Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes at East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with regional travel across East Africa) 

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, ensuringalignment with organisational priorities
• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of conservation programmes, ensuring qualitydelivery, impact, and compliance with donor requirements
• Develop and drive advocacy strategies to influence environmental policy, governance, and practiceat national, regional, and international levels
• Lead departmental budgeting and ensure efficient and accountable management of programmebudgets.
• 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 advanceEAWLS’ conservation agenda
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems to track programmeperformance 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 andcollaborative work environment
• Represent EAWLS in key forums, networks, and policy platforms to enhance the organisation’sinfluence and visibility
• Advise senior management on emerging policy trends, risks, and strategic opportunities inconservation 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, NaturalResources 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 programmeleadership.
• Proven track record in policy analysis, advocacy strategy development, programmedesign/implementation, and oversight of multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilisation, fundraising, donor engagement, and financialmanagement 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 governanceframeworks 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