The TT Programme was conceived by Restore Our Planet, a UK-based environmental foundation. The vision of the programme is that ‘By mid-century, through concerted collective action by all sectors of society, one trillion trees have been re-grown, saved from loss and better protected around the world. Deforestation has ended, significant numbers of trees have returned to areas where they were lost and large areas of existing trees are better protected. These trees, in forests, woodlots and farms, bring multiple social, economic and environmental benefits.’ Three leading international conservation NGOs have come together for this programme: Birdlife International, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and WWF-UK.
A 25-year phased approach will begin with Phase 1, 2016-2021, during which the group ‘will develop and secure large-scale new funding for at least five long-term practical actions that dramatically increase global tree cover compared to business as usual. It will do so by reducing deforestation and forest degradation, restoring forest areas, promoting sustainable forest management and increasing tree stocks in agricultural landscapes. Analytical work in Phase I will also identify approaches to significantly scaling up impact during later phases.’
The programme is led by a TT Management Team comprising representatives from each of the three organisations and supported by the Programme Officer. This team develops joint strategies, workplans, budgets and reports, with oversight from the TT Programme Steering Committee. The Programme Officer is particularly expected to focus on communications and reporting activities, both internal and external to the partnership.
Position Objectives
The Trillion Trees Programme Officer position will have the following objectives:
- Facilitate growth of the programme through coordination of an effective and appropriate communications strategy, liaising closely with communications teams within the partner organisations.
- Support coordination and communication between the partner organisations, in line with programme activities outlined in the workplans.
- Ensure timely and accurate collective reporting on results achieved by Trillion Trees, to the Steering Committee and donor as well as external audiences.
- Provide additional support / coordination as may be requested by the Management Team.
Institutional role
The TT Programme Officer will be a WCS employee, acting on behalf of the group. The TT Programme Officer will report to the Management Team and, within WCS, to the WCS member of the Management Team. The Management Team will approve an annual work plan for the Programme Officer and the Programme Officer will be required to provide updates on progress at routine meetings of the Management Team.
Over time the post holder will be able to develop this position’s contribution to the group, potentially increasing in strategic input and leadership toward the ambitious and exciting vision of the TT programme.
Specific Responsibilities
Communication and outreach
- Lead the delivery of the programme’s communications strategy, coordinating with communications staff in each of the three organisations and external contractors.
- Identify and develop compelling content for and coordinate design of website, presentations, outreach materials and reports.
- Support storytelling and external media strategy for Trillion Trees, particularly around key events, publications and milestones.
- Coordinate incoming enquiries from prospective partners, donors and other parties; proactively engage key prospects and potential partners in coordination with the Management Team.
- Support and maintain active dialogue between member NGOs and between the members and donors concerning implementation of activities.
- Support and facilitate communications between the various bodies established under the TT Programme, notably the Steering Committee, Management Team, the donor(s) and the NGO group members.
Technical Reporting
- Prepare monthly updates on Trillion Trees achievements for the donor.
- Develop regular (quarterly/six-monthly) and annual technical reports and presentations.
- Produce regular updates for external audiences on Trillion Trees achievements.
Management and Administration
- Coordinate the development and periodic revision of strategy, workplans and budgets by the Management Team.
- Coordinate and minute meetings of the Management Team and Steering Committee, and ensure follow-up as necessary.
- Develop, populate and manage a database of TT documents and materials, including work plans and reports, meeting records, materials produced as outputs, proposals and reports to third party donors, key reference materials and information on other stakeholders and potential funders.
- Monitor and report upon budgets and expenditures relating to cross-cutting TT programme activities.
- Oversee planning of events, including internal workshops and meetings, and external events, in coordination with member NGO teams.
- Provide administrative support to the WCS Cambridge office and the TT partnership activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- An understanding of and enthusiasm for forest conservation, restoration and biodiversity.
- Excellent spoken and written English; ability to craft compelling narratives around complex topics.
- Demonstrable organizational skills, in particular relating to logical process design, document management and coordination of communications among team members.
- Experience developing written and digital communications materials for a variety of audiences. Design skills a strong advantage.
- Proactive attitude, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities; strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience working successfully in teams; experience with teams across organisations and/or with international teams is highly desirable.
- Technical knowledge of forest protection and/or restoration and related field activities an advantage.
- Candidate must have permission to work in the United Kingdom and a willingness to travel both around the UK and internationally.
Preferred start date: May 2019
How to Apply: Please apply online at http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers and send a cover letter and CV with the subject line “Trillion Trees Programme Officer [your name]” to wcseurope@wcs.org
