Executive Director – International NGO

matteria; Lyon; Hybride; EUR 80 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international NGO headquartered in France is seeking an Executive Director to lead strategically and operationally. The role requires significant experience in nonprofit leadership, team management, and fundraising. The selected candidate will work in a hybrid environment, managing connections with stakeholders while ensuring the organization's financial health and impact on conservation. This position offers opportunities for international travel and a stimulating work culture.

Prestations

Comprehensive health insurance

Professional equipment (laptop, phone)

Travel opportunities to project sites

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit or NGO.
• Proven track record in fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse teams.

Responsabilités

• Implement strategic vision in collaboration with the Board.
• Supervise a team of 6–10 employees and foster a collaborative culture.
• Act as the organization’s face with donors and partners.
• Oversee budget, accounting, and legal compliance.
• Support fundraising strategy and grant applications.

Connaissances

Budget management

HR management

Written communication in French

Oral communication in English

Relationship-building

Formation

Master’s degree in relevant field

Outils

Google Suite

Airtable

Notion

Slack

Trello

Description du poste

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.

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 6–10 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: Master’s degree (or equivalent, Bac+5) in Political Science, International Relations, Management, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, or related field
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 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 (4–5 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 2–4 weeks).
• The organization is undergoing strong growth, with budgets doubling annually and evolving governance frameworks. Adaptability to a fast-scaling nonprofit environment is key.