Carbon Markets Policy Associate, Europe
The Nature Conservancy
Brussels, Belgium
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Carbon Markets Policy Associate Europe supports TNC’s carbon markets and climate change goals by driving forward and supporting policy engagement on TNC’s global carbon markets strategy. They assist in the outreach, development, and management of strategic partnerships with policy-makers and relevant stakeholders active on carbon markets policy in Europe – with a focus on actors active on EU and national level international carbon markets policies. The Carbon Markets Policy Associate works with the Impact Finance and Markets, Policy and Public Funding, Tackle Climate Change and Europe divisions to conduct policy engagement and outreach, develop supporting analysis and materials, organise meetings and events in support of the achievement of TNC’s policy goals on carbon markets. Some travel may be required.
We’re Looking for You:
The Carbon Markets Policy Associate Europe supports TNC’s carbon markets and climate change goals by driving forward and supporting policy engagement on TNC’s global carbon markets strategy. They assist in the outreach, development, and management of strategic partnerships with policy-makers and relevant stakeholders active on carbon markets policy in Europe – with a focus on actors active on EU and national level international carbon markets policies. The Carbon Markets Policy Associate works with the Impact Finance and Markets, Policy and Public Funding, Tackle Climate Change and Europe divisions to conduct policy engagement and outreach, develop supporting analysis and materials, organise meetings and events in support of the achievement of TNC’s policy goals on carbon markets. Some travel may be required.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Advocate TNC’s policy recommendations on high-integrity carbon markets, the EU framework for the use of international carbon credits, and the role of nature-based carbon credits in these policy frameworks;
Liaise with, help to build and manage relationships with EU and Member State policy-makers on European carbon markets policies;
Implement an advocacy plan that tracks and implements opportunities to support global nature-based solutions within the European climate and carbon markets policy architecture;
Conduct policy research and provide analysis of relevant EU policies for nature-based carbon credits;
Track relevant policy developments and political milestones for the Europe team on carbon credits at European national, EU, and global level;
Develop tailored policy recommendations, integrating scientific and economic data, to input into relevant policy processes at European level;
Proactively coordinate with relevant TNC colleagues to deliver on identified policy priorities; in particular, work closely with colleagues in the Impact Finance and Markets, Policy and Public Funding, Tackle Climate Change and Europe divisions, to ensure objectives are achieved;
Develop strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders on carbon markets policy (NGOs, trade associations, think tanks, etc.);
Identify events and opportunities to elevate TNC’s policy work on carbon markets with European stakeholders and where relevant support on the delivery of these events (briefings, stakeholder maps, agendas, invitations, etc.)
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
Work independently, working with supervisor as needed
What You’ll Bring:
University degree in the fields of climate, environment, economics, policy, public affairs or related field;
Minimum five years professional experience in policy, public affairs, carbon markets, climate or related field;
Fluency in English with excellent written and oral communication skills;
Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives;
Experience presenting to and communicating with government officials or agencies;
Experience working with partners/government agencies and the corporate sector;
Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in policy advocacy, particularly within the EU context, on the topic of climate policy and carbon markets.
Strong knowledge of both voluntary and compliance carbon markets policies in Europe and globally and ability to take part in technical discussions.
Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.
Knowledge of policy-makers, key actors and stakeholders in the carbon markets Space, especially EU-based non-profit organizations and other EU-based carbon market actors.
Experience interacting with a range of stakeholders across governmental and non-governmental institutions, experts, industry and business.
Experience in coalition-building and/or managing multi-sectoral partnerships.
Ability to translate science and data into workable policy solutions.
Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization.
Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
Ability to draft high-quality policy briefings, reports and analysis is highly desired;
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Strong team player with political savvy who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with partners.
Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
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 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 and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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.
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.

