Executive Director â International NGO

Selection process developed by matteria

Location and Work Mode

Paris/Lyon Hybrid

Who we are

International NGO headquartered in France focused on protecting and restoring ecosystems worldwide. The organization combines participatory conservation with local communities awareness-raising on environmental issues and scientific research to strengthen the impact of its projects.

Our impact

• Extensive restoration projects implemented across different regions.
• Measurable increases in local biodiversity observed over recent years.
• Conservation and awareness initiatives active on an international scale.
• Millions of people engaged worldwide through environmental education and advocacy campaigns.

Purpose of the Position

The Executive Director will lead both strategically and operationally ensuring alignment with its mission and values long-term sustainability and international visibility. This role bridges the governance of the Board with the operational leadership of the team while ensuring financial health program development and strong external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Vision strategy and governance

• Implement the strategic vision in close collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Ensure overall positioning and influence of the NGO within the conservation ecosystem.
• Prepare and lead Board and General Assembly meetings.

Team management and leadership

• Supervise and empower a team of 610 employees plus interns.
• Foster a healthy motivating and collaborative work culture.
• Oversee HR processes including recruitment training and evaluations.

Representation and partnerships

• Act as the face of the organization with donors partners institutions and media.
• Cultivate and expand strategic partnerships nationally and internationally.

Administration finance and compliance

• Oversee budgets accounting and legal compliance.
• Ensure adherence to French nonprofit regulations and financial reporting.

Fundraising and development

• Support fundraising strategy with a strong focus on French corporate partners (80% of funding base) while diversifying international sources.
• Collaborate on grant applications donor stewardship and innovative fundraising channels.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Masters degree (or equivalent Bac5) in Political Science International Relations Management Environmental Studies Sustainable Development or related field

Experience

• Minimum 35 years in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit NGO foundation or mission-driven organization.
• Proven track record in team management and strategic leadership.
• Experience in fundraising donor relations and stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong budget management HR and administrative skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication in French and English (Spanish desirable).
• Proficiency in collaborative tools (Google Suite Airtable Notion Slack Trello).
• Ability to work with culturally diverse teams across multiple geographies.

Competencies

• Strategic vision and organizational leadership.
• Relationship-building and diplomacy.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Empowering horizontal and transformational leadership style.

Key interest for working with us

Motivated by conservation climate resilience and social equity through community-driven impact.

Reasons to join our team

• Full-time permanent contract (CDI).
• 35-hour week (45 days).
• Hybrid work model (office in Paris/Lyon with partial remote).
• Travel opportunities to international project sites across multiple regions worldwide.
• Professional equipment (laptop phone).
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Stimulating and mission-driven work environment.

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

• Confidential search: the name of the organization will only be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.
• The position requires relocation to Paris/Lyon or frequent presence at HQ; remote candidates may be considered but preference given to those based locally or in accessible cities (e.g. Paris).
• Travel to project sites may be required occasionally (1 trip per project usually 24 weeks).
• The organization is undergoing strong growth with budgets doubling annually and evolving governance frameworks. Adaptability to a fast-scaling nonprofit environment is key.