A strong and effective network is crucial to sustainable impacts in and beyond the conservation sector. 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.
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.
Join this exciting mentoring programme to connect across organisations, develop new skills and enhance your own performance!
This programme will be held in English. Participation includes a small financial contribution of 200 € to cover administrative expenses. There are also options to apply for an exemption from the costs.
Would you like to become a mentor or a mentee?
This programme is mainly intended for employees of nature conservation organisations from all of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. Other applications might also be considered.
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.
Summary of the Q&A webinar
Please find the presentation of our webinar here for download:
Did you miss our Q&A session? Then watch the recording here:
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Time commitment and schedule
You should allow this much time
The whole duration of the programme is 9 months, of which 2 months are for training and preparation and 7 months of mentoring relationship.
Take part in THE online Foundation Module “What is mentoring?”
Mentor training: 6 online sessions of 2 hours in January and February
Mentee preparation: 2 preparation workshops in January and February
Relationship building workshop: 2 hours in February
Getting started workshop: 2 hours in March
Regular meetings between mentors and mentees (at least one per month)
Check-in calls and optional peer meetings
Mid-term refresher session in May
Final graduation meeting in October
Important dates
Information and Q&A webinar:
21 October 2025 –10:00 AM CET
Application process:
01 October 2025 – Opening of application
16 November 2025; Midnight – Application deadline
24 November to 05 December 2025 – Application interviews
Mentor training:
Thursday 15 January 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 29 January 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 05 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 12 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 19 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 26 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Mentee preparation:
Tuesday 27 January 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Tuesday 17 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Mentors & Mentees:
Tuesday 24 February 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Relationship Building Workshop
Thursday 5 March 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Getting Started Workshop
Thursday 07 May 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Refresher Session
Thursday 23 June 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET - Mentees Peer Call
Thursday 25 June 2026: 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Mentors Peer Call
Thursday 08 October 2026; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Graduation
Experience reports and testimonials from former participants
Sometimes progress requires a break, a reassessment and then a return with new strength and purpose. As a mentor, I can give something back by helping others to have similar transformative experiences as I had as a mentee.
Lorena Pyze Xhafaj, PPNEA
(Albania)
Within MENC, I feel accepted with all my rough edges. I find this safe space emotionally empowering. It helps me not to let setbacks or minor issues distract me from my path.
Markus Dressnandt, Deputy Head of Communications at EuroNatur, mentor at MENC
(Germany)
It was great to be able to organise time in a week to reflect: that is something we rarely have time to do. Just preparing for the sessions with my mentor was so valuable. This is a habit I would like to keep even after our programme ends.
