ABOUT WWF-KENYA
Policy Advocacy is key to ensuring that we keep the conservation agenda and our determination to bend the curve on biodiversity loss high up the national, regional and global agenda. Conservation of biodiversity is driven by political and economic interests and moving from commitment to action is where action starts. The sustainability of this action is only possible through partnerships with various stakeholders. The policy ambition for WWF-Kenya is defined in its Strategic Plan 2020 -2030. One of the goals that will lead to lasting change, is our goal to ensure that Key policies, legislations and standards are implemented to create an enabling environment for sustainable and climate smart Natural Resources Management and Governance. To do this, WWF-Kenya will develop and strengthen partnerships that can build a conservation constituency that will stand and speak up for nature and create a public push for political leaders to make decisions that support sustainable natural resource management and governance. These partnerships will also be critical in scaling up conservation impact.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Job title: Policy Advocacy and Partnerships Manager
Location: Nairobi
Reports to: Head of Conservation Programmes
Direct reports Coordinators: Climate Change and Energy; Policy and Advocacy; Sustainable Livelihoods, Partnerships
WWF-Kenya therefore seeks a candidate who can drive our Policy Advocacy and Partnerships work. The Policy, Advocacy and Partnership Manager shall be responsible for WWF-Kenya’s engagement in policy formulation, influencing and in designing programmes for effective Policy Advocacy working across programmes, at county level, national level and beyond, informed by our Strategic ambition as well as WWF Network ‘s commitments. In addition, the Manager will provide thought leadership in the development, coordination, implementation and monitoring of natural resources governance and policy programmes/initiatives in line with WWF Kenya’s
Strategic Plan. The Policy Advocacy and Partnerships Manager will be the lead advisor on emerging policy and
advocacy across the organization, coordinate specific influencing opportunities and ensure a coherent approach for policy and advocacy through key networks and coalitions. The manager will also work closely with the Communications team to link global policy-making with our interventions and campaigns locally as well as develop national level campaigns that support our Policy Agenda.
Main Responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity to lead our Policy Advocacy and Partnerships work.
1. Lead advisor on emerging policy and advocacy in WWF-Kenya
2. External influencing on our current and emerging policy priorities
3. Performance Management of team
4. Strategy and Operations
Time: 25% Lead advisor on emerging policy and advocacy in WWF-Kenya Duties
Lead strategizing, planning and implementation of emerging policy and advocacy and coordinate and communicate with the wider organization. Develop and cultivate linkages and relationships with partners including in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Strategy and tactics: Ensure we are informed of changes in the policy landscape through regular intel gathering (e.g. reading, meetings, events, maintaining contacts). Working with landscape and thematic managers, lead the development of national advocacy objectives and operational plans to deliver on our Strategy. Regularly review plans and priorities with the team to make the most of emerging opportunities and potential tactics.
Linkages with WWF Network: Support the Governance Practice Team and the Global Policy and Advocacy Team in executing policy and advocacy engagements and programmes at national and regional level, monitoring and
accountability initiatives for the SDGs. Further, lead WWF-Kenya’s engagement in key national partnerships.
Internal Communication & Coordination: Ensure internal engagement and ownership of advocacy and policy plans & priorities including: establishing clear lines of internal communication; creating internal systems and processes for sharing policy information and external influencing opportunities, and for managing relationships with key donors/partners. Champion cross-programme and cross unit working to support the Policy agenda.
Identifies and pursues strategic collaborations and partnerships with governments, Civil Society organizations, WWF stakeholders and professional bodies in advancing governance and policy in conservation programmes;
Time: 40% External influencing on our current and emerging policy priorities Duties
Overall leadership on flagship policy resources:
Lead in the development of Policy, Advocacy and Partnerships Action Plan as well as proactively engage in the process of the development of other landscape Action Plans to ensure consistency in Policy work at all levels.
Policy development: Working with Landscape and thematic leads, develop clear, innovative, consistent and coherent messaging for our policy work and lead in the development of high quality analysis, policy briefings,
recommendations and positions relating to our advocacy and policy priorities.
Lead on specific advocacy / policy influencing opportunities and ensure a coherent approach for influencing through networks:
Working with the Science and Research Team, support the consolidation of our evidence-base relevant for Policy Advocacy to ensure our policy and advocacy work is rooted in evidence and in our experience.
Working with the communication team, ensure high quality delivery of events, activities and communications necessary to deliver against our
Policy and Practice strategy (e.g. workshops, position papers, briefings, consultations, roundtables, online media).
