Trillion Trees (TT) Programme Coordinator

The TT Programme was conceived by Restore UK, an environmental foundation. The vision of the programme is that ‘By mid-century, through concerted collective action by all sectors of society, one trillion trees have been re-grown, saved from loss and better protected around the world.  Deforestation has ended, significant numbers of trees have returned to areas where they were lost and large areas of existing trees are better protected. These trees, in forests, woodlots and farms, bring multiple social, economic and environmental benefits.’ A group of three international conservation NGOs has been brought together to develop this programme.

A 25-year phased approach will begin with phase 1, 2016-2020, during which the group ‘will develop and secure large-scale new funding for at least five long-term practical actions that dramatically increase global tree cover compared to business as usual. It will do so by reducing deforestation and forest degradation, restoring forest areas, promoting sustainable forest management and increasing tree stocks in agricultural landscapes. Analytical work in Phase I will also identify approaches to significantly scaling up impact during later phases.’

The work of the group will be implemented through a TT Management Team comprising representatives from each of the three organisations and assisted by a full-time Programme Coordinator. This team will develop joint strategies, workplans, budgets and reports, with oversight from the TT Programme Steering Committee, and also engage extensively with programme partners and potential donors.

Position Objectives

The TT Programme Coordinator position will have four main objectives:

1. With the Management Team, help to coordinate implementation of programme activities as outlined in the workplans.
2. Lead and coordinate collective reporting on results to the Steering Committee and donor.
3. Contribute to the identification of funding opportunities and coordinate selected fund-raising activities such as proposal development.
4. Facilitate growth of the programme through development and coordination of an effective and appropriate communications strategy.

Institutional role

The TT Programme Coordinator will be a WCS employee, acting in coordination with the group.  The TT Programme Coordinator will report to the WCS Trillion Trees Manager, who will coordinate with the Management Team.  The Management Team will approve an annual work plan for the Programme Coordinator and the Programme Coordinator will be required to provide updates on progress at routine meetings of the Management Team.

As part of the position’s fundraising responsibilities, the Programme Coordinator will play a support role in identifying and responding to funding opportunities after discussion with the Management Team and in coordination with the three NGO group members. The Programme Coordinator will also coordinate the development and implementation of the Trillion Trees Communications Strategy, in coordination with the Management Team and Communications Teams of each of the group NGOs.

Over time the post holder will be able to develop this position’s contribution to the group, potentially increasing in strategic input and leadership toward the ambitious and exciting vision of the TT programme.

Specific Responsibilities

Management and Administration

v  Coordinate the development and periodic revision of strategy, workplans and budgets by the Management Team; manage the process of getting these approved by the Steering Committee;

v  Monitor adherence to workplans, produce progress reports and coordinate responses to any issues arising with non-adherence;

v  Develop, populate and manage a large database of TT documents and materials, including work plans and reports, meeting records, materials produced as outputs, proposals and reports to third party donors, key reference materials and information on other stakeholders and potential funders;

v  Assist with coordination of external consultancies;

v  Coordinate and minute meetings of the Management Team, and ensure follow-up as necessary;

v  Coordinate and minute meetings of the Steering Committee, and ensure follow-up as necessary;

v  Monitor and report upon budgets and expenditures relating to cross-cutting TT programme activities;

Fundraising

v  Assist the Management Team and member NGOs in identifying and tracking fund-raising opportunities relating to TT;

v  Support and facilitate the development and submission of fundraising proposals, in collaboration with technical staff of the three partner NGOs;

v  Assist with reporting to other third party donors where necessary;

Communication and outreach

v  Lead the delivery of the programme’s communications strategy, coordinating with communications staff in each of the three organisations and external contractors;

v  Manage the content of the TT website, social media platforms and printed materials;

v  Support planning and organization of TT meetings and events in UK and elsewhere;

v  Support and maintain active dialogue between member NGOs, and between the members and donors concerning implementation of activities;

v  Support and facilitate communications between the various bodies established under the TT Programme, notably the Steering Committee, Management Team, the donor(s) and the NGO group members;Actively engage new partners and coordinate incoming enquiries from prospective partners, media and other parties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

v  Fluent spoken and written English

v  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to manage collaboration among diverse parties

v  Ability or experience in working successfully in teams and particularly with teams across organisations; experience coordinating large, multi-partner programmes an advantage

v  Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task

v  Experience coordinating communications activities and materials, including coordinating events and outreach and developing written and social media content

v  Proven experience in fundraising for global programmes

v  An understanding of and commitment to forest conservation, restoration and/or biodiversity

v  Technical knowledge of forest protection and/or restoration and related field activities an advantage

v  Candidate must have ongoing permission to work in the United Kingdom and a willingness to travel both around the UK and internationally.

Preferred start date:  to be determined

Please apply online at www.wcs.org/about-us/careers and send a cover letter and CV with the subject line “TT Programme Coordinator [your name]” to conservationsupport@wcs.org