Senior Program officer

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office

The United Kingdom (UK) plays a significant role in global terrestrial and marine conservation efforts. In addition to being a major provider of public and private funding and a vocal actor on issues of international policy, it is a source, transit and destination point for illegally traded wildlife. IFAW has a long record of accomplishment working on prominent issues in the UK and has developed a large, loyal and generous supporter base in the country with positive brand recognition.

Working under the direction of the Director Policy & Advocacy Europe, the Sr. Program Officer will be responsible for the implementation of IFAW’s global programmatic strategies in the UK region. Consolidating and building on previous progress, the focus will be primarily on combatting wildlife crime, engaging relevant national stakeholders across policy, enforcement, civil society, private sector, and academic sectors.

The Sr. Program Officer will work collaboratively with global staff to ensure alignment with IFAW program priorities, leveraging IFAW’s networks and expertise worldwide to achieve success.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter able to deliver under their own initiative while balancing the need to work within an international team, ideally with experience in a government department or agency, or a non-profit organization, preferably within a global structure.

With a strong background in program delivery, policy development and a good understanding of influencing and delivering change within parliamentary and government processes, this candidate will be articulate and politically aware and able to build out effective engagement strategies. With policy-makers, enforcement authorities and other stakeholders. 

The role is permanent and full-time; and will be based in the UK and subject to IFAW’s policies on remote/hybrid work arrangements.

Role and Responsibilities

·       Work collaboratively with UK and global staff to deliver IFAW’s global program goals in the UK, with an initial focus on IFAW’s wildlife crime program.

·       Develop the strategy and operational plans for policy advocacy, program implementation and research within the framework of IFAW’s global programs and policies, ensuring that budgets, targets, and performance indicators are set and work monitored, evaluated, and reported effectively within the organisation’s reporting mechanisms.

·       Proactively identify, assess, and respond to all relevant developments within public policy, capitalizing upon opportunities to push IFAW’s priority policy calls and achieve positive changes in policy and legislation, ensuring IFAWs global policies and approaches to conservation and animal rescue are represented adequately in UK politics and key institutions.

·       Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and stakeholders in law enforcement, academia, private sector (where relevant) and civil society organisations.

·       Support the IFAW’s fundraising teams, when relevant, with the development of the UKs institutional grant funding portfolios and major giving opportunities, including developing pitches and undertaking face-to-face meetings with potential supporters.

·       Work with the UK communications team to support media strategies around IFAW’s programmatic work, acting as a media spokesperson where appropriate.

·       Manage budgets relating to programmatic activities.

·       Ensure effective internal communication on UK program implementation and successes.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

·       At least 5 years of relevant experience, in areas such as nonprofit management, wildlife conservation, policy development and advocacy, project and financial management, stakeholder engagement.

·       Demonstrated experience of successful political engagement on difficult issues, with a track record of skillfully navigating parliamentary structures and government decision-making to achieve political or governmental support.

·       Strong network of political and governmental contacts and knowledge of policy and legislation development within the UK.

·       Good knowledge of what wildlife crime entails, and who the key actors are that aim to combat wildlife crime, is highly desired. Specific expertise in wildlife cyber-enabled crime a bonus. Strong knowledge of species identification and CITES are a bonus as is experience in issues around transparency and tackling corruption.

·       Proven track record of program delivery, working within dispersed and multidisciplinary teams. Experience of working in a global organisation, within a matrix model is preferable. Experience of commissioning research or working with academic institutions a plus.

·       A resourceful problem-solver, with strong critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, prioritize tasks, and work well under pressure.

·       Proven ability to work effectively through networks and coalitions to achieve change and to communicate constructively with partners and funders and fulfill their reporting requirements.

·       Culturally sensitive, proven record of accomplishment of working with diverse, multi-cultural teams. Effective communication skills, including listening skills.

·       Experience of public speaking to reach a diverse range of audiences and/or being a media spokesperson,

·       A strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation and IFAW’s mission.

·       Candidates should have the right to work in the UK

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range is 34,000-41,000 GBP

To apply, please submit CV and letter of interest via our website