Manager Policy Advocacy Programmes

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