Programme Officer / Programme Officeress

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 organisations 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
• Countering wildlife trafficking

We adopt a systems change approach aimed at addressing the sources of societal challenges to enhance the health and resilience of communities and our natural environment. This method enables us to identify interconnections and envision cross-sector solutions that deliver multiple social and biodiversity benefits.

Purpose of the Role

The Programme Officer will collaborate closely with colleagues based in Africa and Chile to support organisations that promote a "living landscapes" approach, which safeguards biodiversity while considering the livelihoods and well-being of communities. This newly created role will manage a global grantmaking portfolio aimed at stopping wildlife trade and trafficking and will focus on wildlife and ecosystem conservation opportunities in Brazil and neighbouring countries, particularly in the Pantanal and Atlantic rainforest regions. The role involves periodic international travel and reports to the Environment Programme Director.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the International Wildlife Trafficking grant portfolio, including partnerships with international and local partners in regions such as Southern Africa.
• In consultation with the Environment Programme Director and Lead Trustee, develop a grant-making portfolio to support the preservation and enhancement of key natural areas in Brazil and neighbouring countries, with an initial focus on the Pantanal and Atlantic rainforest.
• Oversee the full grant cycle, from initial enquiry and assessment to final recommendations, including monitoring implementation, reporting, closing grants, and evaluating current and past grants while drawing lessons from projects.
• Conduct site visits, assess capacity-building needs, enhance grantee effectiveness, and share learning across grants and portfolios.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange among NGOs, research institutions, philanthropic organisations, governments, and local communities.
• Contribute to programme collaboration by sharing lessons from grantees and regional grant groups, utilizing these insights to inform strategy and best practices.
• Assist in internal and external reporting, including monthly and annual updates, Advisory Panel materials, and organisation-wide learning.
• Represent Oak Foundation at donor convenings, conferences, workshops, and other external forums.
• Conduct research and analysis to strengthen portfolio priorities and evidence base, staying up to date with relevant scientific and regulatory developments while exploring emerging areas such as agroforestry, sustainable tourism, conservation landholding, security and nature, and the live pet trade.

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, natural resource management, agroforestry management, or environmental management.
• Substantial professional experience in Brazil or other South American countries, with a solid understanding of the national context and key organisations, especially in community-based natural resource management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, local communities, government agencies, researchers, peer funders, and private-sector partners.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex social and environmental contexts and identify priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with a collaborative working style, concise writing abilities, and confidence in expressing views in discussions.
• Commitment to efficiency and demonstrated ability to stay organized and meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of financial reporting and budgeting in non-profit or government organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional proficiency in English; proficiency in Portuguese is preferred, and Spanish would be an asset.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce, with a willingness to learn other tools as needed.
• Experience in grant-making or working closely with philanthropic funders is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20–25 percent of the time.
• Commitment to the values of Oak Foundation.

Application Process

To join our team, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.