Exciting opportunity at the International Department of the Rainforest Foundation Norway.

Rainforest Foundation Norway seeks a Team Leader for the Brazil program

About Rainforest Foundation Norway: Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) is one of Europe’s leading organizations dedicated to protecting the world’s rainforests and strengthening the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC). For over three decades, we have built a vibrant network and strong engagement in the Amazon, partnering with national civil society organizations to drive impactful change.

Position overview: We are seeking an inspiring and dynamic Team Leader to head our Brazil country programme. As the Head of the Brazil program, you will be at the forefront of RFN’s mission in Brazil, guiding our efforts to protect the Amazon and support indigenous and local communities. This pivotal role involves strategic planning, program implementation, and effective management of both people and budgets. You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring our work aligns with RFN’s guiding documents and strategic goals.

Location: Brazil (Home Office). The position requires working with staff, peers and partners across different countries and multiple time zones.

Reporting Structure:

• The Brazil Team Leader report directly to the Director of International Programmes based in RFN’s headquarters, Oslo, Norway.
• The Brazil Team Leader will supervise a team of thematic advisers and functional specialists (MEL, Grant Management, Finance Advisers) operating a distributed set-up between Brazil and Norway, where the RFN headquarters are based.
  

Travel Requirements:

• The role requires frequent travel within Brazil and the Amazon region to oversee project implementation and engage with local partners and communities.
• International travel may be required for training, conferences, and meetings with RFN staff, leaders and other stakeholders at RFN’s headquarters in Oslo, Norway.
  

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Management: Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all country program activities, ensuring coherence in the overall country portfolio, alignment with the overall RFN strategy and relevant frameworks, and quality program delivery on time, within scope, and budget.
• People Management: Lead and develop members of the country program team, including setting clear goals and priorities, providing support, clarity, and guidance on roles and responsibilities within the team. Foster learning and results-oriented teamwork, promote cross-functional collaboration with other teams and departments, and nurture a positive work environment.
• Strategic Advice: Advise the Director of International Programs on strategic issues, emergent trends, and program development needs/opportunities that align with RFN’s overall mission and strategic objectives, bringing these forward to RFN’s Senior Management Team.
• Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Represent RFN in the country, building and maintaining strong and productive relationships with local partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program activities, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational standards. Use data to drive decision-making and improve program outcomes.
• Budget Management: Develop, manage, and implement the approved annual budget for the country program and team, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to funder and RFN financial guidelines and standards. Monitor expenditures, prioritize (re-) allocation of resources to achieve set objectives, and prepare financial reports as required.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks to program success and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure that risk management practices are integrated into all aspects of program planning and implementation.
• Reporting: Lead the preparation and presentation of quality reports on program activities, outcomes, and impact to relevant donors, partners, and RFN senior management team.
• Coordination and Collaboration on RFN Regional and Global Initiatives: Work closely with other RFN Team Leaders to share best practices, coordinate efforts, and contribute to regional and global initiatives, leading the implementation of those initiatives at the country level.
• Organizational Leadership and Development: As a member of the International Management Team, composed of other RFN country team leaders led by the Director of International Programmes, and a member of RFN’s Extended Management Team, the Brazil Team Leader will proactively engage, communicate, share knowledge, and collaborate with other team leaders in the organization to shape and advance RFN’s organizational development priorities and promote RFN’s organizational culture and leadership model.
  

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Higher education desirable
• Multiple years of relevant experience with demonstrated success (i.e. development field or political science)
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and results-based management
• Good leadership and team management skills. Excellent interpersonal abilities, collaboration and communication skills (including writing and presentation)
• Strong analytical skills
• Strategic engagement experience with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to build relations
• Familiarity with the socio-political context of Brazil and experience working with indigenous people and local communities.
• Good understanding of RFN thematic priorities (rights-based rainforest protection, drivers of deforestation and/or national and global policies) and related aspects of the 2030 Sustainable development agenda (climate, biodiversity, livelihoods, etc.)
• Solutions- & results oriented, strategic thinking
• Fluency in written and verbal English and Portuguese is required
• Personal attributes: Solution-oriented, structured, and self-disciplined
  

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Collaborative: Encourages teamwork and open communication, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared goals.
• Empathetic: Understands and values the perspectives and needs of team members and local partners, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Strategic: Focuses on long-term goals and outcomes, making informed decisions that align with RFN’s mission and objectives.
• Adaptive: Demonstrates flexibility and resilience, effectively managing change and navigating challenges in dynamic environments.
  

What we offer

• A permanent, 100% position
• Salary according to agreement
• Homeworking
• An exciting, dynamic and meaningful job in an international organisation.
• A working environment characterized by diversity, generosity, humour and skilled, motivated colleagues.
• Opportunity for personal and professional development
  

If you have questions related to the position, contact Tana Lala-Pritchard, International Programs Director, Tana@rainforest.no

Applications must be submitted by 5 January 2025