Vacancy: Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes
Organization: East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with regional travel across East Africa)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
About EAWLS
The East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) is a regional conservation organization working to promote the
sustainable management of wildlife and natural resources across East Africa. With 70 years of experience,
EAWLS focuses on policy advocacy, partnerships, and programmes that support biodiversity conservation
and environmental sustainability. EAWLS collaborates with governments, communities, civil society and
other stakeholders to influence conservation policy and practice and ensure lasting conservation impact
for people and nature.
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, 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.
Qualifications & Experience
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science/Studies, Natural
Resources 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 programme
leadership.
• Proven track record in 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 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
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
• A CV including three referees
• A cover letter including salary expectations and notice period
• A brief statement (max 1 page) outlining your vision for EAWLS’ Policy, Advocacy & Programmes
portfolio
Email: info@eawildlife.org
Subject Line: Manager – Policy Advocacy & Programmes
Deadline: 4th September 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
EAWLS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.