The East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) is inviting applications from experienced professionals for the position of Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy. This senior-level opportunity is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and includes regional travel across East Africa.
The organisation is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to provide direction and oversight for its programmes, policy, and advocacy portfolio. The successful candidate will play an important role in advancing conservation priorities, influencing policy, strengthening partnerships, supporting resource mobilisation, and contributing to conservation efforts across the East African region.
For professionals with experience in conservation, environmental policy, programme management, advocacy, partnerships, and sustainable development, this opportunity offers the chance to contribute to an organisation working to advance wildlife and environmental conservation.
The application deadline is 4 September 2026.
The East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) is a conservation organisation focused on promoting the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife, natural resources, and the environment across East Africa.
Conservation challenges increasingly require collaboration between governments, civil society organisations, communities, development partners, researchers, and the private sector. EAWLS works within this broader landscape through programmes, policy engagement, advocacy, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at strengthening conservation outcomes.
The Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy will support the organisation’s work by providing strategic leadership across key areas that connect conservation practice with policy influence and stakeholder engagement.
About the Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy Position
The Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy position is designed for an experienced professional capable of leading a diverse portfolio of programmes and strategic initiatives.
The successful candidate will oversee important areas of the organisation’s work, including programme leadership, policy engagement, advocacy, partnership development, and resource mobilisation.
This position requires an individual who can think strategically while also supporting the effective implementation of programmes and initiatives. The Manager will be expected to work with different stakeholders and contribute to efforts that strengthen conservation priorities across East Africa.
The role may particularly suit professionals who have developed significant experience in the environmental, conservation, development, public policy, or civil society sectors.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide leadership across EAWLS’ programmes, policy, and advocacy portfolio.
Major areas of responsibility include:
- Providing strategic leadership for programmes and initiatives
- Overseeing and supporting programme planning and implementation
- Driving policy influence and engagement on relevant conservation issues
- Supporting and strengthening advocacy efforts
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships
- Engaging with relevant stakeholders and institutions
- Supporting resource mobilisation initiatives
- Contributing to organisational strategy and programme development
- Promoting conservation priorities across relevant platforms
- Supporting regional collaboration and engagement across East Africa
- Representing the organisation in relevant meetings and engagements
- Contributing to effective conservation outcomes through coordinated programmes and partnerships
Specific duties, qualifications, and professional requirements should be reviewed through the official job description before submitting an application.
Leading Conservation Through Policy and Advocacy
The position recognises the increasingly important relationship between conservation, policy, advocacy, and partnerships.
Conservation organisations require not only strong field programmes but also effective engagement with policies and decision-making processes that affect wildlife, ecosystems, communities, and natural resources.
The successful Manager will therefore contribute to strengthening EAWLS’ policy and advocacy work while helping connect organisational programmes with wider regional priorities.
The role will require strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Strengthening Partnerships Across East Africa
Partnership development is another important component of the position.
Conservation efforts often involve multiple stakeholders, including government institutions, local communities, regional organisations, development partners, research institutions, civil society, and private sector actors.
The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening relationships and partnerships that support EAWLS’ mission and strategic objectives.
The position’s regional travel requirement also highlights the importance of engagement beyond Kenya. The successful candidate should be prepared to participate in relevant activities and collaborations across East Africa.
This regional exposure may be particularly attractive to professionals with experience working across countries or engaging with regional environmental and development initiatives.
Supporting Resource Mobilisation
The Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy will also contribute to resource mobilisation efforts.
Sustainable funding and strong partnerships are essential for organisations implementing long-term conservation programmes. The successful candidate will support efforts to mobilise resources and strengthen the organisation’s capacity to implement its programmes and strategic priorities.
Experience in developing partnerships, engaging with donors, supporting funding proposals, or contributing to resource mobilisation may therefore be valuable for candidates interested in this position.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This opportunity may be relevant to experienced professionals with backgrounds in:
- Wildlife conservation
- Environmental management
- Natural resource management
- Sustainable development
- Programme management
- Public policy
- Environmental policy
- Advocacy and campaigns
- International development
- Civil society and non-governmental organisations
- Partnership development
Candidates should have the leadership capacity required to oversee strategic programmes and engage effectively with stakeholders.
Strong skills in programme leadership, policy engagement, communication, advocacy, partnership building, and strategic planning may be particularly important.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the complete job description on the official EAWLS opportunities page to understand the full eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Job Location and Regional Travel
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with regional travel across East Africa.
Applicants should therefore be willing and able to travel as required for programme activities, stakeholder engagement, policy discussions, partnership meetings, and other organisational responsibilities.
The regional nature of the position provides an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts and strategic engagement across a wider East African context.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official EAWLS opportunities page to access the complete job description and detailed application instructions.
Applicants should carefully follow the application requirements provided by the organisation and ensure that all requested documents and information are submitted before the closing date.
Position Summary
Organisation: East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS)
Position: Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Travel: Regional travel across East Africa
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Manager – Programmes, Policy & Advocacy role offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to take on a strategic leadership position within the conservation sector.
The successful candidate will contribute across several important areas, including programme implementation, policy influence, advocacy, partnerships, and resource mobilisation. These areas are increasingly important for addressing complex environmental and conservation challenges that extend beyond national borders.
For professionals seeking to combine leadership experience with meaningful work in wildlife conservation and sustainable development, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to initiatives with a regional focus across East Africa.
Apply Before the Deadline
Interested applicants should review the official vacancy information and submit their applications before the closing date of 4 September 2026.
As this is a re-advertised opportunity with a fast-approaching deadline, eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications as soon as possible and follow all instructions provided in the official job announcement.
APPLY NOW
For the full job description, detailed qualifications, and application instructions, visit the East African Wild Life Society official opportunities page.
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
