Renewable Energy Planning and Permitting Expert

**OFFICE LOCATION**:
Vienna, Austria

**WHO WE ARE**:
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

TNC is present in Europe since 2009, while TNC Europe’s South East Europe Program has been operating since 2018 and its work is aimed towards addressing the twin biodiversity and climate crisis by boosting freshwater biodiversity conservation efforts and supporting renewable energy planning and siting, to ensure low socio
- and ecological adverse impacts on natural, social and cultural values.

The Energy Community is an international organization dealing with energy policy, established by international treaty in October 2005 in Athens, Greece. The Treaty establishing the Energy community brings together the European Union, on the one hand, and countries from the Southeast Europe and Black sea region on the other hand. The Energy Community Secretariat is the only permanently acting institution of the Energy Community responsible for supporting the day-to-day activities of the Energy Community and monitoring the implementation of the Treaty establishing the Energy Community. The Secretariat prepares and assists in the preparation of all institutional meetings of the Energy Community as well as additional events on policy issues that relate to the acquis.

**WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER**:
To advance Europe’s climate goals, ensure energy security and promote the economic development of the EU’s neighboring countries, a substantial increase in renewable energy sources - particularly wind and solar - is imperative. Addressing the current permitting bottleneck is paramount, given that there are tens of gigawatts of solar and wind projects currently awaiting grid access. The EU's introduction of the 'Renewables Acceleration Areas' (RAAs), dedicated zones for renewable development with high potential and mínimal environmental impact, serves as a model the Energy Community is working to embrace.

The appointment of the Renewable Energy Planning and Permitting Expert will bolster the collaborative efforts of TNC and Energy Community, advancing the pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Together, we can secure a balance between environmental preservation and economic progress within the Energy Community Region.
- Support the project team in developing guidance for establishing RAAs in the Region.
- Participate in the meetings with the national authorities to present the guidance.
- Engage in developing tailored RAAs concept note proposals for Contracting Parties.
- Based on concept note proposals, initiate and support developing at least two projects of establishing RAAs in the Region.
- Explore the opportunities for the regional development of RAAs and regional grid modeling.
- Back the development of the implementation strategy for identified RAAs and platform for the exchange of information and facilitate discussions with potential cooperation partners and donors to support projects in RAAs.
- Involve in the capacity building of the national authorities in the Region to facilitate the formal designation process for RAAs, through training sessions and workshops.
- Provide assistance to the project team in designing protocols for streamlining and enhancing the permit-granting process for projects and the access to the electricity grid in the Contracting Parties.
- Travel occasionally.

**WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU**:
This is a full-time position with a two-year contract with the possibility of extension. Place of work is Vienna, Austria.

**WHAT YOU'LL BRING**:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree and 6 years’ experience in the functional field (renewable energy, environment, engineering, policy, conservation planning or similar), or equivalent combination of working experience and education.
- Fluency in English and at least one language of the Energy Community Contracting Parties.
- Experience working in Southeast and/or Eastern Europe, and a solid understanding of key environmental and energy policies of the region.
- Experience negotiating with other agencies, companies, private parties or related entities.
- Experience working with partners and/ or government agencies without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers.
- Organizational and time-management skills, adhering to deadlines and standard operating procedures.
- Experience