Advocacy Officer, PCP4NbS

Title	Advocacy Officer, PCP4NbS
Monthly Salary	PhP 50,000.00 to 55,000.00 (gross)
Allowances and Benefits	1. Mandatory government contributions 2. Insurances (life, accident, and health) 3. Sick leave conversion 4. Monthly allowance 5. Annual clothing allowance
Duty Station	On-site reporting in Makati, with occasional field work in project sites
Deadline for Applications	June 7, 2024

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:

Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non- governmental organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect and conserve the forests.

BACKGROUND:

The Philippines is a megadiverse country, yet it is considered a biodiversity hotspot and one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. Majority of the population is exposed to hazards such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and landslides, while the adverse impacts on vulnerable groups are amplified by gender inequalities and threats to natural resources.

The Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS) is a new program of Forest Foundation Philippines in partnership with the Government of Canada. The program will be implemented between 2024 to 2028, and targets the three wins of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ensuring gender equality in natural-resource management. 

PCP4NbS aims to achieve (1) improved decision-making and gender-responsive climate change adaptation planning, practices, and governance of community- and nature-based solutions (NbS); and (2) enhanced adoption of gender-responsive NbS with biodiversity co-benefits for climate adaptation of women and communities. Ultimately, the program seeks to contribute to strengthening climate resilience of communities, particularly rural and indigenous women, while ensuring co-benefits for natural resources and healthy ecosystems.

PCP4NbS will employ a participatory, holistic, and transdisciplinary form of natural-resource management, targeting project sites that have rich biodiversity and high climate vulnerability. Collaboration with Canadian institutions, both academic and from the private sector, will also be pursued for cross-sectoral partnerships and collective mobilization of knowledge and resources. Additional information on the program is available here.

To contribute to the program, the Foundation is calling for applications for an Advocacy Officer.

JOB SPECIFICATION:

The Advocacy Officer is responsible for the development of advocacy strategies for PCP4NbS. The Advocacy Officer will focus on increasing awareness and improving coverage of project interventions. The Advocacy Officer will support identification of advocacy issues and designing interventions to create stronger impact in the target landscapes and seascapes. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Working collaboratively with the PCP4NbS KM Officer, and the Communications and Knowledge Management (KM) team of the Foundation, the Advocacy Officer will:

1. Develop the Advocacy Strategy for PCP4NbS;
2. Identify stakeholders and ensure that the Advocacy Strategy will engage target audiences through awareness-raising, education, and support to the outcomes of projects;
3. Lead the development and operationalization of messaging and branding for PCP4NbS, and ensure communication and dissemination to relevant audiences;
4. Develop content, design materials, and coordinate the production of information, education, and communication (IEC) resources such as, publications, policy briefs, articles, videos, and success stories;
5. Organize and facilitate multi-actor knowledge-sharing, partnership, and advocacy events, engagements, and other visibility and promotional opportunities, including engaging traditional and social media; and
6. Perform tasks assigned by the supervising officer, as needed in the performance of the above.

DURATION AND PLACES OF WORK:

The assignment will be for the duration of the PCP4NbS program. There will be a 6-month probation period, after which a substantive evaluation will be carried out. The individual contract will be reconfirmed annually by the Executive Director.

The assignment will primarily be based in the Foundation’s office in Makati City, with occasional work in project sites.

COMPENSATION:

The Advocacy Officer will receive a compensation commensurate with qualifications and professional experience. Basic salary will range from PhP 50,000.00 to 55,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions, insurance (life, accident, and health), sick leave conversion, monthly allowance, and clothing allowance.

As an employer, the Foundation offers:

• Clear, engaging, and empowering work assignments
• Dynamic and enabling learning environment
• Transparent and agile performance management  
• Collaborative, capable, and sustainable teams and leadership
• Holistic well-being initiatives

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The Advocacy Officer must have:

• An undergraduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or any social science; or the equivalent in professional experience;
• Demonstrated experience in crafting advocacy strategies, working collaboratively with media and advocacy partners and networks, and producing policy briefs and IEC materials. Experience in the development sector is an advantage;
• Proven ability to convey insight and analysis in advocacy strategies; 
• Basic understanding of gender dynamics in executing duties and responsibilities;
• Excellent technical skills in producing multimedia content and designing of advocacy, information, and communication products; 
• Adept at Microsoft Suite and graphic design software; and
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Technical Competencies

• Strategy development and implementation
• Policy advocacy
• IEC material production
• Report writing
• Oral and written communication
• Content development and management
• Networking

Non-Technical Competencies

Achieving excellence

• Results-orientation
• Planning  and organizing
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Ingenuity

Working with others

• Teamwork
• Influence
• Communication

Living out organizational values

• Stewardship
• Integrity

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested applicants are requested to send an application addressed to Atty. Alaya de Leon, Program Manager, PCP4NbS, through malviz@forestfoundation.ph on or before June 7, 2024.  Indicate “ADVOCACY OFFICER – PCP4NbS” as the subject of the email.

Applicants must submit the following through email:

1. One-page letter of intent, addressed to Atty. Alaya de Leon, Program Manager, PCP4NbS; 
2. Curriculum vitae (3-5 pages only);
3. List of at least three character references; and
4. Sample written and other work demonstrating relevant experience, if any.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.