Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to protect the world’s rainforests and to secure the legal rights of their inhabitants. It is one of the largest rainforest organizations in the world, and collaborates with around 70 local and national environmental, indigenous and human rights organizations in seven rainforest countries in the Amazon region, Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
The organization works to support people in securing their rights and increase people’s level of commitment to rainforest protection; to prevent policy and business interests from contributing to the destruction of the rainforest; and to consolidate policy and practice that serve to protect it. Rainforest Foundation Norway engages in advocacy work in key international processes concerning rainforest issues.
Rainforest Foundation Norway was founded in 1989 and is today one of Europe’s leading organizations within the field of rainforest protection. It forms part of the Rainforest Foundation network, with independent sister organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom.
RFN´s work is funded by public authorities, as well as private donors, international funds and sponsors.
To protect the Congo basin rainforest and the rights of local communities and Indigenous people, Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) has established an ambitious program for rights-based rainforest protection in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
RFN has been working in DRC since 2003 and has contributed to the development of a vibrant civil society movement in the environmental sector, aiming to ensure that local communities and their organizations can participate in political processes concerning their land and their future.
Together with other civil society organizations RFN has contributed to significant progress within the political and legal frameworks towards greater rights-based rainforest protection.
RFN is now seeking a dynamic and internationally experienced Country Director who has the will, skills and courage to expand RFNs unique rainforest protection programs in DRC.
The position is a part of the International Department and is a two-year engagement with a possibility for extension.
The Role and the Mission
As Country Director you will be responsible for the strategic development of our activities in the DRC. You will represent RFN towards various stakeholders including, government authorities, donors and partners. Both fundraising and advocacy will be central to this position.
The Country Director is responsible for the overall management of RFN’s office in Kinshasa – DRC, including the development of human resources, finance steering, risk assessments and security. Senior management experience within these areas is highly valued.
The country office consists of nine dedicated and motivated employees, with a high degree of competence within the field of human rights, rights-based forest protection and community-based rainforest management.
You will report to Anna Bjørndal, the Director of International Programs, based in Oslo. As this position is unique for RFN, you will work in close relationship with the senior management team led by Tørris Jæger, the Secretary-General also situated in Oslo.
Working at Rainforest Foundation Norway
About 80 employees, spread around the world, are working daily in order to save the world´s rainforests. The commitment and culture at RFN are energetic, warm, encouraging, empowering, educating, fun and intensive.
At RFN employees are passionate about their work and the rainforest. Sharing knowledge and results and caring about each other is in their DNA. They welcome initiatives with openness and curiosity. By evaluating and learning from successes and mistakes, employees are continually improving.
RFN offers good pension and insurance schemes, flexible working hours and a competitive salary plan.
Who are you and what do you want to achieve?
You love to work in an intensive, dynamic, complex and vibrant international environment.
To work for a NGO which mission is to protect the world’s rainforests and help RFN to expand and increase its impact and outreach, is challenging and exciting for you.
You have substantial international experience in leading competent and engaged employees with diverse backgrounds. Thanks to your excellent social skills you know how to build long term trust, create loyal relations, engage and develop team members.
You like to navigate and perform in different kind of external official situations as you are the RFN’s spokesperson in DRC. Further you ensure that funds are used optimally and that program outputs are delivered in due time.
You play an active role in the country office strategic and programmatic expansions while piloting the subsequent organizational changes.
Qualifications and skills
In order to thrive, develop and create success in this mission, you have to fulfil the following:
Being a mature leader, your natural personal qualities are:
In this recruitment process RFN works together with K2 Search. If you want to know more about the role, please contact Inga-Lill Payne, Executive Search Consultant (inga.lill.payne@k2search.se) or Executive Search Specialist (stina.torell@k2search.se).
The recruitment process has begun and the deadline for applications is September 30.
A warm welcome with your application!
