Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) is a membership-based NGO that seeks to enhance the conservation and wise use of the environment and natural resources in East Africa for the benefit of current and future generations.

Responsibilities or duties

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.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

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.

Experience needed

Minimum 5years’ relevant experience in management roles in conservation, environmental policy advocacy, or programme leadership.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

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 expertise in project design, development, and implementation. Advanced environmental 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.

• Provide strategic leadership for EAWLS’ programmes, policy & advocacy, and 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.

• Strategic leadership and programme management
• Project design, development, and implementation
• Environmental advocacy and policy analysis and formulation
• Stakeholder engagement, partnership and coalition-building
• Monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL)
• Fundraising, resource mobilization and donor relationship management
• Financial management and budgeting
• Networking, negotiation, and influencing
• Written and verbal communication
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Analytical thinking and results-driven decision-making

• Degree in Environmental and or Conservation related studies (e.g., Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science/Studies, Environmental Law, Climate Change, Marine Studies, Environmental Policy and Governance)
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Minimum 5 years of 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