Program Director - Protected Areas Financing

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Cape Town, South Africa

Conservation International (CI) is launching a bold new initiative to close the finance gap for conservation and protected areas across Africa. We’re seeking a dynamic Program Director to lead this effort, driving strategy, innovation, and impact.

In this role, you’ll design and implement nature finance mechanisms, manage a complex, multifaceted program of work, and build strong partnerships with governments, donors, communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. You’ll ensure program delivery aligns with CI’s global goals while navigating compliance and capacity-building across diverse teams.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker with experience in financial solutions and a passion for nature to shape the future of nature finance across the African region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor, measure, and report on program progress and financial performance.
• Lead governance structures and facilitate effective decision-making, including weekly Program Working Group meetings.
• Align program activities with CI’s conservation and organizational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with CI policies, funding agreements, and local regulations.
• Identify and manage program risks, working with internal compliance and audit teams.
• Assess and address capacity-building needs across teams and partners.
• Drive internal and external communication, including fact sheets and stakeholder updates.
• Organize conferences and learning events to share best practices and lessons learned.
• Engage and build relationships with key stakeholders—donors, governments, NGOs, and technical partners.
• Represent CI externally as a trusted and visible point of contact.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation.
• Support financial sustainability through fundraising and proposal development.
• Collaborate with Finance to manage program budgets.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Local and/or international travel of 30% or more time, often in difficult travel conditions.
• Ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in January 2026 and end in December 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree (Commerce preferred).
• 7 or more years of related work experience.
• 2 or more years of people management experience.
• Strong program/project management experience.
• Financial literacy.
• Excellent technical and analytical skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Experience supervising others, including multi-disciplinary teams.
• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse workgroups in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A record of success in influencing and partnering with a diverse group of key stakeholders and in raising funds.
• Proven ability to multitask and meet priorities. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required

Preferred

• Advanced degree
• Experience in a financial institution preferred.
• Experience with a large global consulting firm is advantageous.
• Experience leading/managing development finance projects/programs..

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: October 13, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.