Summary

We seek an inspiring leader who combines strategic foresight with heartfelt leadership. The CEO will champion WWF Kenya’s vision, engage a diverse range of stakeholders, and drive meaningful impact in conservation and sustainable development. This role demands exceptional communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills to foster collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors.

Responsibilities

Vision & Strategic Leadership

• Lead WWF Kenya’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with global goals and national realities.
• Strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, and amplify conservation efforts.

Representation & Advocacy

• Act as the face of WWF Kenya locally and internationally, cultivating strategic alliances.
• Influence policies, mobilize resources, and expand community engagement in conservation.

Organizational Growth & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and excellence.
• Secure sustainable funding from diverse sources, ensuring financial resilience.
• Uphold WWF’s values and environmental, social, and legal commitments.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure WWF Kenya operates with efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Oversee risk management, governance, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board to shape WWF Kenya’s strategy, ensuring strong governance.
• Provide timely insights, risk analysis, and strategic recommendations.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Qualifications

• Successful experience in the conservation of Nature and sustainable development in Kenya including
  • Strategic planning and the development, execution and evaluation of large projects and programs (over $5 million).
  • Understanding risk analysis, safeguards, and socio-environmental policies.
• Significant professional experience including performance leadership roles in complex organizations
  • Preferably national or international NGOs.
  • Capacity and experience in the management of multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Demonstrated achievements in fund-raising, both from institutional and private sources.
• Advanced academic training in a career related to natural resources management/conservation, and/or development
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in a field of natural resources management/conservation, social sciences, business administration, law, or related careers. Training in the environment / conservation will be considered favorably.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills, including public engagements, in English. Ability to speak Ki-Swahili is a strong advantage. 
  • Able to express ideas, positions, and emotions clearly and always based on respect for others.
  • Both consultative and assertive, favoring healthy working and personal relationships

Key Leadership Qualities

• Strategic & Inspirational Leadership: Builds consensus, influences change, and drives impact.
• People-Centered Management: Empowers and nurtures teams while maintaining high performance.
• Results-Oriented Execution: Ensures measurable progress through accountability and innovation.
• Cross-Scale Agility: Balances on-the-ground conservation with high-level policy engagement.
• Values-Driven & Empathetic: Leads with authenticity, fostering strong partnerships and trust.