Proactively identify and develop external relationships with NGOs, government agencies and UN agencies to meet our global advocacy objectives.
Time: 15% Performance Management
Duties Regular performance management of the Policy Advocacy and Partnerships Team Support the performance management and professional development of policy and advocacy team members to successfully undertake their roles; Undertake Technical Reporting of projects delivery.
Time: 20% Strategy and Operations
Duties Ensure the Policy Advocacy and Partnerships’ team meets all internal and external responsibilities in relation to new initiatives, grant management of partners, programme quality and financial management.
Supported by the Finance Team, develop and manage budgets in line with our finance policies and procedures including quarterly reporting to ensure judicious conservation investments based on approved work plans
and favorable spends for effective delivery.
Lead in the development of bankable proposals that ensure the growth and sustainability of our Policy Advocacy work, including inputting into new concepts and proposals and our fundraising pipeline as part of the wider resource mobilization strategy.
Ensure high quality narrative and financial reporting as required to donors and investing partners, clearly communicating any significant changes to project delivery or spending.
Supported by the planning & performance team, ensure a robust M&E framework for our policy and advocacy work is in place and effectively implemented, enabling us to continuously learn from and improve the
quality of our delivery and Impact. Leads in the assessments, tracking and reporting of progress against strategic goals relating to policy and governance programme implementation and action plans including quality
assurance and capacity building.
Contribute to high level discussion to maximize synergies across Programmes and the wider organization, sharing opportunities / lessons learnt.
Participate in the ongoing Conservation Action Plans and other Strategic documents development as WWF-Kenya embarks on the implementation of its new Strategic Plan.
ABOUT YOU
WWF Kenya is a values-led organization. As well as considering skills and experience, we are looking for
people who demonstrate the personal qualities and competencies required for this job and consistent with our
Values.
Behaviors What we expect of the Policy Advocacy and Partnerships Manager Values-led Embeds a values-led culture within their team; both recognizing and rewarding behaviors which upholds the WWF Kenya Values and professionally challenging behaviors which do not uphold our values
Innovation Fosters a climate of innovation and continual improvement across their team. Considers external best-practice when adapting plans; acting positively and quickly to assess and resolve issues.
Delivers Quality outcomes
Takes full accountability for development of a partnerships strategy. Ensures team capacity to deliver quality outcomes against strategic priorities, and guides their team to develop solutions for anticipated challenges.
Leadership Plays a key role in strategy development and implementation. Will manage a team, taking accountability for team performance and creating a compelling leadership vision for their team. Inspires and supports others.
People Development
Drives their own personal development, committing to personal growth. Supports team members to fulfil their potential through effective performance management, mentoring and coaching.
Effective Communication
Builds consensus and commitment amongst staff and national partners, using effective communication to navigate difficult topics. Coaches others to communicate effectively.
Collaboration Utilizes their internal and external relationships to enable others to expand their network; creating opportunities for others to broaden their awareness of other parts of the organization and/or current issues. Cultivates national partnerships.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
An advanced degree in either of the following fields:- Public Policy, international affairs, environmental science, marine science, forestry, freshwater, terrestrial ecology, Climate Science, International and/or rural development, public administration, natural resource management, development studies, social sciences or related field.
A minimum of 7 years’ experience at management level in policy and advocacy work related to conservation, natural resource management, environmental science or related field or equivalent work experience in development theory and/or influencing the policy and practice of governments and institutions.
Adept at horizon scanning, identification of opportunities relevant to Policy and Partnerships and Knowledge of current development policy trends and frameworks.
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan and implement strategic initiatives within the context of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields.
Experience in external representation with stakeholders from civil society, governments and/or UN bodies.
Experience in evidence-based policy analysis and development.
Experienced in developing advocacy objectives and influencing tactics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including public speaking and policy dialogues.
Leadership experience and working across diverse teams.
Experience in networking and building close working relationships with various stakeholders.
Desirable – Professional certificates in Management, leadership development or advocacy.
Working Relations Internal: Interacts regularly with the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Conservation and other Functional Heads, Landscape and thematic leads and all WWF-Kenya staff.
External: Interacts with WWF INT Staff, WWF Network, Government Ministries and departments, Civil Society Organizations, Regulatory Bodies and Other Conservation Agencies.
How to apply?
Please apply with your CV and cover letter as one file with the Job Title of Position Applied for on the subject line to the Head of People & Culture, WWF-Kenya: hresource@wwfkenya.
