Policy, Advocacy & Political Liaison Office at Global EverGreening Alliance

POSITION SUMMARY

The Alliance is seeking a passionate, motivated and experienced individual to join its newly established Program Coordination Unit (PCU) in Kenya to support the implementing partners with policy and institutional analysis, advocacy and government engagement. The role will contribute to increasing the political visibility of the Global Evergreening Alliance and Restore Africa Program by supporting the engagement with government and regional governmental bodies on ecosystem restoration and carbon benefits. This will involve connecting with relevant global fora and policy processes. The role will also enhance compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance Impact protocols and policies by lead implementing organisations and country consortium partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Leading the analysis of and advice on government policies, action plans/strategies related to climate action, carbon benefits, carbon rights, and ecosystem restoration
• Enhancing institutional strengthening at various stakeholder groups for scaling up restoration practices
• Liaising with legal service providers where necessary to enhance program outcomes
• Spearheading relationships with governments and regional mechanisms in conjunction with lead implementing organisations
• Undertaking research on the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) landscape, including analysis of policy and institutional barriers to carbon and livelihood benefits across stakeholder groups, and synthesis of related advice for project stakeholders
• Facilitating research to highlight the experience of smallholders for evidence, policy positions, advocacy campaigns and news articles
• Identifying key advocacy points pertaining to VCM and landscape restoration and developing and implementing advocacy plans
• Facilitating identification of legal barriers to land restoration, carbon benefits and support for contextually appropriate incentives and benefit-sharing mechanisms
• Leading the development of cooperation mechanisms in carbon offsetting with in-country legal experts as advised by the program governance structures
• Engaging with country and regional government and non-governmental agencies to stay up to date with the latest development, policy, and advocacy matters
• Jointly with Media and Communication team, organising events/activities to enhance relationships among Alliance members and with government bodies at the country and regional level
• Working to support the Media and Communication team to enhance advocacy and bring Restore Africa Program to global fora
• Supporting PCU staff and implementing partners to meet the ESG and Funders’ and industry requirements per the Program Implementation Agreements and the Collaboration Agreement between GEA and implementing partners and investors, including capacity building of implementing partners’ compliance officers.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline such as international affairs or public policy, Climate Science, international/rural development, agricultural or environmental science, public administration or similar
• Minimum 7 years experience in related work, especially in policy research and development and advocacy
• Demonstrated experience in compliance with international development best practices, and policy analysis and preparation of policy briefs
• Relevant experience with building relationships with national and international partners and knowledge of international policy dialogues
• Practical experience in rural development, stakeholder analysis and institutional strengthening, especially related to community-based natural resources management
• Strong independent thinking skills with the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills.