Southeast Europe Freshwater Program Assistant (m/f/d)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Zagreb, Croatia 🇭🇷

  • Job ID: 56430
  • Location: Brussels
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular

OFFICE LOCATION

Zagreb, Croatia

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Southeast Europe is one of TNC’s priority conservation geographies in Europe. As the Assistant for the Southeast Europe Freshwater Program, you will play a key role in advancing TNC’s freshwater initiatives in this region. Your responsibilities will include providing project administration support, conducting fieldwork activities, and managing stakeholder communications. You will also support the implementation of our flagship initiative, United for Rivers, which aims to ensure lasting protection for 13 rivers. This initiative balances environmental conservation with socio-economic development through projects focused on durable freshwater protection, restoration, community engagement, protected area management, and policy development.

A successful candidate will quickly familiarize themselves with all ongoing projects and step into a support role for our content work, including science and policy research to aid our policy, conservation, marketing, and fundraising efforts. You will engage with a wide range of partners in governmental, civil society, and expert communities, support forging and managing partnerships to advance our program goals in close collaboration with your supervisor. Additionally, you will participate in strategy planning and be encouraged to develop your own initiatives and professional development path.

This is a full-time position based in Zagreb, with a one-year contract and the possibility of extension. Flexible working arrangements are possible. Please note that no relocation or immigration assistance is provided for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Tasks:

  • Support the Southeast Europe Freshwater Program with administrative tasks (including but not limited to: note-taking, contract management, and meeting scheduling).
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation for various projects.
  • Contribute to the preparation of reports and communication materials.
  • Provide logistical support for events and international travel arrangements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Fieldwork:

  • Assist in coordinating activities related to the United for Rivers initiative (conferences, events, meetings, field trips and similar).
  • Enhance the program’s presence on digital and social media platforms.
  • Conduct fieldwork activities and travel to engage with stakeholders and facilitate effective communication.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our team as the Assistant for the Southeast Europe Freshwater Program! Not only will you advance TNC’s freshwater initiatives in the beautiful region of Southeast Europe, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated young professional from the conservation field to support our flagship initiative, United for Rivers, and work on freshwater protection, conservation, and management improvement within our SEE program. Empathy, active listening, creativity, good time management, and attention to detail are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate studies, or a related field, and 1-year related experience; or equivalent education and experience.
  • Effective in organizing and coordinating multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other common software applications.
  • Proficient in both written and spoken English, as well as at least one Southeast European language (Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, Slovenian, Macedonian, or Albanian).
  • Experience managing individual tasks and contributing to team projects in a dynamic environment
  • Proven track record of establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships and delivering clear, concise communication with diverse stakeholders.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with project management and/ or coordinating project related administrative processes.
  • Knowledge of current and evolving trends in the field of nature protection and conservation, preferably in a non-profit environment.
  • Possession of a category B driving license.
  • Multi-lingual skills and cross-cultural experience.
  • Interest in environmental issues, particularly freshwater conservation.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment is a plus.
  • A proactive attitude and eagerness to learn and grow professionally
  • Willingness to conduct fieldwork and travel to engage with stakeholders and facilitate effective communication.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56430, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 31.03.2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 culture. 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 orientation, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development