Policy Officer
Reporting To: Regional Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
BirdLife International is a global partnership of national conservation organisations present in over 100 countries and territories.
BirdLife’s
unique local-to-global approach enables us to deliver high impact and long term
conservation for the benefit of nature and people.
We are seeking to recruit a Policy Officer to be based at the BirdLife Africa Secretariat, in Nairobi.
We are seeking to recruit a Policy Officer to be based at the BirdLife Africa Secretariat, in Nairobi.
This
position presents a unique opportunity to develop and support the
implementation of the policy plan for the BirdLife Africa
Partnership.
The
jobholder will also lead BirdLife’s regional engagement with Multilateral
Environmental Agreements as well as fostering linkages with key institutions
including UNEP, UNDP, regional institutions, among others.
The
position involves fund raising and management of a selected portfolio of
projects.
Working Relationships:
Inside Birdlife:
- Members of the
Africa Policy and Advocacy Working Group (APAWG) and African Sites Casework
Emerging Threats Taskforce (ASCET) on participation and input to convening
of meetings.
- Birdlife
International Africa and Global Policy Team on information exchange and
joint planning for meetings.
- The Birdlife
Africa Partnership.
- The RSPB and
other non-African Birdlife Partners working with the Africa network on
Policy matters.
- Work closely
with Partners representing the Partnership on priority Policy matters and
MEAs and in countries hosting major meetings.
Outside
Birdlife:
- Other national
and global conservation organisations that are engaged in policy and
advocacy to safeguard nature.
- Alongside
Birdlife Partner NGOs, work with local, national and international
government agencies to support Birdlife positions.
Overall
Purpose of the Job
To develop and implement the policy plan for the Birdlife Africa Secretariat, especially in advancing engagement in Multilateral Environmental Agreement processes by the Birdlife Africa Partnership.
Main Duties:
- Ensure
coordinated Birdlife Africa Partnership engagement and input into key
global, regional, and sub-regional policy processes and fora as
prioritized by CAP. These include AMCEN, UNEP, African Convention, Nairobi
and Abidjan Conventions, CMS and its constituent agreements, UNFCCC, World
Heritage Convention, Ramsar and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Support
establishment and/or maintaining of linkages with regional
institutions/mechanisms such as the East African Community (EAC), South
African Development Community (SADC), African Development Bank (ADB),
Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS)
- Provide support
to the work of ASCET on a case to case basis in reviewing relevant
policies and legislation for safeguarding species and sites facing
emergency threats.
- Support
strengthening of the capacity of Birdlife partners in policy issues –
including assisting Partners to establish and maintain national,
multi-stakeholder, policy platforms that can foster conservation
collaboration across different sectors and actors.
- Coordinate the
effective implementation of policy-related elements of Africa Partnership
projects, such as the Consolidating Biodiversity data and information in
the Eastern Arc Mountains of Kenya and Tanzania project.
- Ensure
cost-effective use and budgetary control of the funds received for
specific policy-related activities of projects.
- Ensure that
donor requirements for project monitoring and reporting are properly met
for each project and donor.
- Contribute to
development and appropriate capture of policy elements within fundraising
proposals and ensure funding for policy work.
- Ensure that
information and lessons from policy events and projects are regularly
disseminated both internally and externally to specific audiences.
- Carry out any
other related duties as may be assigned by senior staff.
Special
Requirements: Essential
- An advanced
degree (MSc/M.A.) or equivalent experience in natural sciences, political
science or environmental law.
- A minimum of
three years experience in policy work related to environmental
conservation and/or sustainable development.
- Knowledge of and
experience of dealing with key Multilateral Environmental Agreements and
key regional institutions dealing with biodiversity and conservation of
natural resources
- Experience in project
management including experience in managing and reporting on finances and
technical elements.
- Ability to work
in a multinational, cross-sectoral, transboundary and diverse cultural
settings including relating with government officials, international and
national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions,
stakeholders, experts and consultants.
- Proven knowledge
of the environmental sector within Africa. Understanding of impacts of
various sectors on sensitive environments an advantage.
- Demonstrable
skills in use of relevant computer packages, report writing and use of
internet.
- Excellent
communication skills.
- Good
organizational and planning skills and an ability to adhere to deadlines.
- Ability to work
under pressure – responsive and flexible (some campaigns will have many
immediate and unexpected activities the post holder will need to respond
to)
- Willingness to
travel within the region
Special
Requirements: Desirable
- Substantive
knowledge in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and
related policy processes, and use of scientific and evidence-based
information to influence decision making.
- A working
knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
Starting
gross salary range of between $12,000 to $17,000 depending on experience.
To apply (or any queries) please e-mail your CV with cover letter to Antoinette.Otieno@birdlife.org with email subject marked Policy Officer application.
To apply (or any queries) please e-mail your CV with cover letter to Antoinette.Otieno@birdlife.org with email subject marked Policy Officer application.
Applications
to be received by 30th April 2013.
