Conservation Policy Specialist

Melbourne, Australia.

The location of this role is flexible within Australia.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all Australian states and territories. Our work focuses on four conservation strategies – Outback (including our work with many Indigenous Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting their efforts to manage their Country for its cultural and conservation values); Oceans (including our nation-wide critically endangered shellfish reef building program in the bays and estuaries of southern Australia, from Perth to Noosa); Nature and Agricultural Landscapes (including innovative water funds in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin); and Protection (working with partners, including governments, to achieve protection, restoration and improved management of 30% of our oceans and 30% of our lands by 2030). To learn more about our work in Australia visit www.natureaustralia.org.au.

Working closely with TNC Australia’s Philanthropy and Engagement and Conservation teams, the Conservation Policy Specialist supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation and protection goals, particularly 30x30, by leading project teams, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and federal and state and territory government, and local agencies, multilateral institutions/ agencies the private sector and other environmental non government organisations.

The Conservation Policy Specialist plans, implements and coordinates programs at the sub-national or departmental level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further the Conservancy’s mission, in particular our 30x30 conservation and protection goals, to help protect 30 per cent of Australia’s land (including freshwater) and oceans. Duties include daily contact with local, sub-national country, multilateral/agencies officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions or internationally negotiated agreements, particularly the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They:

• build and facilitate internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations.
• influence the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the international, country, sub-national, and local levels.
• develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
• have the ability to work under minimal supervision and direct staff (if applicable) as well as coordinate the efforts of multiple parties (both internal and external), and a multitude of stakeholders with often differing opinions.
  

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• 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 project proposals, and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree appreciated
• Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance (if required).
• Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in the country (national and/or sub-national) and/or region.
• 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
  

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

To apply, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact aushr@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.