The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and flyways on which they depend. ICF engages with a global network of nearly 300 staff, associates and colleagues in more than 50 countries. Our efforts focus on three priority regions where endangered cranes occur – China/East Asia, Africa and North America – and our headquarters in Wisconsin, USA.
ICF is currently seeking a senior-level professional to advance our regional programs in China and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia and South Korea. The Vice President – Asia Programs will supervise and support our regional leaders. This position requires extensive travel and work in these countries. Meeting the schedule of our partners in these countries requires flexibility to travel on short notice. International conservation experience is essential; experience in China is a plus.
The location of the incumbent is flexible, and preference is in Asia or with travel access to Asia.
Position Summary:
The Vice President – Asia Programs provides strategic leadership and funding for ICF programs across Asia for endangered cranes, the wetlands, grasslands and agricultural lands on which they depend, and the flyways they traverse between breeding, staging and wintering grounds. The position supervises and supports the East Asia Program Director and associated ICF country programs in China and partner programs in Korea, Mongolia, Russia and Japan. The position further supervises the South/Southeast Asia Program Director, which includes long-term projects in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Nepal, and partnerships across the range of the Sarus Crane and associated species. The Vice President – Asia Programs supports the development of new programs and projects to reduce threats to cranes in West/Central Asia. Also, it works with the Senior Grants Officer-Asia, CEO, Co-Founder, Development and Marketing teams, and regional leaders to sustainably fund program investments across the region. The incumbent engages with the ICF Senior Leadership and Board of Directors in setting institutional priorities and goals, with particular emphasis on promoting strong linkages and lesson sharing between ICF programs in Asia and regional programs in Africa and North America. In all efforts, the incumbent promotes a science-based approach to organizational decision-making and works with Asia staff to ensure effective communications to the ICF Board of Directors, staff, members, supporters, peers and other constituencies.
Essential Duties:
- Advise the CEO, Senior Leadership and Board of Directors on the strategic vision and direction for the Asia Program.
- Provide leadership, mentorship and management support to ICF programs in Asia, including strategic planning, partnership development, project management and information system development, monitoring and evaluation, and financial and programmatic sustainability.
- Supervise and support three regional leaders for the Asia Program, including East Asia and South/Southeast Asia Program Directors, and (in development) West/Central Asia Program Coordinator, including goal-setting, budget development and management, work plans, measurable objectives, personnel needs, professional development, and performance reviews.
- Provide financial and budget oversight of the Asia program and support fundraising efforts in coordination with the Senior Grants Officer-Asia, Program Finance & Administrative Office-Asia, the ICF Development team, Senior Leadership, and Board of Directors.
- Work closely with VP- North America, VP- Africa, and VP-Headquarters to coordinate scientific exchange and lesson sharing among ICF global programs.
Additional Duties:
- Promote sound science in decision-making across ICF program activity in Asia.
- Regular travel in Asia for in-person connection with ICF teams, programs and partners.
- Additional travel as needed for international conferences, fundraising meetings, and in-person connection with ICF Headquarters staff, including direct report(s), Senior Leadership team, and ICF Board of Directors.
- Assist Marketing and Communications and Development teams with messaging related to Asia programs and impacts.
- Build and maintain strong networks across the region and represent ICF in relevant forums and meetings.
Core Competencies:
- Strong team builder with ability to effectively lead and mentor staff and projects to successful outcomes and provide an atmosphere in which individual and professional growth, leadership and achievement are encouraged, recognized, and rewarded.
- Strong collaborator committed to working cooperatively across departments and programs, making valuable contributions to shared projects and assisting with outputs of others.
- Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with lay audiences, professional peers, and organizational leadership.
- Strong partnership builder with interpersonal skills and commitment to cultivating strong external relationships and partnerships.
- Strong resource manager with the ability to oversee budget planning and management, including high-level tracking of expenses, revenue, and allocation of resources for programs and projects.
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Knowledge and experience working in diverse countries and cultures in Asia, including a clear commitment to cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity, respect for others and different ways of thinking.
- Minimum ten years work in conservation or a related field, preferably in Asia, with proven track record managing projects and teams.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to mentoring and supervising others to achieve desired results, to include training and encouragement of skill development, adept at assessing and providing feedback on individual and group performance.
- Excellent verbal communication skills in English, including speaking clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups, listening effectively, and responding well to questions from conservation colleagues, ICF supporters, visitors, press and the public.
- Demonstrated strong written communication skills in English, including grants, popular articles, project updates, and reports.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively across our international programs, to our headquarters, and other key locations for networking, meetings, and other opportunities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
Work Environment requirements:
- Maintain home office with strong WiFi and noise-free environment for virtual meetings.
- Travel frequently throughout the region and occasionally to the ICF headquarters campus.
- Visit regional staff and offices, government agencies, partners, and field sites.
- Represent ICF at relevant professional conferences and workshops.
Physical abilities and work environment:
The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Abilities:
- Ability to operate computer and phones.
- Ability to communicate with fellow staff and donors. Communication will include both one-to-one communication, small, and large group communication.
- Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to travel regionally and internationally.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to ICFjobs@savingcranes.org. Please put “VP-Asia” in the subject line.
“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people. “ICF is an equal opportunity employer.”