To advance The Nature Conservancy's Shared Conservation Agenda, the Global Policies, Institutions and Conservation Finance (G-PIC) unit in External Affairs/Policy (XA/Policy) works closely with The Conservancy's global priority and regional programs to influence global conservation and development agendas and to mobilize significant public funding resources for conservation around the world. This work requires building partnerships with multilateral and bilateral agencies which also invest resources in environment and conservation. Key among these global institutions are the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the U.S. Department of State (State), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These comprise the Global Institutions team within G-PIC. The Policy Advisor, U.S. Foreign Assistance, is responsible for State, USAID and MCC engagement on behalf of The Conservancy and reports to the Director of Global Institutions. The Director of Global Institutions and GCF Relationship Manager in turn, reports to the Director of G-PIC.
The Policy Advisor, U.S. Foreign Assistance, manages TNC’s overall relationship with USAID in order to advance TNC’s policy, partnership and public funding objectives with the Agency. This work includes the following essential functions:
- Track policies and strategies of USAID, State and MCC and communicate implications and opportunities associated with agency actions to TNC regions and global strategy programs;
- Facilitate access to USAID funding and facilitate relationships with USAID in Washington, DC; coordinate with Regional counterparts on engagement with U.S. missions in countries where TNC works;
- Manage TNC’s overall relationships with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the State Department;
- Provide technical assistance and advice to TNC field programs on USAID funding opportunities, proposal development processes, and Mission engagement.
- Collaborate with colleagues in XA/Policy’s U.S. Government Relations team to increase US government funding for international conservation.
- Develop and maintain resources for staff on USAID, State and MCC engagement and public funding opportunities.
- Analyze and disseminate USAID, State and MCC public funding opportunities to Regions and Global Strategies.
- Coordinate TNC participation in Global USAID Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contracts (IDIQs) as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- The Policy Advisor will develop and maintain relationships with USAID, State and MCC in order to influence public policies and secure funding to advance The Nature Conservancy’s mission. The majority of the Policy Advisor’s time will be spent maintaining and enhancing/deepening TNC’s strong relationship with USAID in order to assist TNC country and regional programs to access new USAID funding and maintain strong partner relations on existing USAID projects.
- The Policy Advisor will also be responsible for overall management of TNC’s relationships with State and MCC, supporting Conservancy senior leadership and staff to engage these institutions and pursue strategic partnerships. In line with the Conservancy’s overall Public Funding Strategy, they develop and implement strategies to influence decisions made by these institutions policies, strategies, spending, grants and resource management decisions.
- Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages appreciated.
- Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and activities and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience with communication and presentation skills.
- Experinece in negotiation skills.
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 government and non-profit 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
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.