The Policy and Partnerships Specialist has two primary and inter-related aspects to her/his work.
- S/he works with Programme Team members to develop and leverage strong relationships with government representatives at all levels and at all stages of project development with the goal of enabling robust alignment with government priorities and plans and buy-in for TNC’s India’s work.The ultimate goal in this role is to support government’s policies and programs on various conservation priorities with findings/best practices from around the world including TNC and TNC-India’s and its partners initiatives. The role takes leadership in assuring that TNC-India is providing solutions at a scale India needs by working closely in support of the government.
- The second aspect of this role is to work with bilateral and multilateral programs for mutual benefit by providing them TNC’s technical expertise to their programs in India and by leveraging funds for TNC-India’s programs.
The Policy and Partnership Specialist works closely with TNC-India staff, including from program, fundraising and communication teams, and other Conservancy professional resources around the world to
- Form close ties with governments in cities and States where TNC-India has projects and with the relevant Central Government Ministries. Closely follows and understands government policies and programs in areas relevant to TNC-India’s work.
- Develops a bilateral/multilateral partner leverage strategy which achieves objectives of the conservation programs. S/he will provide specialized guidance in forming, maintaining, developing and leveraging relationships and help to raise funds for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects, including by writing proposals, negotiating with bilateral and multilateral agencies, and cultivating other donors, as needed.
Some of the key TNC-India projects on which the Policy and Partnership Specialist will be expected to foster close working relationships with relevant government and bilateral/multilateral partners in the initial twelve months include promoting zero-burn agriculture in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh; sustainable wetland restoration and urban planning in Chennai; and progressing land and water conservation initiatives in the Central Indian Landscape covering the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting policy and partnerships strategic goals and objectives.
- Overall responsibility for building government relations working closely with programme team, and Managing Director
- Overall responsibility for working with multilateral and bilateral agencies in India
- Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Ability to work well laterally in a corporate Ngo environment spread across multiple geographies
- Fluency in English and Hindi. Knowledge of Tamil or other southern languages preferred
- Experience in working with government officials
- 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 negotiating with other agencies, companies, private parties or related entities.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree required.
- Working knowledge of current government policies in TNC’s priority areas and trends in relevant discipline.ls
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
- Understanding of and relevant experience in India and across different states
- Demonstrated knowledge of the functional needs and practices in India
- self motivated and directed
- Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment.