Director of Policy, Europe

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.

Halting biodiversity loss and climate change are among the most critical issues of our time, and maximizing the potential of Europe to achieve these goals is vital. For over 15 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked with partners in Europe to advance nature and climate action on the continent, like in the biodiversity-rich Western Balkans, collaborating with communities and governments to protect Europe’s iconic landscapes and natural resources.

As a trusted partner, we also support Europe’s outsized contribution to the global nature and climate agenda, through engagement with Europe’s key players and decision-makers from governments, philanthropists and civil society to corporations and financial institutions. Our policy priorities include trade and deforestation, protected areas, freshwater, food systems, fisheries, renewable energy and nature finance.

By bringing global scale, scientific and technical expertise and convening power, we create and implement practical solutions, advance ambitious policy and catalyse much needed resources to protect the vital nature we have left, restore the nature we’ve lost and address climate change.

Since opening TNC’s first office in Europe in 2009, we’ve grown into a vibrant team of 60 staff representing more than 30 nationalities. Together, we are advancing nature and climate goals from our hubs in Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, London and Zagreb.

This position may be based in Brussels, Belgium, Berlin, Germany, or the United Kingdom. Flexible working policies at TNC apply.

What We Can Achieve Together

The challenges facing our planet today require comprehensive solutions that address the well-being of people and nature and lay the foundation for future conservation efforts. Promoting policies that provide benefits to both people and nature is critical to securing lasting conservation outcomes.

The work and expertise of TNCs policy programs are integral to this effort. The Policy teams help shape the government policies that help make possible achievement of transformative conservation outcomes to address climate change, enhance protection of lands, waters, and the ocean, and provide food and water sustainably.

The Director of Policy, Europe, furthers the work of TNC and our conservation partners through direct engagement with policymakers and institutions in Europe focusing on practices, policy and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact our global conservation programs and mission.

We’re Looking for You

TNC is looking for a Director of Policy, Europe, with extensive leadership and management experience, deep understanding of the biodiversity and climate landscape in Europe, track record of policy and advocacy work at senior level, a proven collaborator, team player and facilitator, experience navigating complex matrix organization, and an ability to create a shared vision and influence institutions towards aligned objectives. Reporting to the Regional Managing Director for Europe, the Director of Policy will be responsible for delivering against the following objectives:

• Lead and manage a team of seasoned policy professionals towards shared goals and steer the productive management of multi-stakeholder relationships. Our team aims to set climate, biodiversity and sustainable finance objectives on the EU policy agenda and in priority countries. We engage with relevant stakeholders at national and international level to shape policy and funding opportunities and to support the leverage of funds for our conservation work.

• Work collaboratively with governments, coalitions and global platforms to increase awareness of environmental challenges, help frame policy priorities, and contribute to advance solutions in the global governance of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

• Lead analysis and mapping of policy developments in Europe to identify opportunities and evaluate the potential for strategic institutional partnerships to achieve shared objectives across policy, innovation, solutions and impact towards TNC’s priorities.

• Engage with key European policy institutions and governments and other relevant policy actors such as bi-lateral, regional and/or multilateral institutions, and civil society, to develop meaningful partnerships.

• Build upon existing relationships at a senior level across the European public sector, as well as aligned corporates and NGOs, that may lead to increased support for the TNC’s conservation objectives.

• Ensure accurate and up to date reporting of global policy impact, including visibility, reach, commitment and income.

• Represent TNC as a subject matter expert across TNC’s policy priorities at major European and global processes such as COP, CBD and other international policy dialogue platforms and events.

• Play a lead coordinating role in bringing a range of existing, and new national and multilateral partners and agencies together towards TNC objectives and wider coalition-building with partners such as the European Commission, the UK, German and French Government, among others.

• Work closely with the Europe Public Funding and Partnerships Team and the Corporate Engagement team to identify and/or advise on public private partnership opportunities.

• Support TNC staff in Europe and globally to support the strategic development of successful funding proposals and productive management of multi-stakeholder relationships.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience and track record of policy and advocacy work at a senior level in Europe, engaging with and influencing governments and institutions towards aligned objectives.

• A strong understanding of TNC Europe’s policy priorities, including climate, biodiversity, deforestation & trade, sustainable food-systems, and freshwater protection.

• A naturally collaborative approach and proven ability to cultivate, steward and own relationships, most notably in the public sector.

• Prior experience establishing, implementing and maintaining strategic partnerships with European national governments, regional actors (including the European Commission), multilateral institutions and civil society.

• Existing networks among high-level policymakers in Europe, as well as existing understanding of the biodiversity and climate landscape and policy commitments in Europe.

• A high degree of strategic vision to help leverage partners in Europe to build and protect TNC’s reputation with a wide range of key actors on the continent.

• Experience leading and managing teams, and of setting strategic direction and goals with a long-term vision, coupled with flexibility and opportunism to adapt to changing circumstances and objectives.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor the message to suit different audiences and sectors.

• A strong dedication to TNC’s vision and mission, with a consistent focus on achieving desired outcomes.

Desired Qualifications

• Collaborative leader who empowers others.

• Comfortable working in a globally dispersed, multi-cultural and highly matrixed environment.

• Ability to lead, influence and mentor a high performing team.

• Strong and diplomatic communication skills, including public speaking, briefing senior leaders and writing for diverse audiences.

• Ability to both chart long-term objectives and respond to short-term opportunities.

• Multi-lingual experience desired.

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 and strategic partnerships, 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 supplemental health insurance, life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, retirement stipend [after qualifying period], paid administrative leave, parental leave, accrued paid time off, 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!