Please circulate this announcement: Position Opening at American Bird Conservancy -
International Program Director Introduction American Bird Conservancy (ABC, www.abcbirds.org<http://www.abcbirds.org/>) is the only conservation group whose sole mission is to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC accomplishes its mission through direct action and by engaging the people, groups, resources, and strategies needed to succeed. It undertakes the full spectrum of bird conservation issues ranging from habitat conservation strategies to advocacy. The Director works with staff and the ABC team to develop and promote international land conservation and land protection initiatives, in-country partner institutional development, community outreach programs, public policy directions, and builds sustainable mechanisms to promote long-term financing of international conservation efforts. Position Description The International Program Director leads ABC’s efforts to conserve resident and migratory birds in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Director manages ABC’s international team and leads it in developing and implementing international conservation projects and programs. The Director works with a network of ABC in-country partners to carry out an ambitious, effective and integrated conservation program. S(he) works in close collaboration with the ABC’s President and Chief Conservation Officer to develop this work, and coordinates ABC’s international efforts with ABC’s domestic and advocacy programs as well as in-country and multinational NGOs. S(he) ensures that ABC develops and maintains effective liaisons with resource management agencies and NGO leaders throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Director plays a major role in finding and obtaining funding for international programs. The Director reports to ABC’s Chief Conservation Officer and supervises International Program staff. Major Duties and Responsibilities 1. Strategic Direction and Vision: The International Director provides the critical leadership to design and implement ABC’s strategic vision and guide and develop ABC’s conservation programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Director will work with ABC staff and Board, NGO partners, and other leaders to define and implement a compelling and challenging vision for our international work, and subsequently identify, develop, and implement priority international bird conservation projects and programs to protect wild birds and their habitats in Latin America and the Caribbean. S/he will work to ensure that effective ABC international programs follow ABC’s long-range plan, will help to integrate ABC international bird conservation programs with other ABC programs for maximum effectiveness, and will assist other programs having international components. 1. Project Management and Timely Results: International Director provides significant project and program management expertise for the International Division and its staff; ensuring meaningful and lasting results are accomplished on a timely basis. The International Director will provide leadership, staff supervision, and mentorship to ensure the international team is among the best in the conservation field. 1. Develop New Approaches to Conservation: The International Program Director will explore and design innovative programmatic approaches that seek to preserve and protect birds, healthy natural ecosystems and biodiversity in ways that promote human well-being and the sustainability of the planet. Programs such as harnessing carbon markets to protect critical bird habitat, devising market structures that recognize ecosystem services, and promoting shade coffee, ecotourism and silvipasture are a few examples of such efforts. 1. Ensure Long-term Sustainability of Partners and Reserves: ABC recognizes that international bird conservation will depend, in part, upon a system of protected natural areas and an active network of in-country conservation NGOs. The International Director will work with a network of in-country partners, and work to ensure the long-term financial health and viability of both in-country partners and international conservation areas. The Director will help Latin American and Caribbean non‑governmental organizations build capacity and improve communication with U.S.‑based bird and Latin American and Caribbean conservation groups; and assist partners in planning, training, and U.S. fundraising. 1. Effective Use of Science and Science Tools: The International Director will ensure that ABC’s international programs are science-driven and directed by up-to-date scientific research and the effective use of information management and science tools. 1. Fundraising and Financial Management: The International Director will be responsible, working with ABC’s Development Division, for obtaining funding for bird conservation projects in the Latin American or Caribbean. The Director will also work with ABC’s Financial Department to ensure the effective use, management and reporting of all international finances. 1. Networking and Coalition Building: The Director will represent ABC’s conservation work with other institutions, multi-lateral organizations, governments, and domestic and international conservation organizations to establish joint conservation initiatives that advance conservation throughout Latin American and the Caribbean. 1. The Director will assist ABC President and Chief Conservation Officer to promote ABC, its mission, and conservation efforts. Position Requirements 1. Advanced degree in business, law, non-profit management, biological sciences, wildlife management, or a related field with knowledge of conservation, ornithology, and management needs of birds in the Americas. 2. At least five years experience of conservation experience in Latin American or Caribbean, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 3. A talent for leadership. Demonstrated ability to create and achieve a compelling and challenging vision. An outgoing, positive, persuasive manner and predisposition for collaboration, but with ability to work both independently and as part of teams. 4. Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and lead a multi‑faceted international program with an ambitious array of programs and projects. Attention to detail and the ability to track and report on projects in a timely way. 5. Demonstrated ability to manage a team of staff for superior results: demonstrable success in supervising staff, managing programs and operations, effectively advancing multiple projects at the same time, and completing complex projects on time with clearly communicated results. 6. Demonstrated ability to work on complex biological and management issues, and to provide project coordination and ensure cooperation among a wide range of partners. 7. Previous experience working in partnership with other organizations, and working effectively in cross-cultural situations. 8. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Willingness to communicate frequently and with a wide range of staff, partners, supporters, the media, and others. 9. Experience in high-level fundraising: background, skills, and interest. 10. Ability to complete projects on deadline. Tenacity in difficult or long-term projects. 11. Willing and able to travel internationally frequently. 12. Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Fluency in Portuguese is desirable. Deadline for application: July 24, 2009 Send cover letter and resume to: Merrie Morrison, Vice President of Operations, American Bird Conservancy, P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198 or e-mail to: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
