GLF Global Programs Manager

Reference number: 2495
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Remotely - Europe Time Zone
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

GLF Global Programs Manager

Overview

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) was first launched in 2013 by CIFOR-ICRAF with core partners including UNEP, the World Bank, and the Government of Germany. Meaningful engagement of youth and other typically marginalized stakeholders was a cornerstone of GLF’s operation from the beginning.

Today, the GLF - with 35 of the world’s leading development and environmental organizations engaged as Charter Members - has become the world’s largest knowledge led forum on sustainable land use, restoration and integrated landscape management, dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the Paris Climate

Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Since its inception in 2013, the GLF has connected more than 25,000 organizations, 1.3 million youth, 100 governments and millions engaged from 185 countries, while cumulatively reaching more than 2.9 billion people through social and traditional media.

Building on a decade of successful conferencing during which we achieved the mainstreaming of the landscape approach, the GLF has evolved to three workstream pillars that support decentralized local action towards ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. These include: 1) Accelerating Community Action and Strengthening Youth Leadership through the GLFx chapter network, Restoration Stewards and Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL); 2) Scaling Landscape Action through i) Learning (Landscape Academy) and ii) Sustainable Finance; 3) Growing the Global Movement through digital transformation, encompassing innovative digital communications, events and campaigns.

Duties and responsibilities

Ensure the smooth coordination of GLF’s operational activities and workflows across teams and regions. Monitor day-to-day delivery of Forum activities, with attention to timelines, resource use, and cross-team collaboration.

Provide ongoing support to the GLF Director in advancing the GLF strategy. Contribute to program planning and regional coordination across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Oversee the work of the Community and Action Program Manager and support the planning, implementation, and coordination of community-led initiatives, including GLFx chapters and youth engagement activities. Ensure these programs are effectively integrated into the broader GLF strategy and contribute meaningfully to regional and global impact.

Assist in the development, tracking, and reconciliation of annual budgets of over EUR 3Mio annually (including those for major events), in close collaboration with finance staff. Ensure cost-effectiveness and responsible use of financial resources.

Oversee the planning and coordination of GLF Forums as well as other strategic programs and initiatives. Ensure alignment with the organizational strategy, quality standards, stakeholder expectations, and budget frameworks.

Support the GLF Director and GLF Partnership and Engagement Coordinator in maintaining effective relationships with key partners, including Charter members, donors, and implementing organizations. The GLF Programs Manager will contribute to coordination, information exchange, and follow-up activities, ensuring alignment with programmatic objectives and the smooth delivery of joint initiatives.

Coordinate and supervise relevant team members and consultants, including the Community and Action Program Manager and the GLF Regional Coordinators for Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Support recruitment processes, onboarding, and task management in close collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF HR as needed.

Maintain regular communication between teams to align on priorities, timelines, and deliverables. Facilitate team meetings, work plan reviews, and collaborative planning sessions.

Support internal monitoring and reporting functions, including tracking key deliverables, generating progress updates, and identifying areas for process improvement.

Undertake occasional travel to event locations and to meet with partners, as required to support program implementation and coordination.

Education, knowledge and experience • Master’s degree in communication or related discipline.
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating complex projects
• At least 10 years’ experience in global conferences, events planning, logistics and budget management
• Proven experience in global programs or portfolio management, ideally within sustainability, climate, or development sectors.
• Proven ability to develop and execute programmatic strategies across diverse thematic areas, including community engagement and youth leadership.
• Experience managing multicultural teams and regional operations.
• Ability to travel and work flexibly
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of other international languages is an advantage.

Terms and conditions • This is a Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for 1 (one) year, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position, and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Remotely - Europe Time Zone.

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor.org and www.worldagroforestry.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process The application deadline is 23 Aug 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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