The Policy Advisor, International Climate Policy supports TNC’s international policy advocacy and thought leadership efforts to support our goal of keeping global warming well below 2°C and building the resilience of people and places in the face of a changing climate. TNC’s primary focus is on: 1)Unlocking the full potential of natural climate solutions globally, through shaping global and national policies and finance and reducing deforestation, large-scale forest restoration and sustainable agriculture; 2) Driving stronger climate action in the US and globally, through comprehensive policy responses at the state and federal level in the US, and linked to influencing global climate finance and policy commitments; and 3) Deploying innovative financing mechanisms to incentivize governments and communities to use cost-effective, nature-based solutions that build resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Together with global and regional teams, the Policy Advisor is responsible for overseeing and coordinating key aspects of TNC’s advocacy efforts on international climate policy. S/he ensures our policy advocacy efforts are guided by clear strategic goals, developed in consultation with colleagues from across the Conservancy and incorporating input from our external partners and stakeholders. The Policy Advisor will ensure the international climate policy advocacy efforts contribute to TNC’s priority global strategies, including strategies to advance natural climate solutions (e.g. forests and sustainable agriculture) and using carbon markets to scale up climate ambition. S/he will work closely with staff in key countries to advance our policy priorities and will participate in some or all of our engagement in fora such as with the UN climate change negotiations, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Policy Advisor will contribute to public and private fundraising efforts to support the international climate policy work. S/he will also support internal and external communications efforts.
The Policy Advisor reports directly to the Director, International Climate Policy. However, much of TNC’s work depends on matrix management structures, which means s/he will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships across the organization. This will ensure there is strong alignment and buy-in across the organization to maximize TNC’s effectiveness.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Responsible for developing and building consensus on TNC’s international climate policy priorities
- Responsible for developing and leading implementation of agreed advocacy strategies
- Represent TNC at strategic external engagement meetings, policy forums and networking relevant to international policy goals
- Advise and provide thought leadership on policy interventions that can help take NCS concepts to scale by integrating international climate policy and carbon market expertise across regions / countries or sectors
- Lead TNC’s engagement with external coalitions and partnerships relevant to international climate policy.
- Lead and/or contribute to the development of white papers and other products that reflect TNC’s thought leadership on policies, working with science and communications teams to identify policymaker audiences and translate science findings appropriately
- Collaborate with corporate engagement teams to identify strategic opportunities where private sector advocacy could advance TNC’s goals
- Work with fundraising and conservation teams to craft fundraising requests for policy activities and help identify public and private funding opportunities
- 5 years of relevant experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience related to international climate change policy.
- Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Experience with relationship building.
- Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Master’s degree in political science, environmental policy, business or related field
- Familiarity with voluntary and compliance carbon markets for land-based activities
- Familiarity with technical aspects of international climate policy, such as land sector accounting.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience, including some experience working in or with projects in Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, India or the US, for example.
- Multilingual skills appreciated
- Aptitude to explore policy areas outside of climate, such as finance and economic policies
- Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements with government and/or corporate business
- Demonstrated ability to work in a large, matrixed work environment
- Experience in identifying and securing fundraising opportunities for policy work
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.