Associate Director, Policy (Conservation)

Associate Director, Policy (Conservation)

Salary: Competitive

Location: Central London HQ and consideration for international candidates in locations given if deemed particularly relevant to the responsibilities of the role

Contract type: Perm Full Time

Holiday: 25 days per annum plus public holidays

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Benefits: Pension scheme (non-contributory), private medical insurance, life insurance, season ticket loan

Overview:

The Royal Foundation's Nature Conservation Programme is seeking a highly experienced and exceptional Associate Director, Policy. This role will be integral to delivering on a newly joined up nature and oceans strategy with The Earthshot Prize. That strategy will build and amplify catalytic campaigns to drive global solutions and impact at scale, while delivering tangible results for people and our planet, building on the platform provided by The Royal Foundation programmes (including United for Wildlife) and The Earthshot Prize finalists. The Associate Director, Policy will be responsible for leading policy initiatives that drive significant outcomes at global events.

Role Purpose:

Reporting to the Executive Director - Conservation, the Associate Director will design and coordinate the execution of global policy initiatives to deliver on the new nature strategy, drawing upon the foundational elements provided by The Royal Foundation's programmes (especially United for Wildlife) and The Earthshot Prize. These initiatives should reflect the Foundation's unique role and value-add and ensure accountability for commitments made.

Across all aspects of this role the Associate Director, Policy will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders at The Royal Foundation, The Earthshot Prize, Kensington Palace and external partners, to ensure the successful delivery of programme outcomes.

Key Accountabilities, but not limited to:

The main identified policy initiatives are:

• Catalysing global action on wildlife crimes, and linkages with broader crimes that affect the environment;
• Scaling finance for nature;
• Raising the profile of nature's protectors - rangers, indigenous peoples, local communities - who are critical for delivering on the 30x30 global target.

A core initial focus will be catalysing global attention to wildlife crimes, and linkages with broader environmental crimes. Specific objectives here include:

• Designing and coordinating delivery of one or more major annual moments on wildlife crime and/or environmental crime, including at COP30 in Brazil.
• Building coalitions of stakeholders (governments, experts, NGOs, private sector) in support of policy objectives.
• Leading on the preparation of policy statements with stakeholders.
• Leading on engagement with governments and multilateral institutions.
• Convening experts to discuss and identify innovative policy solutions.
• Undertaking policy analyses and producing authoritative thought pieces.

Relevant knowledge, experience and personal qualities:

• Experienced in the environmental or security sectors, with a track record of convening and delivering large-scale programmes.
• Able to lead the conceptualisation, design and execution of innovative programmes that anticipate and address future needs.
• Broad working knowledge of international policy and sector issues, and experience with high-level events and convenings.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build high performing networks, encourage personal growth in teams and inspire and empower colleagues to drive action.
• Comfortable working at all levels, from strategic leadership to hands-on delivery.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate evidence, insights and intelligence to clearly communicate opportunities and risks to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organisational skills. Able to work independently, prioritise own tasks and time, manage a varied workload and work under pressure.
• Strong critical thinking and judgement and able to apply this to strategic and tactical issues.
• Flexible, hands-on and pragmatic approach, and comfortable working within a context of uncertainty, challenge and change.
• Combines a collaborative approach with accountability and an ability to drive action and decision-making.
• Passionate about creating a healthier society with the ability to work within the non-political constraints of The Royal Foundation.
• Understands the importance of discretion and confidentiality and the need for a mature and professional approach.

Our Company & Culture:

The Royal Foundation is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to ensuring a positive, safe, and respectful environment which promotes the wellbeing and dignity of our employees, partners, suppliers, and those whose interests we represent. We are committed to promoting a positive and inclusive working environment that has a diversity of people and views, and one that supports our culture of collaboration and curiosity. These principles underpin our professional behaviors and are embedded in our policies, procedures, day-to-day practices, and external relationships. We therefore welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references.

If you have the relevant skills and enthusiasm for the role, then we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter (no more than two pages) explaining your motivation for applying and how you meet the skills and experience required for the role by clicking 'Apply' now.