Chipembele Willdife Education Trust (Zambia)

Chief Development Executive

Job Description and Person Specifications

Title of Position: Chief Development Executive (CDE)

Location: Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia

Reports to: Founding Director

Job Status: Full time, permanent contract for Zambian nationals; full time, 2-year contract (renewable) for internationals

PROFILE - Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust 

Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust (CWET) is a dynamic and award-winning conservation education NGO that is based in Mfuwe, a rapidly growing rural settlement close to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Our mission is to educate, empower and inspire youth and communities to engage in sustainable practices that protect wildlife and their habitats and promote environmental stewardship. Our outreach work extends across Mambwe District and occasionally into adjacent Districts, with our Educators facilitating community-resonant programmes that also have a global outlook. The organisation is small but high impact, with 22 full time employees. See www.chipembele.org

POSITION OVERVIEW

The key purpose of this new position is to ensure the financial well-being, long-term sustainability and positive promotion of CWET, enabling it to effectively fulfill its mission of conservation education for local communities. The Chief Development Executive (CDE) is a senior management role that will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the organisation by leading efforts in financial management, fundraising and marketing. This senior position will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance the organisation’s visibility, secure funding and ensure sound financial practices. It requires a creative and strategic thinker who can positively engage diverse audiences, build solid relationships, secure monetary support and ensure long-term financial health for the organisation.

KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERACTION

• The CDE reports to the Founding Director (FD).
• The CDE is the line supervisor for the Operations Manager (OM) and the Accounts Officer (AO).
• The CDE will develop close working relationships with all CWET staff, donors and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Management

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure CWET’s financial practices and systems adhere to best practices in non-profit financial management.
• Ensure CWET’s Finance Policy is kept up-to-date, relevant and complaint with statutory requirements.
• Implement effective financial policies and procedures to support sustainable growth.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organisation's mission, goals, policies and Strategic Plan.
• Work closely with the AO to monitor cash flow, funding allocations and financial performance.
• Innovate and refine operational systems to create capacity in support of future growth initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards and be the main point of contact for them.
• Prepare the annual budget and present to the Board for approval.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to ensure financial accountability across all programmes and initiatives.
• Present financial reports, updates and forecasts to the FD, Board of Trustees, donors and other stakeholders as required.
• Monitor, review and report financial expenditure and achieve budget and fund-raising targets.
• Work closely with the OM to ensure that up-to-date inventories and an assets register are maintained for the organisation.
• Supervise the preparation of the accounts for the professional annual audit.
• Develop and implement efficiency and cost-effectiveness strategies in relation to both financial and physical resources.
• Authorise and monitor expenditure on major and minor capital works.
• Authorise petty cash dispersal, administer bank transactions and oversee staff payroll and statutory employment payments, etc.

2. Fundraising and grant management

• Collaborate with the FD to develop and implement a comprehensive and rigorous fundraising strategy that includes a range of fundraising initiatives to meet the organisation’s financial goals.
• Work closely with the Conservation Education Manager to ensure fundraising efforts appropriately and adequately support operational work.
• Identify, solicit and cultivate relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors and grant-making bodies.
• Systematically research and identify funding opportunities.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals.
• Manage grants and funding from donors, ensuring compliance with all financial requirements.
• Organise fundraising events and campaigns (physically or on-line) to engage supporters and raise awareness.
• Prepare and submit accurate narrative and financial reports for grant-making bodies, and other project funding entities or individuals.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress and programme impact to stakeholders.

3. Marketing

• Manage public relations efforts to enhance the organisation’s image and outreach.
• Create and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy plan that promote CWET’s mission, programmes and achievements.
• Oversee the development of marketing materials, including brochures, social media content and newsletters.
• Build and maintain strong operational relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination with the FD on donor reporting and compliance.
• Foster partnerships with the local tourism industry, businesses and organisations to expand the trust’s network and visibility.
• Work closely with CWET’s Digital Marketing Assistant to ensure engaging content for various platforms including social media and the quarterly e-newsletter.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Regularly review CWET’s website to make sure it is kept up-to-date and accurate. Make or arrange design changes as necessary.
• Track and analyse marketing and fundraising metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of strategies. Adjust plans based on data insights to improve outreach and funding efforts.

4. Operational Oversight

• Closely supervise and upskill the AO as appropriate, providing leadership and mentorship.
• Support and train other members of staff who are managing programme budgets or staff expenses to ensure they have the appropriate skillset.
• Implement effective internal controls and risk management strategies in line with good NGO governance.
• Deputise for the FD
• Act as deputy to the FD, representing the organisation in meetings,
  conferences and other forums as required.
• Provide leadership and decision-making support in the FD’s absence.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, non-profit management, financial management or a related field. Master’s degree or further relevant qualifications preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, fundraising and/or marketing preferably in the non-profit sector or conservation related environment.
• Extensive experience in project and organisational financial management tools and systems.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance and risk management.
• Proven track record in grant writing and managing fundraising campaigns, leading to successfully securing significant donations.
• Proven experience and strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• Proven commitment to or interest in wildlife conservation, sustainable development and community education principles.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence various audiences in a wide range of circumstances.
• Demonstrated high level skills in clear, logical and concise written communication for diverse purposes and readership.
• Experience in the cost-effective management and planning of financial, physical and human resources.
• Proficiency in public presentations and managing relationships with key donors and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.

Desirable

• An understanding of and sincere desire to work and live in a remote yet rapidly developing rural area of Zambia among disadvantaged communities with all the associated logistical challenges.
• Proficiency in design software to create visually appealing marketing materials.
• Knowledge and understanding of funding sources, issues and challenges to the delivery of contemporary conservation and education programmes within a rural Zambian setting.
• Experience in dealing with children, Government departments, local communities, international stakeholders and a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of contemporary conservation issues and educational challenges in Africa.
• Knowledge of Zambian Labour Laws and other statutory legislation.
• Experience in Quick Books accounting software.

OTHER CONDITIONS

• If the successful applicant is not a Zambian citizen or permanent resident s/he will be required to satisfactorily fulfil the legal requirements of the Ministry of Immigration for entry into Zambia and would be subject to approval of a Zambian employment permit.
• A current valid and full Zambian driver’s licence is essential.
• There will be an initial 6-month probationary period.
• Working hours are nominally 5 days/40 hours per week. However, a flexible approach to working hours is required; some out-of-hours work is inevitable from time to time.
• All travel expenses and relocation costs at the job start-up are at the CDE’s expense
• The CDE will primarily work in an office environment but may also spend time in the field to network with stakeholders and to understand the organisation’s programmes and impact.