The Director, Australian Government Relations may lead and/or play a key role in the development and implementation of one or more strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or the corporate sector.
The Director, Australian Government Relations plans, implements and coordinates a comprehensive program to influence Australian government policy and mobilize public funding at all levels to further the Conservancy’s mission of conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends in Australia, the Asia Pacific region, and the rest of the world. The position supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by leading the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with federal and state government agencies and acts as the Relationship Manager for the Australian Government in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures for Management of Relationships with Public Sector Entities.
The Director, Australian Government Relations will engage in domestic and international policy dialogues and undertake government liaison and advocacy at national and sub-national levels to support the implementation of TNC’s program in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. It is anticipated that 50% of the role will be focused on Government Relations that support TNC’s program in Australia and the other 50% will be focused on Government Relations that support TNC’s program outside of Australia in the Asia Pacific region.
The Director, Australian Government Relations ensures that the program complies with lobbying laws and regulations and monitors legislative and administrative initiatives and policies related to the mission or programs of TNC and communicates these effectively to all relevant stakeholders. Duties also include regular contact with federal officials and international diplomatic posts, and with partners regarding international policy, administrative and legislative actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy, its pragmatic and partnership-based approach to conservation, and its public fund-raising activities to increase the level of financial support for TNC projects and priorities in the region. The Director of Australian Government Relations represents The Nature Conservancy before federal agencies and special interest groups and works among key government officials to increase support for TNCs mission and programs. Under the overall direction of the Deputy Country Director, Australia, and in consultation with the Director for External Affairs (Asia Pacific):
- Lead domestic government relations and policy advocacy, and public fundraising functions for the Australia Program (Current AU PD)
- Oversee and support government relations, policy advocacy, and public fund-raising functions with the Australian Government on behalf of other TNC business units in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Inform Australian government engagement with global policy processes of interest to TNC’s Shared Conservation Agenda including, but not limited to the UNFCCC, the CBD, the GCF, etc.
- Provide technical assistance and capacity building, as requested, to other business units to assist in the development of their External Affairs functions.
- Represent TNC at key regional and international events.
- Follow-up and provide regular updates to the Deputy Country Director, Australia and Director for External Affairs, Asia Pacific on changes to the national and regional context for conservation and TNC operations.
The Director, Australian Government Relations may also supervise the Public Policy Manager position within the Australia Program.
- At least 5 years of experience, including experience working with government policy development and public administration. Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
- Experience with current political, socio-economic and conservation trends and issues in Australia and the Asia Pacific region;
- Experience, education and/or training of lobbying laws and regulations.
- Supervisory and staff management experience.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience preparing and presenting policy and project proposals to and/or negotiating with federal, state, local government representatives.
- Experience working with development partners/government agencies, building effective and lasting relationships, without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers.
- Analytical and project management experience, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience with communication and presentation delivery.
- Experience with negotiation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree appreciated.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals within the corporate sector.
- 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.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
- Experience with current political, socio-economic and conservation trends and issues in Australia’s and the Asia Pacific region;
- Exceptional stakeholder management, communications and influencing skills. Ability to operate in politically sensitive/charged environments and agility to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities
- Knowledge of lobbying laws and regulations.
- Ability to motivate and manage performance, including conflict resolution.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision and direct staff (if applicable)
- Experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects in complex environments as well as setting and implementing strategic program goals.
- Ability to use advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet. Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING
- Cultivates the creative ideas of others to identify potential solutions and options. Experiments to find creative solutions – thinks outside the box.
- Designs, implements and directs multiple complex projects, sets and meets deadlines and ensures program accountability.
- Work is highly diversified and needed courses of action often do not fall under stablished practices and guidelines, requiring agile project management
- Coordinates the efforts of multiple parties (both internal and external), and a multitude of stakeholders with often differing opinions
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING
- Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
- Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Decisions may have far-reaching, program-wide impact.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY
- Develop multi-year fundraising strategies and goals and implement agile programs to achieve them.
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development. Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
- Develops and administers departmental budget.
- Ensures that program complies with TNC policies and procedures and external lobbying and legal regulations.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
- Prepare and present project proposals and negotiate with federal, state, and local government representatives to achieve program goals.
- Work and communicate with a wide range of people in order to develop, negotiate, and or implement programs and projects.
- Communicate strategic project goals and objectives as well as facilitate knowledge transfer/communications.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
- Readiness and ability to travel nationally and internationally, approximately 30% of working time
- Work location is negotiable within Australia, preferably Canberra.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, superannuation and savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
- Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in Australia will be considered. The Nature Conservancy will not provide support for working visas or residency for this position.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
- This role requieres readiness and ability to travel nationally and internationally, approximately 30% of working time
- The work location is negotiable within Australia but preferably Canberra based.