United for life and livelihoods

Created in 1948, The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Members and more than 15,000 voluntary experts. Uniquely comprised of governments, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, IUCN provides a critical convening role to forge and implement solutions to conservation challenges and achieve sustainable development.

We are currently seeking a passionate and accomplished experienced leader to join as the most senior IUCN Secretariat leader in West and Central Africa as its new Regional Director. Reporting to the Director General and a key part of the global senior management team, the Regional Director will represent and promote the mission of IUCN in West and Central Africa, providing leadership and guidance for all activities undertaken by the Secretariat in the region. The Regional Director will work in coordination with IUCN Members, including governments, civil society organisations, and Commission experts, ultimately contributing to IUCN’s voice as the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

The Regional Director for West and Central Africa will be a dedicated and reliable senior leader with solid understanding of environmental policy issues in both the regional and global context. The successful candidate will bring strategic leadership and management experience, ideally gained in complex multinational settings, or programmes related to conservation and sustainability. You will bring a track record in resource mobilisation, partnerships and government engagement, along with excellent communication skills. Most importantly, you will bring a deep passion and energy towards IUCN’s vision and mission, a demonstrated commitment to nature conservation and ecologically sustainable development and be an authentic champion for IUCN’s core values.

Fluency in both English and French is essential.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification via https://hrms.iucn.org/vacancy/7188 by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button. Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information.

The deadline for applications is 9:00am BST Monday 14th of April. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.
This role will be based in the West and Central Africa Regional Office, Dakar, Senegal.

The minimum gross annual salary for this position is €83,763, and further information on the package can be provided through the process.   

Finalist candidates will be expected to interview in May 2025 and will be asked to complete a Hogan Assessment in the later stages.

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