Vice President of Programs and International Operations

Submitted by Gia Thomas on Wed, 01/02/2013 - 12:34pm
Reports To: 
Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: 
Regional Office Directors, Program Directors Science Advisor, International Law and Policy Director
Job Location: 
Headquarters - Yarmouth, MA
Job Code: 
VP001
Purpose: 

Under the broad direction of the CEO, the VP of Programs and International Operations has strategic and operational responsibility for IFAW’s programmatic campaigns and international operations.  The VP provides strategic guidance and direction to ensure the effective implementation of IFAW’s priority campaigns and programs across the organization.  Accountabilities include operational leadership, management and development of direct reports, integration of planning and budgeting, and strategic advancement of IFAW’s international programmatic work.  Promote leadership practices that support IFAW’s ability to affect global change through local program/project implementation.  Work collaboratively with members of the Leadership Team to advance IFAW’s priorities, and serve as a compelling advocate for program initiatives and the overall mission of IFAW.

Responsibilities: 
  • With the CEO, provide leadership and management guidance throughout IFAW as a member of IFAW’s Leadership Team.  Ensure that organizational policies and priorities are effectively communicated, implemented and monitored through coordination amongst program and regional offices.
  • In conjunction with the CEO and Senior Management, direct the program work of IFAW, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategy.  Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and documented successes.
  • Direct and manage the development and implementation of long- and medium-term regional and field geographic strategies that ensure the effective organization of IFAW country and regional personnel and offices.  Provide management direction and leadership to IFAW’s Program and Regional Directors; ensure the overall integration of worldwide field office activities, the ongoing communication and promotion of IFAW’s animal welfare positions, global campaigns, and operating priorities. 
  • Guide and oversee development of regional campaign strategies and projects to ensure strategic alignment, programmatic relevance and impact.  Promote strategic planning and management of programmatic financial resources, regional offices and effective budget alignment/management.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the effective use of scientific expertise and research in activities designed to achieve program goals.  Assure the development of valid and powerful scientific arguments in support of IFAW legislative, regulatory and international trade strategies and in the development of a body of knowledge that promotes the understanding of the relationship between consumptive use and species survival.
  • Provide management direction to incorporate legal expertise and counsel into program and campaign activity, working to ensure that international treaties, trade agreements and international and national regulations ensure maximum protection of wild animals and habitats and that illegal trade practices are identified and curtailed, where possible.
  • Enhance organizational excellence by establishing operational benchmarks, timelines, and resources needed to achieve strategic goals, proactively recommending and driving improvements as necessary; set standards for accountability and measurements of success.
  • Work closely with the VPs of Communications and Philanthropy to integrate communications and fundraising activities in support of campaign initiatives worldwide, ensuring that messaging is timely, proactive and is best positioned to achieve IFAW’s program objectives.  Assist and engage staff in fundraising and revenue generating opportunities, as required.
  • Provide leadership at international conferences with IFAW employees and our strategic partners.
  • Oversee the development of partnership agreements with strategic organizations.
Requirements: 
  • Proven senior-level managerial and leadership skills with minimum 10 years high-level management experience in an international organization; a management style that promotes delegation of authority.
  • Proven track record in political advocacy with experience in conservation or animal welfare issues. Good working knowledge of other NGOs in conservation or animal welfare community.
  • Superior organizational capabilities; ability to effectively set priorities and manage a demanding and complex workload.
  • Ability to supervise and coordinate on-going projects and effectively collaborate with other researchers and organizations.
  • Experience with budget processes and setting budget priorities.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate and work effectively and appropriately with political leaders and staff from various cultures.
  • Proven experience in leading multicultural teams of professionals and an ability to foster strong working relationship.
  • Fluency in English and a second language preferred.
Application Details: 

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Gia Thomas at Recruitus@ifaw.org.