The Policy Associate, Build Healthy Cities develops, coordinates and implements strategies necessary to achieve the Conservancy’s goals in relation to cities through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners.
The Policy Associate, Build Healthy Cities furthers the work of the Conservancy and its conservation partners through direct interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact our conservation programs. They identify conservation policy and funding opportunities, evaluate the potential for strategic partnerships with urban-focused global platforms, and develop and implement strategies to influence public policy and public funding that furthers the Conservancy’s goals within the Cities global strategy. They liaise with counterparts within TNC to provide and extract useful lessons and experience and to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches.
The Policy Associate, Build Healthy Cities, will be a key member of both the Build Healthy Cities Team and the Global Strategies Policy Coordination team and will liaise across multiple teams within the External Affairs Division. This position will report to the Director, Global Strategies Policy Coordination, and execute an annual work plan that will be developed and evaluated jointly by the Director, Global Strategies Policy Coordination and the Program Director, Build Healthy Cities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with relevant external institutions and partners to advance Build Healthy Cities priorities (including public sector entities such as Global Environmental Facility, Convention of Biological Diversity process, World Bank, and other multi-lateral development banks).
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships to further SCA outcomes across all Build Healthy Cities strategies (Greenprinting, Global Urban Water) with relevant urban-focused networks such as 100 Resilient Cities, C40, ICLEI and others
- Identify public sector funding opportunities for Global Cities strategies and projects, in particular funding for planned greenprints necessary to act on findings of TNC’s “Nature in the Urban Century” assessment
- Lead The Nature Conservancy’s engagement in implementation of the New Urban Agenda and associated efforts to achieve SDG 11, including establishing TNC as a leading voice for nature within SDG-11 targets
- Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
- Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies and goals. Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy.
- 4 years of government relations experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Fluency in English
- Experience working with regional and global institutions and platforms, as well as NGO partners, regarding urban policy issues.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Experience in communication and presentation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in urban planning, international affairs, or other relevant area preferred.
- Fluency in a second language
- Experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Extensive and demonstrated project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements with government and/or corporate business.
- Experience working with partners/government agencies.
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
- International experience and language skills.
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.