Project Associate for External Relations

Role Overview The Project Associate for External Affairs plays a vital role in advancing Masungi’s mission to protect and restore the Sierra Madre through strategic advocacy, policy engagement, and partnerships. This role focuses on handling high-importance collaborators—across government, legal, media, and international sectors—to strengthen conservation enforcement, protected area management, and public awareness. You will support both the strategic and operational aspects of advocacy work: from drafting policy briefs and communications materials to organizing campaigns and building relationships with decision-makers and media partners. During peak tourism months, you will also be asked to support select tourism and public-facing initiatives that reinforce Masungi’s conservation message. Key Responsibilities Advocacy & External Relations Support the design and implementation of advocacy strategies for forest protection, environmental enforcement, and sustainable land management. Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs, policy and legal experts, and international organizations to advance conservation goals. Monitor and analyze policy developments and emerging issues related to environmental governance and protected area management. Prepare and present talking points, policy briefs, and advocacy presentations for meetings, hearings, and public engagements. Represent Masungi in multi-sectoral dialogues, roundtables, and international forums with professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Strategic Communications & Media Relations Draft and manage advisories and official statements to partner sectors that reflect the organization’s values and advocacy stance. Support the creation of digital campaigns and public communications that mobilize awareness and action for conservation. Partnerships & Campaign Management Develop and manage advocacy campaigns in collaboration with local communities, youth networks, and partner institutions. Maintain and strengthen partnerships with assigned institutions, and conservation/research organizations. Support proposal writing, grant documentation, and donor communications as needed. Ensure seamless coordination between advocacy, tourism, and conservation teams for integrated initiatives. Research & Reporting Conduct research on policy, legal, and environmental topics relevant to the organization’s work (i.e. area-based management, enforcement in protected areas, governance reforms) Draft briefers, talking points, and impact reports that inform leadership and partners. Maintain databases of partners, media contacts, and advocacy outputs. Track, evaluate, and report outcomes of partnerships, campaigns, and media engagements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, International Relations, Environmental Policy, Political Science, Law, Development Studies, or related fields. At least 2–4 years of experience in advocacy, communications, public policy, or stakeholder engagement. Strong command of English and Filipino; excellent writing, editing, and public communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain professional relationships with government, institutional, media, and international partners. Experience in environmental conservation, sustainable development, or related fields preferred. Grant writing or donor communication experience is a plus. Familiarity with national and global conservation frameworks (e.g., NIPAS/ENIPAS, SDGs, 30x30, IUCN) is an advantage. Core Competencies Advocacy & Integrity – Upholds Masungi’s mission and communicates its values with authenticity, sincerity and courage> Strategic Communication – Crafts clear, persuasive, and context‑aware messages for diverse audiences. Partnership & Diplomacy – Navigates complex stakeholder relationships with professionalism and empathy. Research & Analysis – Synthesizes information into concise, actionable insights for advocacy and communications. Adaptability & Initiative – Thrives in dynamic environments and anticipates needs without waiting for direction. Environmental Stewardship – Reflects deep respect for nature and commitment to its protection in all actions. #J-18808-Ljbffr