SENIOR DIRECTOR KPA RESOURCE MOBILIZATION – Conservation International 62 views

A master's degree in development studies, environmental management, international relations, or a related field is commonly expected, along with at least 10 years of progressive experience in resource mobilization, preferably within Southern African NGOs. Professional certifications such as the Certificate in Proposal Writing (offered by local institutions like NACSO or UNDP Namibia) or membership in the Namibian Institute of Bankers (for financial stewardship credibility) are valued but not mandatory.

Day-to-day responsibilities include leading donor engagement (especially with EU Delegation, GIZ, USAID, and local foundations), mentoring Namibian staff on proposal development aligned with national priorities like the Namibian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and coordinating closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Field visits to community conservancies in regions like Kunene or Zambezi are common, requiring flexibility and cultural fluency in local languages such as Otjiherero or Rukwangali.

Namibian NGOs emphasise relationship-based collaboration, respect for hierarchical structures, and strong alignment with national development frameworks like Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. Punctuality is valued, but meetings often begin with extended greetings and context-setting — employers expect candidates to demonstrate humility, local stakeholder awareness, and adaptability to infrastructure constraints like intermittent internet in rural areas.

Successful incumbents often advance to country director or regional programme director roles across SADC-based conservation organisations, or transition into advisory positions with government entities like the Namibian National Commission on UNESCO or the Environmental Investment Fund. Some pursue board-level engagement with local trusts or co-found Namibian-led conservation enterprises supported by the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) guidelines.

Employers typically offer 22–30 days annual leave, full medical aid through Namibian providers like MAF or NAMFISA-registered schemes, and mandatory pension contributions under the Namibian Pension Funds Act. Additional benefits may include study leave for accredited local courses (e.g., at UNAM), transport allowances for field travel, and housing support — though specifics vary by employer size and donor funding cycles.

Applications must be submitted via email or online portals with a Namibian CV (including ID number and referees based in Namibia), a cover letter explicitly linking experience to national conservation priorities, and certified copies of qualifications verified by the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA). Employers prioritise demonstrated success in securing multi-year grants from donors active in Namibia, fluency in at least one local language, and evidence of capacity-building with Namibian community-based organisations.