Deputy Director of Development (Europe, Middle East & Asia)

Closed: 08 May 2019
Fundraising Intl Development Major Donor

Sorry, this vacancy is now closed and applications can’t be submitted!

  • Salary £45,000 - £65,000 per year
  • Location W6, London (On-site)
  • Job Type Full-time
  • Sectors Environment
  • Job Reference : Please include three references

**Readvertised 8th April**

BACKGROUND 

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy 

Established in 1995, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an award-winning catalyst and model for community-centric conservation in northern Kenya. Lewa is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and features on the IUCN Green List of Excellence in protected area management. The Conservancy is the heart of wildlife conservation, sustainable development and responsible tourism in northern Kenya. Lewa’s successful working model has inspired replication by other conservation organizations in the region, notably through its close partner organization, the Northern Rangelands Trust, which now comprises more than 30 community conservancies. 

Lewa is home to 14% of Kenya's rhino population, the world's largest resident population of the endangered Grevy's zebra, and many other species. The Conservancy also promotes landscape connectivity for wildlife, especially for migratory elephants that move from the high-altitude areas in the Mount Kenya Forest, through Lewa and the neighbouring Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, to habitats in Samburu and areas further north. Safe transit across these landscapes is key to the survival of over 6,500 elephants in northern Kenya. 

Lewa’s success in wildlife conservation can be attributed to its close working partnership with neighbouring communities. Today, the Conservancy actively supports 23 public/government schools, and manages four health clinics, 11 water projects, a microcredit programme that serves over 800 women, and community forestry programmes, while also assisting local authorities in providing security to wildlife and people. Collectively, Lewa directly impacts the lives of close to 50,000 people, and in return, people in surrounding communities have become the first line of defence against poachers and criminal elements who seek to profit from illicit trade in rhino horn, ivory, and other wildlife products. 

Lewa’s Governance and Strategic Plan 

In August 2018, a new International Executive Director (IED) based in London, UK was recruited to lead, coordinate, and deliver the fundraising vision of the new strategic plan. The existing national Boards in the US, UK, and Canada will maintain fiduciary oversight for funds that are raised in each country. The IED and staff will collaborate with these Boards to set expectations and annual fund-raising objectives for each country. 

The IED is building a strong international fundraising team, in which the Deputy Director of Development Europe, Middle East & Asia (hereinafter “DDD EMEA”), is a critical member. Working in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Development US & Canada, the DD/Development EMEA reports directly to the IED, and will lead responsibility for all fundraising efforts in the UK, expanding into new efforts within Europe, Middle East & Asia. Historically, the largest proportion of overseas income generated annually has originated in the US, however the intention is to increase funding from elsewhere in the world to diversify and grow income streams.

A New Position 

A new position, the DDD EMEA has managerial and operational responsibility for fundraising in the UK and EU, expanding into Middle East and Asia, consistent with the mission of the Conservancy and the priorities in its 2018-22 Strategic Plan. The IED, who takes direction from Lewa's International Executive Commiittee on policies, goals, and strategies, delegates operational tasks and tactical decision making to both the DDD US & Canada and the DDD EMEA. The IED relies on the DDD EMEA to maintain close working relationships with members of the Lewa UK Board, Lewa Switzerland Board, as well as partner organizations and donors in the EMEA region, in order to mobilize support for the mission of the Conservancy and related programmes in Kenya. An important part of the role is to work closely with the Chair of Lewa UK to expand and enhance the UK board, utilizing leads originating from board members for fundraising efforts. The DDD EMEA supports the core functions of the UK board, ensuring good governance, as well as developing annual fundraising goals, budgets, and performance targets in the UK.

JOB SPEC 

The DDD EMEA will be entrepreneurial, experienced in nonprofit management and development, and passionate about both fundraising and donor cultivation. A deep commitment and interest in the protection of wildlife and natural heritage is advantageous. The position is based in Central London. Willingness to take regular domestic and international travel is required. 

The role carries responsibility for day-to-day management of fundraising in the EMEA, and building a broader and more sustainable revenue base. S/he will ensure the requisite operational processes are in place, along with robust systems for financial management and reporting, and to address any legal and regulatory issues that are identified by the UK Board. 

The IED has overall responsibility for staff and consultants hired to work on Lewa’s behalf outside of Kenya. Therefore efficient and effective communication between the IED and both DDD positions is key to the sound functioning of the international team. Within this framework, the DDD EMEA supervises staff and consultants hired to execute fundraising plans in the UK, EU, Middle East and Asia, identifies new fundraising opportunities, and provides the necessary follow-up for initiatives and contacts instigated by Lewa stakeholders.

