking bold action, persevering and overcoming challenges.
• Optimism: We are optimistic about the capacity of people to be caring, generous and brilliant, and believe that with partners, we can inspire humanity to create a better future.

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