Vacancy: Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes
Organization: East
African Wildlife Society (EAWLS)
Location: Nairobi,
Kenya (with regional travel across East Africa)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
About EAWLS
The East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) is a regional conservation
organization working to promote the sustainable management of wildlife and natural
resources across East Africa. With 70 years of experience, EAWLS focuses on
policy advocacy, partnerships, and programmes that support biodiversity
conservation and environmental sustainability. EAWLS collaborates with
governments, communities, civil society and other stakeholders to influence
conservation policy and practice and ensure lasting conservation impact for
people and nature.
Position Summary
EAWLS is seeking a strategic and experienced Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes to
lead its advocacy, policy, and programme portfolio. Reporting to the Executive
Director, the role provides leadership in shaping policy influence, delivering high-impact
conservation programmes, and strengthening partnerships and institutional
visibility across the region.
Key Responsibilities
·
Provide strategic leadership for EAWLS’ policy, advocacy,
and programmes portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities
·
Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of
conservation programmes, ensuring quality delivery, impact, and compliance with
donor requirements
·
Develop and drive advocacy strategies to influence
environmental policy, governance, and practice at national, regional, and
international levels
·
Lead departmental budgeting and ensure efficient
and accountable management of programme budgets.
·
Conduct and oversee policy research, analysis,
and development of position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials
·
Build and manage strategic partnerships,
coalitions, and multi-stakeholder platforms to advance EAWLS’ conservation
agenda
·
Oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability,
and learning (MEAL) systems to track programme performance and inform
decision-making
·
Secure and manage funding through proactive
donor engagement, strong proposal development, and effective execution and
reporting of donor-funded initiatives.
·
Provide leadership and mentorship to programme teams,
fostering a high-performance and collaborative work environment
·
Represent EAWLS in key forums, networks, and policy
platforms to enhance the organisation’s influence and visibility
·
Advise senior management on emerging policy trends,
risks, and strategic opportunities in conservation and natural resource
governance
· Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications & Experience
·
Master’s
degree in Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science/Studies,
Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Marine Studies, Development
Studies, or a related field. PhD is an added advantage.
·
Minimum 5years’ experience in management roles in
conservation, policy advocacy, or programme leadership.
·
Proven track record in policy analysis, advocacy
strategy development, programme design/implementation, and oversight of
multi-stakeholder platforms.
·
Demonstrated experience in resource
mobilisation, fundraising, donor engagement, and financial management for
large-scale projects.
·
Strong leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary
teams and cross-functional projects.
·
Knowledge of MEAL systems, programme monitoring,
and impact evaluation.
· Strong knowledge of policy processes, political affairs, and regional/international governance frameworks in East Africa.
Core Competencies
·
Experienced in strategic leadership and programme
management
·
Proven expertise in project design, development,
and implementation
·
Advanced advocacy and policy analysis and formulation
skills
·
Effective stakeholder engagement, partnership and
coalition-building ability
·
Proficient in monitoring, evaluation, accountability,
and learning (MEAL)
·
Experienced in fundraising, resource mobilization
and donor relationship management
·
Sound financial management and budgeting skills
·
Strong networking, negotiation, and influencing capabilities
·
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
·
Strategic thinking with the ability to solve problems
under pressure
· Analytical thinking and results-driven decision-making
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
·
A CV including
three referees
·
A cover letter
including salary expectations and notice period
·
A brief
statement (max 1 page) outlining your vision for EAWLS’ Policy, Advocacy
& Programmes portfolio
Email: info@eawildlife.org
Subject Line: Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes
Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed
on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
EAWLS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.