Policy Advisor at International Fund for Animal Welfare

Role and Responsibilities

•  Support the Director, International Policy to develop, implement and deliver IFAW's International Policy Strategy, particularly as it relates to African governments and African-based international policy forums and institutions.
•  Under the supervision of the Director, International Policy and in close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, design and implement strategies that engage with policy initiatives of African governments and African-based international institutions to affect policy change and implementation in line with IFAW's International Policy Strategy, Program and Regional strategies, and guided by IFAW's Institutional Strategic Plan.
•  Support the implementation of Engagement Plans for specific meetings of relevant MEAs and Conventions, as they relate to African governments. Relevant agreements and institutions include but are not limited to: UN biodiversity conventions (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)), the other Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCCD), the UN Environment Assembly and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the IUCN.
•  In close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, identify and develop strategic relationships with key African governments and key global institutions based in Africa, such as UN Environment and UN country missions based in Nairobi, and the African Union, in order to advance Institutional and Programmatic strategies in the conservation and protection of wildlife.
•  In coordination with Country/Regional staff, represent IFAW as required in meetings with senior decision-makers in Africa and at regional and international meetings of relevant agreements and institutions.
•  Provide support for Program and Regional/Country staff in implementation of campaigns/strategies/projects to influence and change perceptions, policies and practices of African governments and other stakeholders at a national and international level. Provide guidance on IFAW advocacy, and regular constructive feedback and mentorship to team members and staff, as required.
•  Responsible for effective administration of Campaigns and Projects under this portfolio, including the development and management of budgets, contractors, and regular reporting to the Supervisor and other IFAW audiences.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

•  Undergraduate degree or equivalent required. Advanced degree in public policy, conservation, biological or environmental science preferred.
•  A minimum of 5 years relevant combined experience in Africa in management, global campaigns and international conservation and/or closely-related government or NGO field and proven track record in successful and innovative strategy development and implementation.
•  Demonstrable understanding of and experience and background in Multi-Environmental Agreements or other wildlife conservation and animal welfare related international conventions or treaties, politics and political decision-making mechanisms. Experience of working in government or intergovernmental institutions desirable.
•  Experience and background in international politics and political decision-making mechanisms required, including experience of African politics and an understanding of African-based international institutions.
•  Dedication to wildlife conservation and animal welfare, a demonstrable understanding of the politics of African wildlife conservation and an existing network of contacts in government and conservation sectors.
•  Ability to work in diverse, international teams to achieve common goals.
•  Fluency in English required. Fluency in French and/or another common language used in Africa is beneficial.