EMPLOYMENT/JOB TYPE: Full-time WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week LOCATION: New York preferred, remote work possible; frequent travel DEPARTMENT: Programs SUPERVISING MANAGER: Program Manager TEAM: Executive Director Program Director Program Managers Program Coordinator Program Advisor Policy & Advocacy Program Manager Peru Program team _________________________________________________________________________________ About Rainforest Foundation US For over 30 years, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS) has worked to address climate change and safeguard biodiversity by promoting the rights of indigenous peoples and supporting their efforts to protect and defend their rainforests. Science shows that forests managed by indigenous peoples are healthier, suffer less deforestation, capture more carbon, and contain more biodiversity than forests managed by private or public entities--including nationally protected areas. What's more, scientists tell us that protecting forests is as essential as reducing greenhouse emissions if we hope to stem the tide of ecological collapse. RFUS works in partnership with indigenous communities and their representative organizations to protect tropical rainforests by supporting their efforts to secure rights to their lands, strengthen monitoring and land security, influence laws and policies that protect their resources, and build strong and sustainable community leadership. By investing directly in indigenous communities, RFUS connects the people rooted in the land with the tools, training, and resources to become effective advocates and protectors of the forests they call home. RFUS currently operates four country programs in Brazil, Guyana, Panama, and Peru and hosts several regional partnerships in Central America, the Amazon Basin, and across the tropical belt. About the Position The Policy & Advocacy Program Manager is a newly created position. This person will be responsible for consolidating and establishing an integrated policy advocacy program, supporting RFUS partners, and collaborating with the main indigenous organizations across the tropical belt. RFUS has a long history of supporting national and international advocacy efforts of partner organizations, built on trust and our rights-based, partner-forward approach. The organization’s long-term partnerships with indigenous movements in Brazil, Guyana, Panama, and Peru have allowed us to support the growth of key organizations, including through the expansion of funding and staff, building staff capacity for advocacy and communications; among other areas. RFUS staff provides ongoing support to partner organizations through a wide variety of operational modalities customized to suit our partners, including hands-on support; hiring local experts, and partnerships with NGOs. While central to our work, advocacy support has been conducted in a mostly ad-hoc manner. We feel the need to consolidate and build on this work, given both pressing needs and opportunities. A number of significant international commitments to funding indigenous peoples have recently been made. RFUS is working with partners to ensure that international funds being announced for forest protection reach communities, through support for territorial funding mechanisms, advocacy, and building the capacity of indigenous organizations. The Policy & Advocacy Program Manager will ensure that there is sustained advocacy around climate finance by our partner organizations at the national, regional, and international level. Responsibilities Establish an integrated advocacy program, identifying issues and campaigns at the national, regional, and international levels, in order to best serve RFUS partners at various levels Conduct a rapid participatory assessment of partners along with program staff to determine advocacy priorities, and scope of work with each partner Serve as primary advocacy liaison and support person to the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities Supervise and support the RFUS advocacy coordinator in Guyana Together with partners and colleagues, identify opportunities to advance policy objectives at the national and international level Work with other organizations to build global advocacy campaigns, pooling resources, know-how, and contacts; and supporting indigenous and local organizations in advocacy around climate finance, the UNFCCC, and the CBD Lead RFUS engagement with US policymakers in Washington DC Requirements At least 10 years experience with the indigenous movement in Latin America, deep knowledge and interest in grassroots policy advocacy Understanding of indigenous advocacy priorities in Latin America Strong strategic planner Knowledge and experience in developing advocacy proposals Knowledge and experience in working with media Knowledge of policy issues around climate finance, REDD+, carbon markets Strong network of colleagues and contacts in the above areas, across indigenous organizations, NGOs, agencies, and donors Proven success with program development and strategic planning Language Fluent in English and Spanish; Portuguese a big plus. Compensation & Benefits Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and ranges between $80,000 – $95,000 USD annually. Full-time employees (40+ hours a week) are entitled to full health, vision, and dental insurance as well as 20 days per year of vacation leave, closed offices from Christmas to New Year’s Day (inclusive) plus the 10 additional federal holidays. Beyond this, employees are entitled to 10 days per year of sick leave, 2 days per year of personal days, 5 days for bereavement leave per event, up to 12 weeks of parental leave, and accommodations for additional time off under extraordinary circumstances. For this role, nights or weekends will not be expected except possibly during work-related travel, in which case compensatory time will be accrued. Workplace Culture & Conditions Rainforest Foundation US prides itself on providing a flexible, equitable, family-friendly, and inclusive work environment that values work-life balance. Our offices are pet friendly and located in a historic downtown Brooklyn neighborhood that is easily accessible by public transit and boasts many restaurants and services. Since the pandemic, employees can come into the office as they wish or negotiate with their supervisors to work from home or remotely. Commitment to Equality & Equity Rainforest Foundation US does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Black, indigenous, and people of color are highly encouraged to apply. Application instructions RFUS aims to fill the position immediately. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and advised to carefully study the job description to ensure they meet the requirements and skills we are looking for. Applications will not be considered without the submission of a resume and cover letter. Please note that the position will be listed as open until filled. Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be contacted. The candidate must possess the legal requirements to work in the United States; Rainforest Foundation US will not sponsor visas for international candidates. Apply for This Job Thank You Your application was submitted successfully.