Conservation Policy Officer

Responsibilities

Project Support

• Conduct desktop research and assessments to support policy and project development.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and workshops, including dissemination of information packs.
• Attend meetings and take minutes, ensuring appropriate follow-up on agreed actions.
• Provide logistical support to field activities, including funds disbursements in line with FFI protocols.
• Ensure field operations meet high standards of health, safety, environmental good practice, and cultural sensitivity.
• Implement data management in line with FFI protocols to ensure all documentation is properly stored.

Technical Support

• Coordinate local implementation of commitments under policy-funded projects.
• Research, track, and document conservation-related policies, legislation, and institutional frameworks.
• Coordinate input from FFI staff and stakeholders for submissions on policies and legislation under review.
• Promote uptake of best policy practices among government agencies and the private sector to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity.
• Ensure workplans and budgets are in place and that activities are implemented within set timelines.
• Disseminate project results to decision-makers and advocate for their integration into county and national plans (e.g., CIDPs, Climate Change Action Plans, Spatial Plans).
• Develop awareness materials for various media platforms to promote biodiversity work.
• Support project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to ensure milestones and indicators are met.
• Support donor reporting by collating relevant supporting documents.

Partnerships & Representation

• Carry out partner assessments to identify technical and administrative capacity gaps.
• Liaise with staff to address partner capacity needs for successful project delivery.
• Represent FFI with national and local government agencies, communities, and NGOs.
• Maintain an up-to-date contact database for stakeholders and partners.
• Prepare high-quality presentations and communications based on project activities.

Requirements & Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: Undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management, or equivalent work experience.
• Desirable: Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Experience

• Essential: At least three years’ experience in conservation policy influence.
• Essential: Experience engaging in multiple policy processes concurrently and working with multiple partners.
• Essential: Experience in project development and fundraising, including managing donor relationships.
• Desirable: Experience in evidence-based policy influencing and formulation of model legislation.

Skills

• Technical conservation and project management skills related to policy research and formulation.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent networking, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong prioritization and time management skills.

Additional Requirements

• Entitlement to live and work in Kenya (no sponsorship provided).
• Availability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Commitment to FFI’s mission, vision, and values.