JOB DESCRIPTION. Policy Advisor (campaigner)

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION Policy Advisor (campaigner) Effective from: January 2016 Reporting to: Research and Policy Coordinator Close working relationship with: Executive Director, Head of Programmes, Research and Development Advisor, additional staff and consultants in the Programmes Team, Financial Controller. Duration of Contract: until 31 March 2017, renewable subject to funding The Rainforest Foundation UK The mission of the Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is to support indigenous peoples and traditional populations of the world's rainforest to: Secure and control the natural resources necessary for their long-term wellbeing and managing these resources in ways which do not harm their environment, violate their culture or compromise their future. Develop means to protect their individual and collective rights and to obtain, shape and control basic services from the state. RFUK considers that an essential first step to protect and manage the tropical forests and to reduce poverty in tropical forest countries is to realise the rights of the traditional and indigenous communities who live in those forests. With secure rights to land and livelihoods, forest peoples can effectively manage forest resources and direct and manage their own development. Founded in 1989, RFUK has in the past 20 years built a solid body of work based on this rights-based approach to development and protection of the rainforest. Although our work is focused on the Congo Basin, where RFUK has worked since 1996, we also work in the Peruvian Amazon. RFUK tackles the underlying causes of deforestation and the linked problem of disenfranchisement of indigenous forest peoples globally and locally. From the field to the international policy arena, RFUK reinforces the influence of forest peoples over decisions that affect them. We work with over 15 partner organisations in tropical forest countries and our programmes work is split into the following thematic areas: Threats to forests from the extractive industries, infrastructure development and agro-industrial expansion; Conservation effectiveness and monitoring of initiatives to reduce deforestation from deforestation and degradation (REDD); Community-based forest management, and tenure reform; Geo-spatial management, including community mapping and forest monitoring, land-use planning; Indigenous peoples rights.

2 The role and effectiveness of international donor policies programmes and projects in the Congo Basin region. RFUK currently has 20 staff, with a number of volunteers or interns at any given time. It is governed by a Board of seven Trustees. The London-based Foundation is part of a network of sister organisations, which also include the Rainforest Foundation US and the Rainforest Foundation Norway. Responsibilities The postholder will work from the Rainforest Foundation s London office. Forming a core part of the Policy Team (together with the Research and Policy Coordinator and Research and Development Advisor), the postholder will develop and implement a programme of campaigning relevant to RFUK s priority geographical and thematic areas, as stated above. S/he will be responsible to the Research and Policy Coordinator and will liaise closely with some of our key partner organisations, especially in the Congo Basin. S/he will be required to spend around 6-8 weeks of the year overseas. Specific responsibilities will be: 1. Campaigning Seek through advocacy, lobbying, negotiation, networking and other peaceful means to bring about policy changes in pursuit of RFUK s strategic organisational objectives, in conjunction with the relevant RFUK programmes staff. Implement and keep updated a policy campaign strategy, including both the Rainforest Foundation and its Southern partners in consultation with the Research and Policy Coordinator and Executive Director; Monitor relevant international, European, UK and Central African developments, concerning forests, climate change policy and forest community rights; Liaise with other organisations as appropriate to ensure that Congo Basin region NGOs are able to effectively engage in the national and international debates on the relevant policy issues; Represent the organisation in relevant local, national and international fora, on relevant policy issues, in consultation with the Research and Policy Coordinator and the Executive Director; Assist in the identification and development of field projects which have the potential to support the Rainforest Foundation s policy strategy. 2. Information and communication In conjunction with other programme and non-programme staff, produce to publications standard programme and policy materials and publications, as appropriate, including leaflets, briefings, reports and internet content; Under the guidance of the Research and Policy Coordinator and/or the Media and Communications Manager and/or the Executive Director, develop and conduct relevant media outreach; Contribute to the development of the RF UK s organisational knowledge base, such as by providing contacts for the central database etc. Support implementing partners in the development of relevant communications tools and strategy, in conjunction with the Communications and Media Manager.

3 Ensure ongoing and effective communication about the RFUK policy advocacy programme, with other relevant members of the programmes team, as well as other departments such as Communications and Fundraising 3. Other Supervise the work of consultants, researchers, interns and volunteers as appropriate; Assist in the identification and preparation of new opportunities for programme development, including the preparation of funding proposals relevant for the development of the RF UK Programmes strategy; Contribute to the development and implementation of the Programmes strategy; Participate in RFUK s strategic development, including attending internal meetings, strategy away days etc. Perform other tasks as may from time to time be requested by the Research and Policy Coordinator, the Head of Programmes and the Executive Director.

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION Detail Essential Desirable Knowledge and Experience Master s Degree in law, anthropology, political science, international development or a related subject; At least three years experience in a policy campaigning environment, probably with an NGO; Skills in negotiating, including with senior officials, representatives of government, international agencies and NGOs; Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, with a range of different audiences, including an understanding of how the media works and an ability to use the media effectively. Working experience in the Congo Basin and/or in African countries; Experience in managing consultants, interns and volunteers; Experience in working on international NGO-led projects; Experience of participating in high level meetings; An understanding of international financial institutions, international organisations and donors such as the World Bank, the EC, etc Experience in writing funding project funding proposals. Detail Essential Desirable Personal Skills and Attributes Empathy with and commitment to the Rainforest Foundation s Vision and Mission; Good communication skills Capacities to analyse Committed to human rights, social justice and environmental legal context and opportunities protection; Desire and capacities to work on complex issues in a complex and unstable environment; Capacities to work with local NGO partners in developing countries and to deliver key support in all the relevant areas; Willingness to travel up to 8 weeks per year in the Congo Basin including in remote forest areas and potentially elsewhere; Fluency in English and competence in French, both spoken and written; Fluency in both French and English

5 Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines; Ability to work in a team, or alone; Willingness and ability to learn on the job, keen to undertake training and development. Summary Terms and Conditions Hours, remuneration and place of work The post is offered until 31 March 2017, renewable subject to funding (ideally starting from mid-february 2016), with a 6-month probationary period. The post is a full time post, based on a 35 hour working week. The starting salary is c. 32,000 gross per annum, including London weighting. Monthly salary is paid by Bank Automated Credit transfer, on the 25th of every month. Holidays, sick pay and other benefits are provided in accordance with statutory requirements. At present, 30 days paid leave per year are offered. Non-contributory pension (4% of salary, commencing on satisfactory completion of 6 month probationary period). The place of work is 233a Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2JT. This is a nonsmoking environment. There is no parking provided for the post-holder, although bicycles are allowed in the building. Equal Opportunities RFUK is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, age, physical abilities, religious or sexual persuasion. 233a Kentish Town Road unfortunately is not as accessible to those with physical disabilities as the organisation would like, but every effort will be made to provide an accessible and pleasant working environment for all staff, trustees, volunteers and visitors.