The Role
C-suite leader responsible for developing and executing global impact strategy across conservation, biodiversity, communities, sustainability, and responsible business. Leads impact measurement, governance, funding, partnerships, and organizational accountability while advising the Board and executive leadership. Requires extensive executive experience, commercial acumen, international stakeholder leadership, and expertise in ESG, conservation, impact investment, philanthropy, responsible tourism, or climate and nature strategy.
Summary Generated by Built In
CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER | JOHANNESBURG
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Employment: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
Are you a senior impact, sustainability, conservation or responsible business leader ready to shape an organisation’s long-term impact strategy?
My client is looking for an exceptional Chief Impact Officer to lead a global impact agenda spanning conservation, wildlife, communities, sustainability and responsible business.
This is a C-suite leadership position with responsibility for:
• Developing and driving the Group’s long-term impact strategy
• Integrating impact into business strategy, operations, investment and guest experience
• Leading conservation, biodiversity and community-focused initiatives
• Overseeing impact measurement, governance, reporting and funding
• Building strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, funders and global organisations
• Advising the Board, shareholders and executive leadership on impact, risk and long-term value creation
• Building a high-performing impact function and embedding accountability across the organisation
• Representing the organisation at global forums and as a thought leader in impact and responsible business
RequirementsWhat We're Looking For
15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy, responsible business or a related field
Proven C-suite / senior executive experience and the ability to influence Boards and shareholders
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment, budgeting and fundraising experience
Expertise in areas such as conservation & biodiversity, community development, ESG, impact investment, philanthropy, responsible tourism or climate/nature strategy
International experience working across diverse cultures and emerging markets
Strong stakeholder, partnership-building and external representation skills
A track record of turning ambitious impact strategies into measurable outcomes
A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent depth of career experience; an advanced degree at Masters or Doctorate level is advantageous but will not substitute for executive track record
Deep expertise in at least two of the following: conservation and biodiversity; community-led development; sustainability and ESG; impact investment or philanthropy; responsible tourism or hospitality; climate and nature strategy.
Working fluency in relevant global frameworks and expectations, such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, GRI and TNFD, together with the judgement to apply them proportionately. Experience in luxury travel, hospitality or conservation-led tourism is advantageous, but exceptional candidates from
adjacent global sectors will not be excluded.
This is an opportunity for a purpose-driven executive to influence strategy at the highest level while creating a meaningful measurable impact.
Skills Required
- 15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy, responsible business, or a related field.
- C-suite or senior executive experience influencing Boards and shareholders.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment, budgeting, and fundraising experience.
- Expertise in conservation and biodiversity, community development, ESG, impact investment, philanthropy, responsible tourism, hospitality, climate strategy, or nature strategy.
- International experience working across diverse cultures and emerging markets.
- Strong stakeholder management, partnership-building, and external representation skills.
- Track record of converting impact strategies into measurable outcomes.
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent depth of career experience.
- Deep expertise in at least two specified impact disciplines.
- Working fluency in IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, GRI, and TNFD frameworks.
- Advanced degree at Master's or Doctorate level.
- Experience in luxury travel, hospitality, or conservation-led tourism.
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The Company
What We Do
Bushwise provides practical field-guide and conservation career training in Southern Africa, with safari-guide courses lasting from three days to 12 months and conservation training from two weeks to one year. It is the exclusive Southern African training provider for International Field Guide Association certification and standards. Founded to address the need for professional, qualified safari guides, Bushwise aims to help ethically sustain the natural environment.
