Climate change is one of the world’s most urgent challenges and an immediate risk to our communities, economies, and to our conservation mission. The Nature Conservancy’s climate work is a global effort to promote practical, innovative solutions that protect against climate impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and secure a prosperous, clean energy future for everyone. The Nature Conservancy seeks a Climate Policy Associate to support its climate and energy policy agenda. The Climate Policy Associate will be part of the U.S. Government Relations department and will report to the Director of a U.S. Climate and Energy Policy.
The Climate Policy Associate plays a key role in supporting public and/or corporate policy advocacy to further The Nature Conservancy’s US Climate Action strategy by providing research and policy analysis, working with external partners, and tracking policies and decisions that directly affect our conservation goals. S/he will serve as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and important public, business, and private partners. S/he has a demonstrated ability to work in teams and manage multiple projects within tight deadlines. S/he will work with the climate policy team to initiate projects, including policy research, development of advocacy materials, metrics tracking, and support to TNC chapters, as requested and defined by the Director of U.S. Climate and Energy Policy. S/he also builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations, manages projects, and conducts other activities in support of the program. Additionally, this position will coordinate with and provide support to other External Affairs departments as assigned by supervisor.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Interest in climate and energy policy.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to balance numerous tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines, including turning around production of new content quickly.
- Able to make day to day decisions within the scope of work assignments.
- Detail oriented and ability to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products.
- Ability to work well in a team setting.
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately and assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Provides research and policy analysis in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities.
- Provides assistance with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
- Influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives in support of The Nature Conservancy’s US Climate Action strategy.
- Develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, partner organizations, and/or industry.
- Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, country, sub-national, or local.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government, congressional or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience working with partners/government agencies/congressional offices and the corporate sector.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in business, sustainability, or fundraising.
- Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements and contracts.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or 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.