Programme Officer / Programme Officer

About Oak Foundation

Oak Foundation’s mission (www.oakfnd.org) is to contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. With offices in Europe, Africa, and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organizations around the globe.

About the Environment Programme

The Environment Programme focuses on safeguarding our future by restoring our connection to nature and changing the ways we feed and fuel our world. The programme is organized across broad streams of work, including marine systems and livelihoods, conservation, rewilding, regenerative landscapes, and countering wildlife trafficking. We take a systems change approach aimed at addressing the root causes of societal challenges to enhance the health and resilience of communities and our natural environment. This approach enables us to recognize interconnections and envision solutions across sectors for achieving multiple social and biodiversity benefits.

Purpose of the Role

The Programme Officer will work closely with colleagues based in Africa and Chile. Together, they will support organizations advancing a “living landscapes” approach that safeguards biodiversity while considering the livelihoods and well-being of people and communities. This newly created role will manage the global grant-making portfolio focused on halting wildlife trade and trafficking, with a specific focus on wildlife and ecosystem conservation opportunities in Brazil and neighboring countries, particularly in the Pantanal and Atlantic rainforest regions. This position requires periodic international travel and reports to the Environment Programme Director.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the International Wildlife Trafficking grant portfolio, including partnerships with local organizations in various geographies such as Southern Africa.
• In consultation with the Environment Programme Director and Lead Trustee, develop a grant-making portfolio that supports the preservation and enhancement of key natural areas in Brazil and neighboring countries, initially focusing on the Pantanal and Atlantic rainforest.
• Oversee the full grant cycle, from initial inquiry and assessment to final recommendation. This includes monitoring implementation, reporting outcomes, and evaluating past grants while sharing insights from projects.
• Conduct site visits, assess capacity-building needs, support grantee effectiveness, and facilitate learning across grants and portfolios.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among NGOs, research institutions, philanthropic organizations, governments, and local communities.
• Contribute to collaboration across the Environment Programme, sharing lessons learned from grantees and using these insights to inform program strategy and best practices.
• Assist in internal and external reporting, including monthly and annual updates, Advisory Panel materials, and organization-wide learning initiatives.
• Represent Oak Foundation at donor convenings, conferences, workshops, and other external forums.
• Conduct research and analysis to strengthen the portfolio’s priorities and evidence base, staying updated on relevant scientific and regulatory developments while exploring emerging areas such as agroforestry and sustainable tourism.

Position Requirements

• A university degree in an environment-related subject.
• 7–10+ years of professional experience in wildlife trafficking or related fields such as conservation or natural resource management.
• Significant professional experience in Brazil or other South American countries, understanding community-based natural resource management and biodiversity challenges.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, local communities, and government agencies.
• Strong analytical skills with the capacity to assess complex social and environmental contexts and identify priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative working style and clear, concise writing abilities.
• Commitment to efficiency, with the ability to stay organized and meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of financial reporting and budgeting in non-profit or government organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Professional proficiency in English is required; proficiency in Portuguese is preferred, and Spanish would be an asset.
• Confidence with software tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce, and a willingness to learn additional tools as needed.
• Experience in grant-making or close collaboration with philanthropic funders is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20–25 percent of the time.
• Commitment to Oak Foundation’s values.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.