Rare is seeking a Director, Rare China
Location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China (University of Sichuan)
Reports to: Nigel Sizer, VP, Asia Pacific (based in Indonesia)
Last Updated: January 11, 2006
Travel: up to 50% (30% within China and 20% internationally).
Target start date: April 1, 2007.
Position Overview
The Director, Rare China, is responsible for Rare’s programmatic, operational, and financial outputs in China. In line with Rare’s 2007-2011 Business Plan, this position will manage and expand Rare’s training and support of, as well as learning exchanges among, a growing portfolio of local conservationists working in critically important natural sites in China. Key areas of responsibility are: setting up the partnership between Rare and the University of Sichuan, launching Rare Pride in China, conservation outcomes, fundraising, relationship management, and financial/operational management.
Rare’s 2007-2011 Institutional Priorities for Rare China
The Director, Rare China plays a critical role in meeting each of Rare’s four main priorities for 2007-2011. These priorities are:
- Expand Rare’s conservation impact in China.
- Enhance and continuously improve Rare’s strategies and tools
- Unlock burgeoning potential of an alumni network.
- Use Rare’s track record and a challenge grant facility to leverage new sources of funding.
Areas of Responsibility
Conservation Outcomes
- Select and train a minimum of 12-16 local conservation leaders each year, utilizing Rare’s course in conservation education at University of Sichuan.
- Manage application process including pipeline of applicants, utilizing a process and information technology system developed by colleagues in Arlington office.
- Ensure meaningful conservation objectives for each campaign.
- Assist local campaign managers when developing long-term follow-up strategies and financing efforts to turn initial momentum into lasting conservation results.
- Ensure programmatic alliance and impact locally.
Fundraising
- Work with the VP for Asia Pacific to assist with donor relations and managing funding pipeline for China; the goal is total cost recovery through a diverse funding stream.
- Help to write and review proposals in an effort to secure additional funding for campaigns in China.
- Participate in some donor trips to the region.
- Help to ensure fundraising activity is well-coordinated with development staff at the headquarters office.
Relationship Management
- Manage relationships with local and regional conservation partners, the Chinese government, University of Sichuan, and some regional and national donors.
- Help to cultivate and build strong relationships with individuals, institutions and governments.
- Identify new opportunities for partnerships and funding.
- Raise profile of Rare with media and other audiences.
Financial/Operational Management
- Supervise two Rare China course managers, trainers and support staff and the Chinese-speaking alumni network.
- Create and manage the China office budget, including restricted and unrestricted revenue sources.
- Report regularly to the VP for Asia Pacific regarding fundraising, programmatic, staff, and financial issues.
- Report monthly on the Director’s Scorecard.
Minimum Core Competencies Required
Rare expects its staff to have the following attributes no matter their position or level within the organization: be a team player, enthusiastic, reliable, open minded, willing to learn & take initiative and ability to work well under pressure.
Personal Attributes
Personal Qualities
- Inspires others within the organization
- Visionary, thought leaders who proactively make positive changes within their program
- Capable of initiating and planning program and organizational change
- Takes full responsibility for all his/her staff
- Demonstrated mentoring/conflict resolution abilities
- Able to delegate effectively
Technical Skills
- Expert level technical knowledge: program management, conservation outcome assessment, fundraising, partnership development
Administration
- Provides accurate and timely reporting for entire department including direct reports
Program/Department Effectiveness
Program or Department Goals
- Takes full responsibility for program/department goals, effectiveness and conservation success
Relationship Management
- Develops and leads major partnerships, alliances or other relationships
Financial Management
- Takes full responsibility for annual program planning, budgeting, program/department cost and fundraising targets
Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge Requirements
- Masters or equivalent or higher preferred, in natural resources, biology, conservation practice, environmental science, or similar field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in developing countries, including at least 5 years in China, preferably in conservation, including ideally work with a large local NGO or international environmental group.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to raise multi-year funding from foundations, individuals and government.
- Ability to work and manage staff in a multi-cultural setting.
- Strong public speaking skills.
- Excellent political skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and program management experience.
- Native fluency in written and spoken Mandarin and fluency in English.
- Willingness to travel internationally based on needs of the position.
- Experience using MS Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter and CV/resume to nsizer@rareconservation.org before the end of February, 2007. The subject line should state: “Application for Rare China Director from INSERT NAME”.
