Focal Point, Partnerships

Title: Focal Point, Partnerships

Department: Conservation Strategies

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Conservation Strategy, Impact and Learning

Matrix Management: Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) Executive Director

Supervise: N/A

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Background

In 2023, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) entered into a significant partnership by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Environmental Foundation for Africa – Sierra Leone (EFA). The primary aim of this collaboration is to address conservation challenges and opportunities within Sierra Leone. AWF and EFA have committed to working on various initiatives to conserve vulnerable, threatened, and endangered species. Additionally, they aim to focus on the protection of wildlife both inside and outside protected areas, particularly within the Tiwai Island landscape. Furthermore, the partnership aims to explore the potential of the biodiversity economy in the region.

A vital aspect of the MOU involves joint efforts supporting policy processes for biodiversity conservation in Sierra Leone. Both organizations have pledged to contribute expertise, services, and materials necessary for successfully implementing the agreed-upon objectives, contingent upon funding availability. This collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering conservation efforts and sustainable development in Sierra Leone, with the combined expertise and resources of AWF and EFA contributing to positive environmental outcomes in the region.

AWF and EFA have taken proactive measures to solidify their partnership. AWF has extended support to EFA in assembling a nomination dossier for the Gola-Tiwai Complex aimed at its application to the World Heritage List. Furthermore, in collaboration with the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation (ALU SOWC), AWF and EFA have joined forces to spearhead the development of the Sierra Leone Biodiversity Economy Report.

To enhance the progression of this partnership, AWF and EFA are seeking to hire a Focal Point, Partnerships. This individual will be tasked with steering existing joint projects forward, identifying and nurturing new opportunities, and serving as the liaison for the partnership with stakeholders in Sierra Leone.

Position Summary

The Focal Point, Partnerships is central to advancing the collaborative partnership between the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) within Sierra Leone. As an AWF staff member seconded to EFA and reporting directly to the AWF Senior Vice President, Conservation Strategies with a dotted line/matrix report the EFA Executive Director. The Focal Point, Partnerships will closely collaborate with AWF’s Senior Vice President Strategy to drive the partnership, representing both organizations in Sierra Leone.

This position is instrumental in facilitating close cooperation between AWF and EFA to shape strategic Partnerships, seize opportunities, and execute projects to achieve conservation impact in Sierra Leone. Responsibilities encompass crafting a unified strategy, overseeing the implementation of ongoing joint initiatives, and proactively seeking new partnership opportunities aligned with government priorities while nurturing existing relationships. The Focal Point, Partnerships will be the primary liaison, fostering strong ties with national and provincial government bodies, development agencies, philanthropic foundations, and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, the Focal Point, Partnerships will actively represent and advocate for AWF and EFA at various events, meetings, and project development processes with Sierra Leonean public agencies, peer organizations, and development partners. The Focal Point, Partnerships will identify key institutions and stakeholders pivotal to AWF’s strategic objectives through meticulous analysis, leveraging insights to inform fundraising strategies, shape program design, and forge strategic alliances. A critical aspect of the role involves positioning AWF as a credible and dependable conservation partner, capitalizing on opportunities to design impactful, scalable programs collaboratively.

The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned professional with a track record of delivering results, possessing visionary leadership, entrepreneurial acumen, and extensive experience fostering strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent AWF and EFA to the government and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone, building and maintaining key relationships to facilitate ongoing work and foster opportunities for future projects.
• Attend meetings and engage with stakeholders across Sierra Leone to promote the objectives and initiatives of the AWF-EFA partnership.
• Act as the focal point for the AWF-EFA partnership, cultivating potential opportunities with development partners both within and outside the country to expand the partnership’s impact.
• Collaborate with the EFA Director to develop a business plan for the partnership, including succession and transition plans for the country lead role.
• Oversee the successful delivery of all current and future projects and engagements within the partnership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Consolidate and articulate the core values and objectives of the AWF-EFA alliance within Sierra Leone, effectively communicating its mission and impact to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements and Skills

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, International Development, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in project management, partnership development, or related fields, with a focus on conservation or environmental sustainability preferred.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and represent the interests of both AWF and EFA.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop actionable plans to achieve partnership objectives.
• Experience in business planning, project management, and organizational leadership is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the conservation landscape and environmental issues in Sierra Leone is advantageous.
• Ability to develop and execute a plan, including adapting to new circumstances or information.
• Strong interpersonal skills required; successfully developing and maintaining productive relationships with members, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and other key contacts.
• Excellent research and analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Intellectual curiosity, inquisitive nature, and excellent listening and problem-solving skills.
• Experience advancing a policy agenda and/or working with business leaders is a plus.