Policy Officer, Africa

• We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and experienced individual to support implementation of BirdLife International’s Africa policy work and contribute to achievement of the Africa Regional plan as well as the Global Policy Plan to address the biodiversity and climate crises. Supporting site casework in securing Africa’s iconic sites from threats and damaging development and expanding the African Site Casework Emerging Threats (ASCET) Taskforce.

Responsibilities:

• Support ASCET in the development of strategies for site casework, support convening of meetings and follow up on ASCET decisions.
• Support the disbursement, track implementation and reporting by partners on funding from the Emergency site casework Fund.
• Support Secretariat work on the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and other biodiversity-related agreements, including supporting BirdLife International partners to effectively engage nationally.
• Support strengthening of linkages with key regional and subregional agencies to support resolving of the biodiversity crisis, safeguarding of nature and site protection.
• Support capacity building of partners in relevant themes and topics.
• Support resource mobilization for policy work in collaboration with the Line Manager and the fundraising team.
• Ensure effective implementation of assigned projects, including developing workplans, ensuring effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).
• Ensure donor requirements for project monitoring and reporting for each assigned project are achieved in a timely manner. 
• Represent BirdLife at relevant policy meetings as assigned by the Line Manager.
• In collaboration with the communications team, ensure policy, site casework and project outcomes are effectively communicated to BirdLife partners and the public.
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the Line Manager.

Required skills, experience, and qualifications: 

• Degree in conservation, environmental law/policy, or natural sciences.
• Additional qualifications in conservation or related fields an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the conservation/environmental sector within Africa.
• Clear understanding of the triple planetary crises and the role of civil society organizations in addressing them.
• Knowledge of Multilateral Environmental Agreements – especially the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the World Heritage Convention.
• Demonstrable experience in conservation, policy, natural resource management or related areas.
• Experience in biodiversity conservation is highly desirable.
• Experience in Multilateral Environmental Agreements engagement is highly desirable.
• Experience in project management, especially in managing biodiversity and Nature based Solutions related projects is a definite advantage.
• Experience in campaigning for nature is an advantage.
• Experience in engaging private sector stakeholders, especially developers and governments is an advantage.
• Good organizational and planning skills and an ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure – responsive and flexible.
• Ability to work in a multinational, cross-sectoral and diverse cultural settings including relating with government officials, other civil society organizations and communities.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Should be able to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Good writing skills are a definite requirement.
• Must work effectively within a team and with stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Working knowledge of French would be an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel within the region.

Method of Application

Applications, including a covering letter summarizing the applicant’s suitability for the position, a detailed CV and names and contact addresses of three referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity, should be sent via email before the deadline to:  [email protected] (Policy Officer, Africa)

Applications, including a covering letter summarizing the applicant’s suitability for the position, a detailed CV and names and contact addresses of three referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity, should be sent via email before the application deadline of 17th May 2024  to: [email protected] (Head of Conservation)