Regional Lead - Africa at National Geographic

Co-located with The Walt Disney Company office in Johannesburg, the Lead’s mission will be to:

• Recruit, engage, empower and support capacity development of new and existing Explorers
• Leverage the power of National Geographic and the broader Disney network to promote Explorers, identify new, innovative projects, and elevate the impact of the work of Explorers through media and event platforms
• Coordinate with different Disney Heads of Departments and NGS’s Washington DC staff and leadership, including working closely with our NGS Regional Lead in the UK.
• Examples of key tasks are: delivering inspirational presentations at international conferences; executing and hosting virtual (and in-person, COVID-permitting) networking or training events; co-creating with DC-based staff capacity development offerings and implementing these events.  These will be virtual until, COVID-permitting, NGS returns to in-person events.

To succeed in the role, you will need:

• A Bachelors in Natural or Social Science ideally coupled with a Master’s Degree or PHD
• At least 7-10 years of development/management experience in Africa and familiarity with research and conservation programs in the region.
• Experience with grant-making, award, or other institutional affiliation program preferred.
• Experience working with subject-matter experts
• Experience or interest in supporting individuals through storytelling and media platforms
• Able to manage multiple projects in both lead and supporting roles within a matrix-based organization
• Public speaking, presentation development and communication skills to a variety of expert and non-expert audiences;
• Demonstrated collaborative ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution
• Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations;
• To be fluent in English and ideally French and/or Swahili