The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is a 501(c)(3) independent, international, non-profit advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, with proven records of triggering and affecting systemic change to protect the Earth’s environment. Over the last three decades, EIA has established a unique paradigm of methods to drive change – including pioneering the use of undercover investigative techniques to expose environmental crimes. These crimes include illegal trade in endangered wildlife, illegal logging and associated trade in illegal timber, and the trade in both climate damaging and ozone layer depleting gases.
EIA’s Forest Campaign documents and exposes illegal logging and associated trade as well as other commodities driving deforestation, and supports civil society organizations engaged in forest governance reform around the world. EIA uses primary evidence obtained from in-depth research of illegal timber trade flows to push for systemic policy shifts to stem the demand and funding for these illegal activities.
Position description
EIA-US is hiring a talented and highly motivated Manager to lead our forest campaigns in Africa and bring them to a new level. The Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of EIA’s cutting-edge strategies in Africa. On a par with campaign responsibilities, the Africa Program Manager will lead the Africa Program Team and spearhead our media and communication strategy in the different priority areas of West, Central and East Africa. The Africa Program Manager will work in close coordination with other members of the Forest Campaigns Team to help articulate EIA’s evidence-based, multi-continent, and impact-oriented theory of change. As a key member of the Forest Campaigns Team, the Manager will dedicate their energy, creativity and talents to halt forest crimes, combat deforestation and trigger changes in the global supply chains that define the fate of the African forests.
Main Activities and Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction of program and provide policy guidance and analysis regarding key opportunities and developments;
- Manage, support and develop a team of dedicated campaigners and experts to deliver key outcomes for priority work streams;
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with government officials, industry representatives, on the ground civil society organizations, and other stakeholders relevant to the Forest Team work;
- Contribute to investigations of forest related crimes, through the analysis of trade data as well as on the ground field studies, and write investigative campaign reports;
- Prepare/review campaign press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media and website content; and engage with the press on key campaign issues.
- Conduct analyses of forest, land and agricultural policy; design policy reform strategies with civil society organizations in the region(s); and draft policy related documents as needed (letters, briefings, etc.);
- Contribute to program reporting tasks and manage the Africa program budget.
Expertise and Qualifications
- At least 5 years of experience in senior advocacy and campaigning role at the national or international level;
- Four-year degree in a relevant field (graduate degree in environmental science or policy preferable);
- Strong strategic planning and project management skills to enable the delivery of projects on time, to budget and to deliver clear objectives;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively when confronted with difficult choices in a fast-paced environment;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular a collaborative and cooperative approach to work, as well as an ability to network and to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, across a variety of settings;
- Experience working with journalists and media to advance international campaign objectives;
- Strong research and analytical skills; close attention to detail;
- Works productively with a high level of autonomy; willingness to travel frequently (when post-pandemic travel resumes);
- Fluency in English and French is strongly desired for this position.
Other Desirable Qualifications
- Professional experience in/related to Africa;
- Demonstrable experience in work with communities in the United States or abroad;
- Prior working experience or knowledge of the forest sector, timber supply chains, and/or agricultural commodities;
- Professional background in journalism, photojournalism, or documentary filmmaking;
- Experience with database, trade network analysis, or other relevant analytical software programs.
Commitment to Inclusion, Racial Justice and Anti-oppression
EIA strives to integrate values of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability into our work, which includes reflecting our commitment for racial justice in our programmatic work and our organizational structure and values. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this ongoing process and work with us to create an inclusive work environment and world.
EIA is an equal employment opportunity committed to workforce diversity. All Employment at EIA are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications and business need.
Compensation and Location
Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience. This position has been located in the DC office in the past, but EIA is open to hiring a candidate based elsewhere.
Application
Send cover letter and resume to hr@eia-global.org with the subject line “Africa Program Manager Application” by May 31, 2021. Due to the large volume of applicants, we are not able to answer emails or phone calls. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
