NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOUGHT FOR CDF

The selection process to replace Graham Watkins, the Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, has begun. Towards the end of 2007 he informed the board that he would not be seeking a third two-year term with CDF, effectively ending his role in January 2009.

"This period with the CDF has been, and continues to be, rewarding; however, after four years, I will be ready to move on to new challenges. What we have achieved during this period provides a platform from which my successor will be able to elevate CDF to new levels of productivity, effectiveness and financial security", said Graham.

In 2004, Graham was contracted to help stabilise the CDF and lead a programme of change, and during his tenure they have undergone substantial development in strategy, structure and overall governance of the organisation. The remainder of this year will bring further changes including development of the education and fundraising programmes.

"The CDF in 2008 is leaner, more efficient, and more focused than the CDF of 2004. While our financing from bilateral and multilateral sources has declined from over 50% of our budget to less than 10% of our budget, we have been able to replace this loss with new financing from individuals and Foundations", comments Graham.

Peter Kramer, President of the CDF Board, passed on his thanks to Graham: "In the name of Board and in my personal capacity I would like already at this point to thank you for your very significant contribution to the work of the CDF. You were and continue to be the most important catalyst facilitating changes of the CDF which prepare us for a new phase in the development of our organisation and strengthen us for the great challenges Galapagos is and will be confronting."

For a full job description, visit the CDF's website at http://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/about-us/jobs/08_ed-fcd.

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