Job Description

In 2022, more than 190 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15, a landmark achievement that highlights the power of leadership and environmental multilateralism in uniting nations and people to lift the global nature agenda.

WWF International is partnering with Amano to identify and nurture high-potential young conservation leaders through a distinctive leadership development and mentorship initiative. The Amano Fellows Program is designed to catalyze the next generation of conservation leaders, equipping them to become transformative agents of change in their communities. The comprehensive mentorship model emphasizes both professional and personal growth, preparing the next generation of leaders to lead sustainable initiatives that deliver measurable impact in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Fellows are expected to dedicate 5-8 hours per month to structured activities, including monthly mentor group meetings, expert-led workshops, guest speaker series, and peer discussions. Participants will gain invaluable insights, leadership skills, and a life-time of connections, empowering them to sustain their contributions to conservation efforts at both local and global levels.

The program is open to young people aged 21-30 who have demonstrated significant community impact or leadership potential, with a strong emphasis on fostering inclusive conservation initiatives in their local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Alignment with Fellowship Goals:

• Nominees should align with the Fellowship’s mission of fostering leadership and innovation by turning global challenges into opportunities.
• Nominees should express a readiness to share their knowledge, insights, and experiences within the Amano network and contribute to the collective learning and development of all Fellows.

Openness to Personal and Professional Development:
• Nominees must be open to receiving and integrating feedback, pursuing self-improvement, and refining their leadership approach through structured mentorship and peer support.
• Nominees should demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a proactive approach to learning and development.

Ability to Contribute to a Diverse Fellowship Community:

• Nominees should show an ability to contribute to and benefit from a diverse and inclusive community of leaders. They should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences.

Potential for Long-Term Engagement:
• Nominees are encouraged to remain engaged with the Amano So network beyond the Fellowship period. This includes contributing to the global network of leaders and participating in ongoing community events, forums, and collaborative initiatives.

Nomination Process:
The selection process for the Amano Fellows Program will involve several stages to ensure that only the most promising and impactful candidates are chosen.

Qualifications and Experience

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Nominees must be young leaders aged 21-30
• Geographic Focus: Zimbabwe
• Sector Focus: Nominees should have demonstrated commitment and impact in areas related to food systems, wildlife conservation, forest and land preservation, freshwater management, governance, and market development, and more broadly in areas such as policy advocacy, project management, and communication in conservation and climate change aligning with WWF's conservation priorities and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Demonstrated Impact:
• Nominees should provide evidence of their achievements and initiatives that have led to sustainable, scalable solutions in their respective fields.

Leadership Potential and Experience:

• Nominees should display a strong potential for leadership, with a commitment to advancing their professional and personal growth.
• All nominees must exhibit a willingness to engage in intergenerational mentorship and peer-to-peer learning environments.

Commitment to Program Participation:

• Nominees must be willing to commit to the full duration of the Fellowship (approximately 9-months), including participation in monthly mentorship group meetings, virtual seminars, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
• They should demonstrate a clear understanding of the program’s goals and a commitment to active engagement, collaboration, and contribution to group activities.

How to Apply

Email your achievements, alignment with program goals in biodiversity conservation, climate action and sustainable development, Curriculum Vitae, as one PDF document indicating “VIRTUAL MENTORSHIP” in the subject line to [email protected]. Kindly note that candidates will be shortlisted based on leadership potential, evidence of achievements, community involvement, and potential to catalyse change in the respective fields.