Mentoring Programme

Mentoring for Effective Nature Conservation (MENC)

Join this exciting mentoring programme to connect across organisations, develop new skills and enhance your own performance!

A strong and effective network is crucial to sustainable impacts in and beyond the conservation sector. It will allow leaders of nature conservation organisations to operate more effectively. MENC aims at supporting participants in their individual learning and leadership development. Thus it strengthens the capacity of all partner organisations to increase their individual and joint impact.

To get a deeper insight into the mentoring programme, read our journal article in which the organisers of the programme have their say and former participants talk about their experiences.

Who can apply

Young People are reading in books — © Azem Ramadani

Mava Academy London Group Photo — © Grand Nord Films/Thibaut Branquart

This programme is open for employees of nature conservation organisations from all of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin.

Interested mentors and mentees need to be open-minded, ready to learn and committed to nature conservation.

In addition, you should have been employed with your organisation for at least a year.

To apply as a mentor, you should have good communication skills. Other requirements are being a good listener as well as showing real interest in the mentee and their development. Mentors should also have at least seven years of professional experience. Previously trained mentors are also welcome to apply.

As part of your application, you need the support of your CEO or a senior executive of your organisation for applying for and undertaking MENC.

This programme will be held in English. Participation includes a small financial contribution of 150 € to cover administrative expenses.

Mentoring Awareness and Q&A webinar, 17 October 2023

The webinar war recorded. Feel free to watch the recording.

Here you can find the presentation used for the webinar as a pdf file.

Application for mentors will be open until Monday, 6 November 2023

What awaits you

In this programme, you will experience the power and potential of mentoring to foster long-term personal and professional growth. Take part to connect with other like-minded individuals working in conservation. This course will enhance your ability to collaborate across boundaries as well as developing greater understanding and cooperation between generations. After completion you will be more conscious of your leadership of and impact on others. You can apply here for the programme: https://forms.gle/ndXiKvvFuvrMg2SB7

Mentoring for Effective Nature Conservation (MENC)

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Time commitment

People listen concentrated — © MAVA Academy

The whole duration of the programme is 10 months, of which 2 months for training and preparation and 8 months of mentoring relationship.
Mentor training: 6 online sessions of 2 hours in January and February
Mentee preparation: 3 modules on e-learning platform with compulsory completion until mid of February
Relationship building workshop: 2 hours in February
Getting started workshop: 2 hours in February
Regular meetings between mentors and mentees (at least one per month)
Check-in calls and optional peer meetings
Final meeting in October 2024