Responsibilities 

The DDD EMEA focuses specifically on these goals and target areas: 

  • Increase, strengthen and diversify Lewa’s funding sources through a multitude of methods (events, donor relationship development, corporate engagement, legacy gifts and planned giving, sponsorships, etc); 
  • Develop and deliver against annual and multi-year budgets, with oversight from the IED; 
  • Manage UK personnel, including human resources processes (recruitment, on-boarding, training, reviews) in consultation with the IED; 
  • Maintain and enhance the relationship between Lewa UK, Lewa Switzerland and Lewa’s international network; 
  • Increase Lewa’s visibility and influence with stakeholders, including among other African conservation organizations, public officials, media, and the general public; and 
  • Oversee compliance with all reporting requirements as required by UK Charity Commission. 

Fundraising and Marketing.  The DDD EMEA will develop and sustain a diverse funding base that capitalizes on the Conservancy’s strong international reputation and its network of supporters. Initial emphasis will be placed on increasing the number of individual donors who currently contribute £3,000-£10,000 or more on an annual basis. New relationships also need to be developed with grant-making institutions and corporations that are committed to sustainable wildlife management. The ideal candidate for this position raises the visibility of the organization through the development and implementation of a sustainable marketing campaign geared to Lewa’s different constituencies and the general public. Within the annual fundraising plan, the DDD EMEA plans and executes events such as the annual Lewa RGS talk, bi-annual Lewa Ball in London, and mobilizes signature sponsors for the events. 

Fiscal Management.  The DDD EMEA ensures that UK fundraising operates on a fiscally sound basis, and that the Lewa UK and Switzerland Boards (and any other new Lewa boards that may be created within the EMEA) have adequate support to meet their fundraising goals. S/he prepares the Lewa UK budget, establishes accountability standards for grant and budget tracking, monitors financial activities, and makes operational decisions based on annual plans and policies that are approved by the IED and the Council. S/he presents annual budget and quarterly financial reports to the IED and UK Board of Trustees, and assures compliance and accountability to funders and regulatory bodies. 

Board Development (UK and Switzerland) The IED, supported by the DDD EMEA, works closely with the Chairs of the UK Board of Trustees and the Lewa Switzerland Board to recruit, train, and maintain strong, active membership in these national Boards. Together, they promote and support both Boards’ engagement in critical thinking, strategic planning, resource/financial development, and membership development. 

Human Resources Management. The DDD EMEA supports the IED in building a strong staff in the UK. S/he recruits, manages, motivates and empowers the UK team, as well as develops and implements appropriate human resource policies and procedures, including training, career development, hiring and dismissals, succession planning, and performance management. The DDD EMEA ensures programmatic objectives are supported internally with optimal facilities, technology, finances, communication, and functional needs. S/he promotes an organizational culture that fosters passion for Lewa’s mission, cooperation, open and frequent communication with the Conservancy’s management team in Kenya, and a common organizational vision. 

THE PERSON 

To succeed in this role, the ideal post holder will be an excellent fundraiser.  S/he will bean aspirational and well-grounded individual with an entrepreneurial mind-set, strong communication skills and the ability to work independently. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards Lewa’s mission and vision. A reasonable knowledge of Africa and good awareness of salient issues in the community-based conservation field will be highly advantageous. 

Qualifications and Competencies 

  • A track record of success in fundraising, with solid evidence of results in attracting foundation and corporate grants, as well as the ability to identify, steward and solicit individual donors; 
  • Significant and proven leadership skills developed in senior management positions; 
  • Strong writing and editing skills; 
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and personnel management skills; 
  • High energy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and vision; 
  • Hands-on familiarity with SalesForce or similar DRM systems; 
  • Understanding of charity management and experience working with boards of directors and volunteers; 
  • Experience managing budgets and an ability to generate, analyse, and interpret financial reports; 
  • Ability to build collaborative ventures with diverse constituents; 
  • The ability to foster a healthy organizational culture in a multinational, multicultural environment; 
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to work effectively and efficiently against pressing deadlines. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

  • University degree required 
  • Proven track record of fundraising for a conservation/development NGO 
  • Experience in Africa is valued, appreciation of conservation is essential. 
  • Dedicated on-going attention to personal professional development. 

COMPENSATION 

Lewa UK provides a competitive salary and holiday compensation package. This is a full time role.

Application Process 

Please submit a CV and cover-letter, stating your availability should you be offered the position and the names of three references. Referees will not be contacted without your permission. 

This position is being re-advertised as of 8th April 2019, and applications will be considered as they come in.  If you have already applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application will be under consideration.  Interviews will be arranged as candidates are identified, with first interviews commencing the week of 29th April 2019.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.