Europe Policy Associate (Freshwater) (m/f/d)

Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Europe Policy Associate (Freshwater) will coordinate and drive program delivery in support of TNC’s 2030 goals of ensuring 40,000 Km with improved management (including 25,000 Km of rivers restored), with a particular focus on the goals to improve management of and protect rivers in priority locations across Europe. You will be an integral member of the policy team, analyzing European freshwater policy and providing regular updates on freshwater policy to a range of audiences. You will support TNC’s policy goals by representing TNC in engagements with policymakers, external agencies, NGOs, companies, and other relevant stakeholders with whom TNC needs to engage in support of our 2030. You will coordinate the work program with respect to TNC’s ‘Restore’ and ‘Protect’ goals in Europe. You will report to the Senior Policy Advisor for Biodiversity in the Policy team and work closely with the Europe Freshwater Director, members of TNC’s Europe Freshwater team, and selected members of the global water team. The position is available immediately and is fixed-term until 30.06.2023 with an option to extend the employment contract. Location is Brussels. Travel in the European Union is expected for up to 20% of the time.

The Europe Policy Associate tracks, analyses and advises on relevant European policy developments. You build and facilitate internal networks, coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations, and conduct other activities in support of a program and/or manager. You may serve as a point of contact to inform Conservancy partners and government officials of Conservancy policy and positions. You help to develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and corporate actors to advance TNC’s agenda in terms of river restoration and protection in Europe. The Policy Associate assists the Policy Team regarding freshwater components of the broader biodiversity policy agenda. The Associate also develops key topical expertise in issues related to river protection and restoration, in order to help further define TNC’s specific value-added in the European context in those two areas. In order to do this, you will undertake policy literature reviews, preparing summaries, conclusions and briefing notes. The Associate will participate in freshwater-related meetings/events and build a network on topics related to river restoration and protection in support of TNC’s engagement in Europe particularly. You will also contribute and/or lead the work on issues related to communication, fundraising and reporting inside and outside of TNC. The work might also include administrative tasks and could include travels within Europe or internationally.

• May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff
• Financial responsibility may include developing and working within a budget, completing travel expenses, and managing/reporting other expenses related to relevant activities
• May provide research and policy analysis in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities
• May provide assistance with the preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications
• Works independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed
• Makes independent decisions within the scope of work assignments

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination
• Fluency in English, with additional European languages a plus
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material
• Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences
• Experience working with partners/government agencies
• Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience in working with/in the EU institutions or with/in Member States administrative structures
• Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results
• Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders
• Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability
• Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Some supervisory experience

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan to include employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

To apply for job ID 51411, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 20.05.2022. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.