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.
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.
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.
Launch of new cohort 2026/2027 – Save the date: Q&A session!
Save the date: Mentoring Awareness and Q&A webinar, Tuesday, 22 September 2026
The webinar will be recorded and published here afterwards.
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 2027
Mentee preparation: 3 preparation workshops in January and February 2027
Relationship building workshop: 2 hours in February 2027
Getting started workshop: 2 hours in March 2027
Regular meetings between mentors and mentees (at least one per month)
Check-in calls and optional peer meetings
Mid-term refresher session in April 2027
Final graduation meeting in October 2027
Important dates
Information and Q&A webinar:
22 September 2026 –10:00 AM CET
Application process:
08 September 2026 – Opening of application
31 October 2026; Midnight – Application deadline
09-20 November 2026 – Application interviews
Mentor training:
Thursday 14 January 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 21 January 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 28 January 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 04 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 11 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Thursday 18 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Mentee preparation:
Tuesday 19 January 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Tuesday 02 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Tuesday 09 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET
Mentors & Mentees:
Thursday 24 February 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Relationship Building Workshop
Thursday 04 March 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Getting Started Workshop
Thursday 29 April 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Refresher Session
Tuesday 15 June 2027; 10:30-12:30 AM CET - Mentees Peer Call
Thursday 17 June 2027: 10:30-12:30 AM CET – Mentors Peer Call
Thursday 07 October 2027; 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.
