Posted on January 3, 2013

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Program Manager

The Rainforest Foundation – US (RF-US), an international human rights and environmental organization, is dedicated to protecting the rainforest and promoting the rights of indigenous and traditional peoples who live within it. The organization works closely with local, indigenous organizations in Central and South America and provides financial and technical assistance that helps indigenous populations establish title to the land they live on, sustainably manage their natural resources, and develop the means to promote and protect their rights.

Position Description:

The Program Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing programs designed to support indigenous and traditional peoples of the rainforest in Central and South America in their efforts to protect and manage their lands and natural resources. The Program Manager will be primarily responsible for the development and implementation of the Rainforest Foundation’s natural resource management, community mapping and climate change related initiatives. This work will complement the work that the foundation currently does related to land titling and organizational strengthening. The Program Manager will develop and implement projects in close collaboration with partner organizations and indigenous groups in Central and South America. In 2013 a significant portion of the Program Manager’s time will be allocated to assisting our partners in their efforts to create community management plans; as well as their development and implementation of other natural r esource management activities. The Program Manager will be based in NYC and will work primarily with partner organizations located in Panama, Peru and Guyana.

Responsibilities:

• Implement the Foundation’s natural resource management and community mapping program activities;
• Provide technical assistance, expertise and guidance to the Foundation’s partners on issues related to natural resource management, community mapping and climate change (mostly REDD+);
• Conduct participatory workshops with our partners on community management plans and other related issues as needed;
• Design and implement advocacy strategies with indigenous organizations as needed; Recruit and manage interns and research fellows, as needed;
• Identify, manage, monitor, and evaluate a portfolio of projects in Central and South America;
• Actively participate in fundraising activities;
• Develop strategic partnerships with complimentary NGOs in the US and in Central and South America.

Experience and Education (Qualifications):

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics:

• A masters degree, or equivalent experience, in environmental management, natural resource policy, anthropology, social ecology, or related field;
• Minimum of five years of experience managing field projects in close collaboration with communities;
• Community mapping knowledge, GIS and field experience;
• Good understanding of climate change processes, and REDD+ at national and regional levels in Latin America;
• Experience working with indigenous peoples.

Competencies and Attributes

The ideal candidate also will have:

• Understanding of development issues, especially in the context of natural resource management and land management in Latin America;
• Knowledge of the national policy environments in Central and/or South America and initiatives affecting indigenous rights and sustainable forest management;
• Demonstrated comfort with and experience in public speaking and meeting organization/facilitation;
• Demonstrated ability, respect and openness to relate to indigenous groups;
• Excellent writing, speaking, networking and relationship building skills;
• Fluency in Spanish. Portuguese is a plus;
• Very strong analytical and strategic thinking skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, creativity and a constructive attitude;
• Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a small team; and
• Willingness to travel regularly or undertake short-term field assignments abroad.

Application Instructions

To Apply: Available immediately. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package. Interested candidates should e-mail resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to: jobs@rffny.org no later than January 31st, 2013.