Associate Director, Government Relations
As a member of Nature United’s Strategic Partnerships Team, the Associate Director, Government Relations develops, leads and implements government relations strategies to achieve Nature United’s and its affiliate, The Nature Conservancy’s, goals through interaction with the federal government, Indigenous advocacy organizations and institutions, multilateral agencies, and/or other external partners as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Associate Director, Government Relations furthers the work of Nature United, TNC, and conservation partners through direct interaction with the federal government, Indigenous governments, multilateral agencies, and/or other external partners focusing on federal policy, programs, and funding initiatives that provide opportunities and/or impact toward natural climate solutions (NCS), sustainable management of lands and oceans, and Indigenous-led conservation. They will identify conservation-related public policy and funding opportunities, evaluates the potential for strategic partnerships, and develops and implements strategies to influence priorities, public policy and public funding for conservation at the national and/or global level. They will liaise with counterparts within Nature United, our global affiliate (TNC), and with external partners to provide and extract useful lessons and experience, to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches, and to position Canada as a global conservation and natural climate solutions leader.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
· Builds and sustains relationships with diverse groups including key legislators, government officials, Indigenous advocates and partners, NGO coalitions, and others who are critical to Nature United’s overall national public policy and funding strategies.
· Develops and implements multi-year federal public funding and policy strategies toward NCS, sustainable resource management, and Indigenous-led conservation goals.
· Manages Nature United’s federal political workplan and engagement strategy.
· Works with Nature United’s Provincial Policy Advisor to leverage intergovernmental policy and funding opportunities.
· Crafts compelling federally focused communications materials and effectively deploys messengers.
· Monitors and understands external messaging and media, including social media.
· Effectively directs and/or participates in complex negotiations.
· Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and consultative or advisory capacity.
· Prepares and presents project proposals and negotiates with federal, bilateral and multilateral agencies and/or the business and corporate sector, to achieve program goals.
· Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including US and Canadian federal lobbying laws and regulations.
· Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside Nature United.
· Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
· Communicates professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures, with a focus on amplifying and uplifting Indigenous voices.
· May supervise administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
· May represent Nature United at key national and international events and venues (UNFCCC COP 26, UNCBD COP 15)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
· 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 written and spoken English required and ability to work in French preferred.
· Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects and coordinating the work of others both inside and outside of the organization.
· Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
· Proven communication and presentation skills.
· Experience negotiating complex, high profile, or sensitive agreements.
· Experience developing strategic partnerships with partners and government agencies.
· Federal and/or global governance experience required.
· Experience building relationships with Indigenous communities, nations, and organizations.
· Experience ensuring federal/provincial/territorial governments create equitable space for Indigenous peoples in decision making.
· Experience with Canada’s Lobbying Act and Lobbyist Code of Conduct.
· Must be currently eligible to work in Canada. Availability to travel within Canada and internationally (as permissible).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working in current issues and opportunities in environmental, sustainability and Indigenous governance and policy in Canada, the parts of the federal public service that impact environmental issues, and the landscape of environmental NGOs in Canada.
· Working knowledge of natural climate solutions, Indigenous-led conservation, protected areas, forestry, agriculture, and/or marine issues appreciated.
· Experience with financing mechanisms and market policies—including carbon and offset markets—appreciated.
· Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural and/or international work experience appreciated.
· Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals.
· 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 conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. If you have relevant experience, we encourage you to apply, as we are open to providing training and other skill-building opportunities for the right candidate.
Nature United is committed to building a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce, based on 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, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 50346, submit your cover letter and resume online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2021. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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