Europe’s Policy and Public Funding Operations Specialist (m/f/d)
The Nature Conservancy
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at unprecedented scale, and providing food and water sustainably. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
Inspired by the continent’s instrumental role in setting and elevating global standards for climate and nature, The Nature Conservancy launched operations in Europe in 2008. Since then, TNC has formed strong relationships with Europe-based NGOs, corporations, financial institutions, philanthropists and governments to protect the nature that remains, restore the nature we’ve lost and address climate change. Our presence across Europe has grown significantly over the past 15 years. We are proud to have nurtured a diverse team of over 50 staff members representing 30 nationalities, based in strategic locations that help advance our mission in Europe - Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, London and Zagreb.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
Europe’s Policy and Public Funding (PPF) teams’ functions are essential for TNC to advance its global and Europe’s specific policy goals and to develop partnerships with key European public donors to mobilize finance for climate and nature globally. The teams are spread over three of our European offices Berlin, Brussels and London) and they work closely with TNC’s Global and Regional teams internally, and externally with EU institutions and national governments and public sector entities . The PPF Operations Specialist will be a core member of our Europe Business Unit providing day-to-day administrative and organizational support to PPF teams These include, among others, the management of our internal databases, calendars, supporting the organization of events , internal and external communications, as well as support in budgets preparation and tracking.
This is a part-time (80% - 4 days / week) position with a one-year contract with possibility of extension. Place of work is Brussels, Belgium. Flexible working arrangements are possible. No relocation or immigration assistance is offered with this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The PPF Operations Specialist will provide daily administrative and organizational support to the PPF teams working in close cooperation with both teams. They may be responsible for supporting the planning and execution of events and/or meetings, central filing and internal data management, and internal communications to support staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They may also assist with the recruitment, training, and recognition of staff. In addition, they may perform Information systems, and finance administrative tasks, including processing forms, assisting in preparing budgets and reports. may support the monitoring of and.. The Specialist will communicate with eventual volunteers, vendors, and business relations as needed in the scope of the role’s responsibilities and ensuring compliance with TNC’s policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
· Coordinates and supports PPF teams engagement, including team meetings, internal communications, retreats and travel.
· Keeps track and manages PFP teams records and data requirements (using TNC’s Hub, BB CRM, Box, Workday, Smartsheet and other content management software).
· Support he PFP teams with contracting procedures and financial – administrative monitoring of the implementation
Plans complex trips and events, working in close cooperation with external travel agencies to ensure everything runs smoothly during trips.
Supporting logistics of meetings with partners, stakeholders and donors in all locations.
· Support the teams with scheduling meetings with TNC staff, stakeholders and partners, circulating materials, notetaking and follow up.
· Ensure that TNC’s policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.
· Provide support for the management and budget tracking for the PPF teams.
· Travel occasionally, working flexible hours as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Resource Management or related field and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 2 years proven experience as an Administrator, Administrative Assistant or relevant role.
· Experience in supporting teams in processes related to data and information management, internal and external communications and the organization of meetings and events. .
· Experience with Microsoft Office suite, especially Microsoft Excel and Word.
· Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
· Fluency in English and strong command of written and spoken French language.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Knowledge of the Brussels environment, hospitality, financial and legal frameworks.
Supporting logistics of meetings with partners, stakeholders and donors in all locations.
· Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
· Experience working in a decentralized organization, working with a diverse and distributed team, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
· Ability to manage and implement complex processes.
· Demonstrated attention to detail.
· Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative role.
· Strong problem-solving skills.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES
Builds Relationships
Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically
Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
Develops
Others
Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Drives for
Results
Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high-performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work-life balance.
Leverages Difference
Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholder. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.
Systems
Leadership
Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large-scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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 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.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
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.

