Policy & Government Relations Advisor at Nature Conservancy

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

Roles and Responsibilities.

• Support the Director, Policy & Government Relations for the Africa region to develop, implement and deliver TNC’s Africa Policy Strategy, particularly as it relates to African governments and African-based international policy forums and institutions.
• Under the supervision of the Director, Policy & Government Relations for the Africa region and in close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, support the design and implementation of strategies that engage with policy initiatives of African governments and African-based international institutions to affect policy change and implementation in line with TNC’s International Policy Strategy, Program and Country strategies, and guided by TNC’s Africa Strategy.
• Support the implementation of Engagement Plans for specific meetings of relevant MEAs and Conventions, as they relate to African governments. Relevant agreements and institutions include but are not limited to: UN biodiversity conventions and other Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCCD), as well as Regional Conventions and Strategies.
• In close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, provide support in identifying and developing strategic relationships with key African governments and key global institutions based in Africa, such as UN Environment and UN country missions based in Nairobi, and the African Union, to advance Institutional and Programmatic strategies in achieving the TNC’s 2030 Goals
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of Policy and Government relations strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or the corporate sector.
• Liaise with TNC’s National strategy teams, Science and Field Conservation staff, other External Affairs departments and with TNC’s Africa Operating Units to further conservation goals, policies, and strategy.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues.
• Coordinate the Influencing of the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives Across the TNC Africa countries of operation level.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Fluency in English. Fluency in French and/or another common language used in Africa is beneficial.
• Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience including preparing and presenting policy briefings and reports and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate and NGO partners, as well as government agencies.
• Experience with negotiation skills and supervisory experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and over 10 years of experience
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance
• Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in Africa and different countries of our operations (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Gabon, Angola)
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.