Program Manager, Wildlife Cybercrime

This position can be based in any IFAW Europe office location or South Africa

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office

The global and anonymous nature of the internet and digital communication presents numerous significant opportunities for wildlife criminals and challenges for those dedicated to stopping them. IFAW pursues a multipronged strategy to tackle wildlife cybercrime that includes working with policymakers, law enforcement agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the general public in order to disrupt the ability of criminals to use the internet and its support systems for the trafficking of wildlife throughout the supply chain. By reducing incentives to participate in the illegal wildlife trade, IFAW improves the conservation status of wildlife in priority habitats and the welfare of individual animals while supporting the development of international best practices in a large, complex and constantly evolving sector. 

The Program Manager, Wildlife Cybercrime will lead IFAW’s sub-program focusing on wildlife cybercrime and deliver its strategy, under the Wildlife Crime strategy. The position will contribute to IFAW remaining a recognised leader and convener in this field and strengthening IFAW conservation programs’ impacts as well as programs implemented by governments, NGOs or other organisations, such as the Coalition to end wildlife trafficking online. The position will provide support to program and country project managers and staff and will be responsible for ensuring both internal and external projects are implemented in compliance with the highest standards and are in line with IFAW internal procedures and with those of any external funding partners. 

In recognition that this is a niche and growth area for IFAW, the Program Manager, Wildlife Cybercrime will actively participate in the identification and winning of new funding opportunities and in generating and participating in connections with other potential funders or supporters as required.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage IFAW’s sub-program focusing on wildlife cybercrime, including but not limited to developing and implementing strategies, contributing and reporting against IFAW programmatic objectives, expanding and strengthening external networks, coordinating cross-regional work, and managing and delivering both internal and external projects to a high standard, according to work plans and institutional strategies, on time and within budget.
• Ensure IFAW remains a recognised leader in wildlife cybercrime by ensuring the organisation's work evolves to reflect new challenges and opportunities for growth through innovation and collaboration.
• To act as a thought leader for IFAW and contribute to the development and utilisation of international best practices for tackling wildlife cybercrime.
• Provide support to the strategic direction and evolution of the Wildlife Crime Program, including but not limited to the identification, winning, and implementation of new projects.
• Identify and create opportunities for cross-programmatic work and collaborate to ensure IFAW priorities are considered in the policy sphere.
• Act as a spokesperson for the cybercrime portfolio, representing the organization to, and building positive relationships with, NGO’s, politicians, Government officials, business representatives, other key contacts, and all media platforms.
• Oversee the development and utilization of IFAW internal Monitoring and Evaluation systems to record data from wildlife cybercrime activities.
• Work with Institutional Giving, other program relevant colleagues, and Development to identify and win funding opportunities.
• In collaboration with IFAW Financial colleagues, utilize IFAW tools and systems to manage budgets as necessary, including having oversight and authority over the Global Cybercrime budget.
• Work closely with IFAW Communications team to develop and implement a project Communications Plan that communicates the full range of IFAW activities relating to wildlife cybercrime.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• BS/BA degree preferred. MS/MA degree in biological, social science, public policy, economics, forensic science, criminology or related field ideal.
• High level of professionalism – the mix of dependability, initiative, industry, and ability to make sound judgments within agreed guidelines that will earn respect and achieve success in chaotic, fast-moving, and high-pressure environments. Ability to both work unsupervised and as part of a team, as well as manage and mentor a team, including without direct authority, to meet deadlines and deal with a demanding and complex workload, and flexible working hours.
• Demonstrated experience leading a dispersed team and influencing activities without direct management authority. Preferred minimum of 5 years of working experience in project management.
• Experience handling several projects at any one given time across multiple time zones, including scheduling and budgeting, ability to plan effectively, and attention to detail.
• Preferred minimum 2 years of working experience on wildlife crime and, if possible, including wildlife cyber-enabled crime-specific issues. Expertise in OSINT, digital forensics, and the management of sensitive information, including e-evidence and collaboration with law enforcement, are a plus.
• A demonstrable network or evidence of collaborative working with other NGOs in conservation, animal welfare, organised crime, or corruption-related communities. Existing relationships with other key stakeholders in conservation, such as private sector, law enforcement agencies, IGOs, and governmental institutions, are a plus.
• Strong writing, media, and verbal communication skills, including developing professional reports and grant applications to funding partners. Demonstrable experience participating and speaking at public events and in the media. Track records in successfully leading restricted funding proposals.
• Team player who understands when and how to involve senior management in making decisions and understands and can work within a matrix management system.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal. Fluency and competency in any other language is a plus.
• Culturally sensitive, demonstrable experience of working across different countries and cultures.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people.    We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.