The Senior Policy Advisor will primarily provide policy support for a coastal resilience project aimed at integrating coastal wetlands into Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with a focus on mangroves.

Senior Policy Advisor, Jamaica Programme

 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.”

The Senior Policy Advisor will primarily provide policy support for a coastal resilience project aimed at integrating coastal wetlands into Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with a focus on mangroves. The Advisor plans, implements, and coordinates programs at the sub-national or departmental level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further the TNC’s mission. Duties include daily contact with local, sub-national country, multilateral/agencies officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions or internationally negotiated agreements.  They build and facilitate internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations.  They influence the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the international, country, sub-national, and local levels. They develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda. They foster coordination and collaboration with the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) and other key stakeholders specifically towards the GOJ implementing a suite of recommendations to advance mangrove restoration as a significant component of the country’s NDC and other policy documents related to seagrass management, under a specially funded coastal resilience project. 

Term: This is term-limited position, contingent on the start date of the project award (estimated September 2023). The position has an anticipated end date of 3rd April 2026.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. 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. We have an awesome task at hand, and the work that you do here will have a direct impact on our success.

• Bachelor’s degree in coastal planning, natural resources management, science, engineering, or another related field of study and 4 years of related work experience in climate adaptation in the Jamaica or the Caribbean, coastal or marine conservation, or other related experience.
• Experience in climate adaptation in the Caribbean and marine and coastal issues, management, and planning.
• Training or experience with nature-based solutions, particularly mangrove restoration and management.
• Training or experience with current trends and practices in climate and disaster risk reduction initiatives in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and globally.
  • Familiarity with the Nationally Determined Contributions
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff and/or programme leadership.
• Experience developing partnerships with non-profit organizations, community groups, and government agencies toward specific project goals.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience, including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government entities. 
• Experience working with Jamaica’s natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to estuarine, coastal and marine habitat management.
• Fluency in English.

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 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 work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

How to Apply:

To apply for job ID 53921, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59pm EST on September 8, 2023.  

Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page.  TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. 

 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.