We are looking for an experienced policy associate to coordinate The Nature Conservancy’s policy and advocacy on the biodiversity-related multilateral environmental treaties, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the development and implementation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and support our work to promote sustainable infrastructure development through strategic, landscape-scale planning and mitigation. This new position reports to a Senior Policy Advisor within the Global Policies, Institutions and Conservation Finance (G-PIC) team in the External Affairs Division. The overall objective of the position is to advance The Nature Conservancy's Shared Conservation Agenda, working closely with The Conservancy's global priority and regional programs, by influencing global conservation and biodiversity and sustainable development policies.
The Policy Associate, Global Biodiversity & Sustainable Infrastructure plans, implements and coordinates programs to affect public policy at the international level to further the Conservancy’s mission. Duties include daily contact with government and multilateral agencies’ officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions or internationally negotiated agreements. They build and facilitate internal networks, coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations. They influence the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the international or national level. They develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
The Policy Associate, Global Biodiversity & Sustainable Infrastructure, will help develop and implement TNC’s engagement with multilateral agencies and partners to secure an ambitious and effective post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. They will also advance TNC’s work on sustainable infrastructure policies, standards and practice.
GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY POLICY
- Work with the Senior Policy Advisor, contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of policy strategies to influence priorities, policies and legislation that deliver on TNC’s mission and the Shared Conservation Agenda;
- Coordinate TNC’s engagement in the biodiversity-related conventions, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the development and implementation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework;
- Support TNC’s engagement with the CBD, including by conducting policy analyses, developing policy positions, representing TNC at relevant meetings and negotiations, and, working with country and regional program staff to providing strategic support for national level commitments and implementation;
- Build and maintain working partnerships with key stakeholders in the development of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including partner organizations/NGOs, national government representatives to the CBD, secretariat staff, and internal TNC stakeholders in External Affairs, Science, Communications, and Regional/National programs;
- Prepare and deliver written and oral analysis of negotiations and topics related to the CBD negotiations and subsequent implementation of the GBF for TNC staff, partner country governments and other external stakeholders;
- Develop side events and other outreach at key meetings to highlight TNC research and policy positions and partner country commitments for the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Support TNC country programs and thematic programs to implement national biodiversity commitments and the emerging framework though engagement with international institutions, public donors and partners.
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
- Build relationships with development agencies, multilateral development banks, project preparation facilities, the Global Infrastructure Hub, Global Infrastructure Basel/SuRe and other stakeholders involved in planning and finance of large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Support development and dissemination of policy guidance, standards and tools to reduce impacts of infrastructure development on biodiversity and ecosystem services and support infrastructure that is aligned with the Paris Accord and the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Working with country and regional programs, as well as development agencies, establish partnerships and pilots for upstream strategic planning for infrastructure that incorporate natural capital and green infrastructure that helps build the business case for sustainable infrastructure.
- Facilitate partnerships with construction and engineering industry to promote sustainable infrastructure policies and standards.
OTHER
- Supporting the development of funding proposals as necessary.
- Work with TNC Communications to develop public-facing media and messaging on biodiversity and sustainable infrastructure policies.
- Ability to travel internationally.
- Ability to work with a geographically dispersed team, requiring occasional off-hours teleconferencing.
- Experience with record of engagement in policy formulation, analysis and advocacy.
- Experience as a team player and networker, with experience working in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural 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.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of the CBD and related multilateral environmental treaties and institutions —content and processes.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, oral and written, particularly with explaining complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Established relationships with an international network of biodiversity policy practitioners.
- Knowledge of sustainable infrastructure standards, guidelines and practice.
- Knowledge of impact assessment and mitigation policies.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience.
- Graduate degree preferred.
- Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.