European Public Partnerships Officer at Conservation International (CI)

EUROPEAN PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER
Relations with Germany, Norway and the UK
Conservation International

Start date: 1st November 2014

Type: Permanent
Location: Conservation International Europe, Brussels

Position title within CI: Senior Manager, European Public Partnerships

 

Background 

 

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International (CI) empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of people. Founded in 1987, CI is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and employs more than 800 staff in 30 countries on six continents, and has nearly 1,000 partners around the world. 

 

CI Europe leads CI’s engagement with European partners, including European Union institutions, European governments and other key stakeholders on policy, collaborations and funding opportunities relevant to CI’s global mission.

 

The Governments of Germany and Norway are global leaders in biodiversity conservation and climate change issues. CI has a history of collaboration with both countries and is implementing innovative projects under the Germany's International Climate Initiative and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative, demonstrating new approaches in REDD+ and Ecosystem-based Adaptation and generating a body of knowledge that is contributing through practical examples to international climate negotiations. Additionally, CI has established relations with British stakeholders and is eager to increase its strategic engagement in the UK.

 

Conservation International is seeking a European Public Partnerships Officer to maintain and further develop relationships with the German and Norwegian Governments. The position will also be tasked with reaching out to relevant European Foundations and the private sector to establish new partnerships. The European Public Partnerships Officer will also seek opportunities to increase engagement with the Government of the United Kingdom. S/he will raise CI’s profile with key agencies through strategic dialogue and will monitor the execution of projects to ensure commitments are met. Based in CI’s European office in Brussels, this role complements on-going similar efforts with the French Government and EU institutions. 

 

Main responsibilities

 

• Manage Conservation International’s relationship with the governments of Germany and Norway (plus UK as resources allow) and associated public and private donors through the maintenance of regular communication with partners and by developing communication tools. Support programs to raise new funds from Germany, Norway and the UK, as well as foundations and the private sector in collaboration with colleagues in CI’s Development team and the Center for Environmental Leadership in Business. This includes:

• identifying fundraising opportunities for CI’s field programs and technical teams
• leading and/or supporting the development of proposals
• participating in account management at the project level
• amplifying CI's existing work through new and existing funding opportunities.

• Reinforce CI’s position as a trusted advisor to the German and Norwegian Governments and related partners by organizing high-level meetings and exchanges for senior CI staff visiting Europe and German and Norwegian partners visiting field programs or CI headquarters. 
• Support CI’s goals by promoting CI’s policy objectives in Europe, sharing strategic contacts and contributing to coherent policy and funding approach in Europe, working closely with the rest of the CI Europe team.
• Raise awareness within CI about the role of the German and Norwegian governments and other relevant partners and the importance of engaging in these partnerships.

Conditions

 

This is a full time permanent position (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée). Candidates should be EU nationals or have a valid work permit for Belgium.

 

Qualifications

 

Required

(Applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered)

• Graduate degree in environmental studies, public policy, international relations/development studies or natural resource management and minimum 5-8 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the German and/or Norwegian institutional frameworks and extensive contacts in the German and/or Norwegian government sector and associated development communities.
• Proven ability to fundraise and network, developing and managing partnerships across a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of conservation, development and political issues in Germany and/or Norway, in Europe and globally.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong proven interpersonal and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment that requires collaboration and networking with others in dispersed locations.
• Willingness to travel frequently to Germany, Norway, the USA and other locations.
• Excellent command of both German and English is indispensable.

Preferred

• Excellent knowledge of both German and Norwegian institutional frameworks and extensive contacts in both governments and associated development communities.
• Knowledge of the UK’s institutional framework and contacts in the UK government sector and associated development communities.
• Knowledge of one or more additional European language.

Compensation

 

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

 

Application

 

Applications are to be submitted through the careers section of the CI website (http://www.conservation.org/careers). Please apply using this link . Within this online application system, please make sure to upload your CV and cover letter.

 

CI Values

 

As we pursue our vision and mission, we are guided by these essential and values:

• Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms.
• Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.
• Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.
• Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.