Client Confidential // Arabian Leopard Fund Managing Director

Job Purpose

The Managing Director will act as the figurehead for the Fund’s global conservation initiatives to conserve and protect the Arabian leopard from extinction. S/he will set the overall purpose, vision, and mission of the foundation and will be responsible for managing the day-to-day delivery of conservation initiatives alongside a team of five to seven full-time employees. The Managing Director reports to the Board and sits on the Executive Committee with the Board Chair and Vice-chair to evaluate key decisions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the overall strategy of the Global fund for the Arabian Leopard
• Drive implementation of a clear strategy through day-to-day operations, measuring performance regularly against set KPIs
• Oversee the launch and progress of conservation interventions to safeguard leopard sites/ecosystems and captive breeding programs with a clear reintroduction plan
• Recruit and retain a high-performing team
• Motivate employees across the European HQ and in the Arabian Peninsula
• Defining the Fund culture and ensuring buy-in to the overall vision
• Lead and preside over the set-up of a network of conservation partners, expert advisors, patrons, and key ambassadors to assist and represent the fund
• Act as the public ambassador for the fund and raise the profile of the cause convey key internal communications
• Approve the allocation of capital to significant initiatives and oversee the overall investment of fund resources
• Propose key funding, partnership, or strategy decisions to be taken by the Executive Committee and Board
• Work with the Chair and Vice-Chair in the Executive Committee to enable agile and rapid significant decision-making.

Managerial/General Responsibilities

• The inclination to seek and analyze data from a variety of sources to support decisions and to align others with the organization’s overall strategy.
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization.
• The ability to effectively balance the desire/need to scale up and achieve impact with an understanding of how much change the organization is capable of handling, to create realistic goals and implementation plans that are achievable and successful. 
• The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.
• The ability to attract and recruit top talent, motivate the team, delegate effectively, celebrate diversity within the team, and manage performance; widely viewed as a strong developer of others.
• The ability to persevere in the face of challenges, and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards, which commands respect from followers.
• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Creates a sense of purpose for the team that generates followership beyond his/her personality and engages others to the greater purpose of the organization as a whole.

Academic Qualifications
University degree, preferably in environmental/sustainability and business management

Work Experience
10+ years in a senior leadership role (managing director preferable) with credible experience in global conservation, NGO, not-for-profit or social impact

Other Requirements

• Strong leadership and motivational skills to manage a global organization and foster passion for the cause of conserving the Arabian Leopard.
• Outstanding communication skills and confident public speaking to represent the foundation on an organizational and global level.
• Exceptional and rigorous project management skills with a strong focus on meeting KPIs.
• Proven track record of managing a network of international stakeholders effectively.
• Experience of driving strategic direction and operational implementation with complex projects/initiatives.
• Experience working in the Middle East with public sector clients is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English. Arabic is also very useful.

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