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

Position Summary

EAWLS is seeking a strategic and experienced Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy to lead its Programmes, advocacy & policy portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director, the role provides leadership in shaping policyinfluence, delivering high-impact conservation programmes, and strengthening partnerships and institutional visibility across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategicleadership for EAWLS’programmes, policy & advocacy, and portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities
• Lead the design,implementation, and oversightof conservation programmes, ensuring quality delivery, impact, and compliance with donor requirements
• Develop and driveadvocacy 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 platformsto enhance the organisation’s influence and visibility
• Advise senior management on emerging policytrends, risks, and strategic opportunities in conservation and natural resource governance
• Undertake any otherduties as may be assignedby the Executive Director.

Qualifications& Experience

• The candidate must possess at least one Degree in any Environmental and or Conservation related studies which may include: Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science/Studies, Environmental Law, Climate Change, Marine Studies, Environmental Policy and Governance or a related field. A master’s degree is required in any relevant discipline that compliments the responsibilities of Manager Programmes, Policy & Advocacy.
• Minimum 5years’ relevant experience in management roles in conservation, environmental policy advocacy, or programme leadership.
• Proven track record in environmental 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 expertisein project design,development, and implementation
• Advanced environmental advocacy and policy analysisand formulation skills
• Effective stakeholder engagement, partnership and coalition-building ability
• Proficient in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning(MEAL)
• Experienced in fundraising, resourcemobilization and donor relationship management
• Sound financialmanagement and budgeting skills
• Strong networking, negotiation, and influencing capabilities
• Excellent writtenand verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinkingwith the abilityto solve problemsunder pressure
• Analytical thinkingand results-driven decision-making