Africa Program Manager

The Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of more than 150 organizations dedicated to advancing the forest, land, and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Afro-descendant Peoples, and in particular the women within these groups. RRI’s members capitalize on each other’s strengths, expertise, and geographic reach to achieve solutions more effectively and efficiently. RRI leverages the power of its global coalition to amplify the voices of local peoples and proactively engage governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector actors to adopt institutional and market reforms that support the realization of rights.

RRI is coordinated by the Rights and Resources Group (RRG), a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.

If you are passionate about working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples to secure their rights; supporting women’s rights and governance; and combatting climate change, this could be the place for you. RRI does meaningful work to make a positive difference at the global, national, and local scale. For more information about our inclusive and purpose-driven work, check out our current openings.

Studies show people of color, people from Indigenous and local communities, women, and LGBTQ+ persons are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every qualification. RRI strongly encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every required qualification as all applications will be accepted, reviewed, and evaluated equally. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

The Role in Brief: 

The Africa Program Manager will play a vital role in shaping and executing our programs across the African continent, leveraging your in-depth knowledge of the local landscape to ensure our initiatives deliver impactful and lasting outcomes. A proactive leader adept at addressing complex challenges, nurturing collaborative environments, and implementing change through innovative strategies is required to ensure the goals and vision agreed to by RRI’s Partners, Collaborators and Program team are attained.

The Africa Program Manager will work under the supervision of the Director, Africa Program, and manage the Africa Associates and regional facilitators. This full-time position will be based in Washington, DC with the option of teleworking two days per week (Mondays and Fridays).

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the US and located in the DC metro area prior to the start date.

This is a full-time position that is classified as exempt under the US Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is therefore not subject to compensation for overtime.

Primary Responsibilities (not inclusive):

1.  Project Management and Technical Assistance

• Manage the workplan and related strategies of the program to support the work of RRI’s Partner and Collaborator organizations in Africa.
• Coordinate administrative and technical tasks for the program with the Program Associates and supporting Partner and Collaborator organizations.
• Help convene RRI’s annual regional and country-level planning meetings in Africa.
• Provide intellectual input to regional planning and development of the RRI work program in Africa, applying knowledge from the region’s political context and diverse agendas of rightsholder organizations, governments, local NGOs, academic institutions, donors, and international agencies.

2.  Communications and Writing

• Support the writing of clear and concise technical text for inclusion in RRI’s analyses, working papers, and communication products (e.g., blog posts, social media campaigns, and opinion pieces) to illustrate the program’s impact.
• Contribute to technical analyses developed by RRI staff and coalition members.
• In coordination with the Program Associates and RRI’s Communications team, support the development of up-to-date content about the program’s impact and activities on RRI’s website. 

3.  Coalition Building and Maintenance

• Assist the Program Director with the coordination of sharing of key analyses, news, and updates from African networks with the broader RRI network.
• Proactively support learning and exchange of experiences between the Africa Program and other regional teams, and between regional and global coalition members.
• Apply an equity lens to all programmatic work and strive to advance racial and gender equity both within the organization’s internal processes and through its external campaigns and activities. 

4.  Organizational Planning and Management

• With support from the Program Associates, organize all aspects of meetings, conferences, and other exchanges concerning RRI’s work in Africa.
• Support the participation in team assessments of organization-wide and Initiative-wide progress toward RRI’s goals and vision.
• Support the convening and documentation of regional planning meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in international development, public policy, or a related field required, or 5 years’ experience managing development programs in Africa or similar contexts.
• Professional level English and French written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to travel internationally is required.
• 5 years' experience working either with Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant, or Local community and women’s organizations is highly desired.
• Knowledge and understanding of the technical capacities of civil society organizations, particularly Indigenous, Afro-descendant, or local community organizations.
• Knowledge or experience in Geographic Information System (SIG) is a plus.
• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
• Clearly demonstrated career interest in advancing community land and resource tenure rights; community-based livelihoods, natural resources management and conservation systems, and political voice and representation.
• Flexibility, humility, and eagerness to learn and collaborate with a diverse set of actors.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and adapt to changing circumstances.

Rights and Resources recognizes the value of benefits to employees and their families. We take great pride in offering our dedicated and committed employees a competitive benefits package. Our comprehensive benefit programs provide you with a reliable, effective, and affordable array of choices that will meet your needs and those of your family.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; dependents and domestic partners eligible
• 100% coverage of employee premiums for the following: short-term/long-term disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, and the employee assistant program
• If eligible, 401(k) retirement plan (US) with employer match
• 25+ days of PTO, in addition to paid holidays 
• Flextime and teleworking options
• Tuition reimbursement up to $1,500 per year after 1 full year of active employment
• Dynamic growth opportunities with merit-based promotion philosophy

Rights and Resources is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.  

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, RRI makes all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other category protected by applicable law. 

Salary Range: $74,000 - $103,000 USD