Federal Government Relations Advisor

The Nature Conservancy

About The Position

Nature United is a national organization that is reimagining conservation across Canada. We believe that nature—thriving and full of life—is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy, and a future worth passing on to our grandchildren. We believe that reconciliation is at the heart of our progress as a nation. And we believe that Canada can be a global beacon for hope. We work to advance sustainable resource management by supporting Indigenous leadership and authority and to harness the power of nature to address the climate crisis by advancing natural climate solutions. Nature United is an affiliate of the global organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The Federal Government Relations Advisor supports Nature United’s conservation goals by leading project teams, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between Nature United and federal agencies, parliamentarians and political staff. Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, and working in collaboration with Strategic Partnerships , Conservation, and Communications teams the Federal Government Relations Advisor furthers the work of Nature United 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, evaluate the potential for strategic partnerships, and develop and implement 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 (The Nature Conservancy), 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
Fluency in English.
Understanding of Federal policy-making processes and Parliamentary system.
Experience presenting to and/or communicating with government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
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, NGO and Indigenous partners, and government agencies.

Nice To Haves

French skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Master’s degree appreciated
Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in Canada, including Indigenous rights and Indigenous-led conservation.
Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

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. This includes working in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and consultative or advisory capacity.
Supports the development and implementation of multi-year federal public funding and policy strategies toward NCS, sustainable resource management, and Indigenous-led conservation goals.
Supports the development of Nature United’s federal political workplan and engagement strategy and works with Nature United’s GR Director and Provincial Policy Advisors to leverage intergovernmental policy and funding opportunities.
Crafts compelling federally focused communications materials; monitors and understands external messaging and media, including social media.
Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinates the work of others.
Prepares and presents project proposals and negotiates with federal, bilateral and multilateral agencies and/or the business and corporate sector, to achieve program goals.
May represent Nature United at key national and international events and venues (UNFCCC COP, UNCBD COP).
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including US and Canadian federal lobbying laws and regulations.
Communicates professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures, with a focus on amplifying and uplifting Indigenous voices.
Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
Travel (approximately 10%) and work flexible hours as required.

Benefits

Nature United offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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