Policy Specialist

Job Description Who We Are The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization committed to safeguarding the lands and waters upon which all life depends. In India, our subsidiary, Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), partners with government agencies, research institutions, and local communities to develop science-based, sustainable solutions for climate change, water security, and biodiversity conservation. NCIS offers research, consulting, technical support, and advisory services to diverse stakeholders in India and globally on conservation, environment, biodiversity, and climate change. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/ What We Can Achieve Together: At Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), we believe long-lasting environmental change happens when science, implementation, and policy are integrated. The Policy Specialist will work closely with the Policy Lead to advance NCIS's policy vision across five thematic pillars: Freshwater Conservation, Natural Climate Solutions & Climate Adaptation, Regenerative Agriculture, Accelerating Renewable Energy, and Priority Landscapes. This is a hands-on role centered on policy research and analysis, project coordination, and knowledge management, ensuring that field insights and technical evidence are effectively translated into strengthening NCIS's policy pathways. We're Looking For You: Are you ready to drive policy change and make a difference at scale Join a dynamic team at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) where you will play a pivotal role in shaping policy, advancing strategic projects, and fostering collaboration across diverse partners. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking professional to lead research, analysis, and coordination efforts that directly support impactful environmental and social initiatives. At TNC, our policy work is at the heart of creating sustainable solutions for people and nature. By working closely with program teams, government agencies, and key stakeholders, you will contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based policies that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through your expertise and dedication, you will help propel TNC's mission to create lasting, positive change through informed advocacy and collaborative action. Research & Analysis - Track and synthesize national and state-level policy developments relevant to NCIS programs. - Prepare internal briefing notes, background papers, and draft sections of policy documents for review and refinement. - Maintain organized databases of legislative updates, stakeholder inputs, and evidence-based resources. Project Management & Coordination - Develop and monitor work plans, budgets, and timelines for policy-related projects and consultations. - Coordinate with program, finance, and operations teams to ensure deliverables are on schedule and well documented. - Provide regular updates on progress, highlighting key milestones and potential risks. Stakeholder & Event Support - Plan and coordinate workshops, meetings, and consultations in collaboration with program teams and external partners. - Manage pre-event logistics, draft agendas, capture key discussion points, and track follow-up actions. - Facilitate smooth communication and information flow among internal teams and external stakeholders. Knowledge Management & Learning - Curate and maintain an internal repository of policy resources, reports, and best practices. - Assist in preparing presentations and learning materials for internal and external capacity-building sessions. - Support in the synthesis and communication of policy-relevant insights through reports, memos, and strategic documentation. Compliance & Reporting - Ensure that all outputs align with TNC's global standards on policy engagement. - Support preparation of periodic reports and metrics to track policy-related project outcomes. What You'll Bring: Minimum Qualifications - Master's degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Political Science, or other related field. - 35 years of professional experience in policy research and analysis, project management, or development-sector coordination. - Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken), and knowledge of at least one Indian language - Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment. - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and budgets in a dynamic environment. - Experience working with government agencies, research institutions, or NGOs preferred. - Strong understanding of the current policies and laws of the country with respect to the above-mentioned 5 thematic areas - Experience in supporting strategic programs and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. - Demonstrated ability to write funding proposals and policy reports. - Experience in handling complex projects, including financial aspects and coordination with peers and partners. Desired Qualifications - Experience working with the development sector for 5+ years - International experience is highly desirable - Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff. - Experience in representing organizations at national and global platforms, especially across environment, climate, and development sectors. - Strong record of producing policy-facing publications or thought leadership outputs that inform public discourse or decision-making. - Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and synthesize programmatic insights into strategic policy contributions. This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. What We Bring: 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. How to apply: Visit this link: https://careers.nature.org/ 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 [Confidential Information] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.