Policy & Government Relations Advisor – Africa

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate.

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for indigenous people, strengthening leadership and resource management and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socio-economic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development and sustainable food production, working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa. In South Africa TNC works with government, private sector, NGOs, and community stakeholders to restore priority catchments and conserve important landscapes.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Policy & Government Relations Advisor will develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda. They will Coordinate the Influencing of the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives Across the TNC Africa countries of operation. They will report to the Director Policy & Government Relations and will be based in the TNC Regional Office in Kenya or in any other location in Africa where TNC has an office (Zambia, South Africa, Gabon, Tanzania)

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

Roles and Responsibilities.

• Support the Director, Policy & Government Relations for the Africa region to develop, implement and deliver TNC’s Africa Policy Strategy, particularly as it relates to African governments and African-based international policy forums and institutions.
• Under the supervision of the Director, Policy & Government Relations for the Africa region and in close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, support the design and implementation of strategies that engage with policy initiatives of African governments and African-based international institutions to affect policy change and implementation in line with TNC’s International Policy Strategy, Program and Country strategies, and guided by TNC’s Africa Strategy.
• Support the implementation of Engagement Plans for specific meetings of relevant MEAs and Conventions, as they relate to African governments. Relevant agreements and institutions include but are not limited to: UN biodiversity conventions and other Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCCD), as well as Regional Conventions and Strategies.
• In close collaboration with Country/Regional and Program staff, provide support in identifying and developing strategic relationships with key African governments and key global institutions based in Africa, such as UN Environment and UN country missions based in Nairobi, and the African Union, to advance Institutional and Programmatic strategies in achieving the TNC’s 2030 Goals
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of Policy and Government relations strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or the corporate sector.
• Liaise with TNC’s National strategy teams, Science and Field Conservation staff, other External Affairs departments and with TNC’s Africa Operating Units to further conservation goals, policies, and strategy.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues.
• Coordinate the Influencing of the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives Across the TNC Africa countries of operation level.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Fluency in English. Fluency in French and/or another common language used in Africa is beneficial.
• 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 implementing strategic program goals.
• 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
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience including preparing and presenting policy briefings and reports and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate and NGO partners, as well as government agencies.
• Experience with negotiation skills and supervisory experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and over 10 years of experience
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance
• Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in Africa and different countries of our operations (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Gabon, Angola)
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, gratuity/ Pension including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.