In this role, you will contribute to the AFR100 initiative and coordinate our technical support in six African countries. You will be in a highly collaborative role that involves people and project management, strategy execution, coordination within and across organizations, and fundraising. You will work closely with WRI colleagues based in the US, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, and other countries and with project partners in South Africa and Europe.

Job Responsibilities:

Project Management and Fundraising (40%)

• Fundraise for new awards. Lead donor prospecting and outreach to new potential funders. Coordinate with colleagues to develop proposals for work across multiple partner countries
• Support teammates to evaluate potential funding opportunities based on alignment with the Restoration Initiative strategy and WRI Africa Vital Landscapes pillar
• Lead collaborative processes with ~20 colleagues to develop proposals and budgets, clarify individual responsibilities for grant implementation, develop work plans, and have quarterly progress check-ins
• Co-lead donor stewardship activities including strategy review meetings, embassy visits, participation in events (e.g. webinars), and a quarterly donor newsletter. Support teammates as needed with donor outreach and stewardship
• Manage portfolio of 6-figure and 7-figure funding awards
• Ensure timely delivery of activities in six African countries,led by ~20-person team and external consultants where needed
• Track and communicate results of these activities. Produce project reports for donors
• Liaise with Restoration Initiative monitoring team to communicate results of restoration monitoring.

Staff Management & Teambuilding (40%)

• Connect a five-person core team with 20 other Restoration Initiative staff spread across WRI offices to share knowledge and access technical assistance, communications expertise, and administrative and operational support. Connect colleagues with external partners in the AFR100 network
• Provide ongoing support to help teammates prioritize, delegate, manage workloads, and trouble-shoot as challenges arise
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and care through regular meetings and check-ins with a five-person core team
• Ensure two-directional alignment of in-country activities with Restoration Initiative strategy and WRI Africa’s Vital Landscapes pillar

External Relations & Strategy Execution (20%)

• Represent WRI in the AFR100 Initiative Management Group. Lead WRI’s contributions to AFR100 strategy development and execution
• Activate new partnerships with grassroots African organizations working to scale up land restoration
• Coordinate WRI core contributions to the AFR100 including selected workshops, webinars, and research products
• Support process to define WRI’s communications and influence strategy for AFR100
• Manage relationships with existing partners in Africa, including the AUDA-NEPAD Agency

Job Qualifications

• Master's degree (or a bachelor's degree with 2 years of additional work experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in forestry, agriculture, environmental management, or related
• A passion for people management and collaboration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including strong listening skills
• An interest in creative problem-solving
• A demonstrated track record of project management experience
• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritize
• Comfort speaking and writing in English and French
• Extensive experience working in Africa and/or knowledge of the African context is essential
• Ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time