OFFICE LOCATION

Luanda, Angola

This role will be based in Luanda, Angola

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Angola Policy & Government Relations Advisor works with the Africa and Global TNC teams to develop and leverage strong stakeholder and partner relationships with the Government of Angola (GoA), science and research organizations, local communities, and indigenous groups. A primary role of the External Policy & Government Relations Advisor will be to explore avenues that could assist the GoA in increasing the scale of its conservation and climate commitments and advising on ways to help deliver on these commitments, including by unlocking funds for conservation through sustainable financing mechanisms. The Advisor we seek is a self-starter, a collaborative person who is politically well-connected, has strong advocacy skills, and understands the opportunities and responsibilities of working within a local but globally connected team. The position supports the implementation of TNC’s work in Angola and will report directly to TNC’s Angola Country Director. The Policy & Government Relations Advisor will be a member of TNC’s Africa Policy & Government relations team.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Essential Functions:

The Angola Policy & Government Relations Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to TNC and the Angolan Government on complex and strategic issues, particularly related to biodiversity conservation and climate change policies. The development and effective execution of policy and government relations strategy for the Angolan component of TNC’s Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) and Blue Benguela Program will be a priority for this role. The Angola Policy & Government Relations Advisor supports the implementation of TNC Programs in Angola by ensuring that there is government buy-in and support. The role involves working closely with other TNC staff as well as in partnership with national and local government institutions, bi- and multi-lateral funding agencies, and the conservation/environmental sector in Angola. The position liaises with TNC’s Global Strategy teams, Science and Field Conservation staff, Policy & Government Relations departments, and other Operating Units in TNC to further conservation goals, policies, and strategy.

Specifically, the Policy & Government Relations Advisor:

• Provides knowledge and insight into the workings of the Government in Angola and develops and maintains TNC’s relationships with key decision makers (both political and bureaucratic) within the GoA.
• Identifies which key government departments, institutions, arms’ length bodies, ministry officials, and ministers are responsible for sustainable financing of biodiversity and climate change programmes in the country.
• Identify acceptable routes to engage the government to obtain an audience and buy-in on key issues related to sustainable finance mechanisms that could be used to support conservation and climate projects in Angola.
• Plays a crucial role in identifying gaps in relevant policies, proposing changes, and supporting the government in adopting and implementing improved policies towards the conservation and sustainable development.
• Serve as in-country point of contact for regional and global Conservancy staff that are supporting policy and finance work in Angola and actively participate in processes led by these teams.
• Fosters TNCs' relationships with development partners and helps to develop relationships with other potential supporters of TNC’s conservation work in Angola.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, international donor agency and non-governmental organization partners.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Acts independently within broad program goals i.e., community-based and landscape level conservation, sustainable finance, science and capacity building, and strategic partnerships.
• Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies and goals.
• Participates in and negotiates for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• As a member of TNC’s Africa Policy & Government Relations Team, works closely with staff from the Africa Development, Africa Public Funding and TNC’s global strategy teams to leverage key donor engagement and support.
• Participates in fundraising activities to ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or environmental policy, management related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Fluency in Portuguese and English.
• Analytical and advocacy experience.
• Experience successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Proven communication and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Experience with and understanding of the country’s key national priorities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field and 7 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals within the corporate sector.
• 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.
• Understanding of development pressures (e.g., agriculture) and conservation actions (e.g., community conservation).

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56727, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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, 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.