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.
I am very grateful that I had this opportunity to meet such extraordinary people who are willing to change the world and make it a better place, starting by developing themselves!
Who can apply
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 for applying for and undertaking MENC.
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.
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.
Mentoring Awareness and Q&A webinar, Tuesday, 26 November 2024
The webinar will be recorded. To take part in the Q&A webinar at 10:00 AM CET please register here: Registration Q&A Session MENC 2024
Application will be open until Sunday, 22 December 2024
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: Application Form MENC 2024
Mentoring Programme 2025
(198 KB)Time commitment
- 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 February till March 2025
- Mentee preparation: 2 preparation workshops in February and March 2025
- Relationship building workshop: 2 hours in March 2025
- Getting started workshop: 2 hours in April 2025
- Regular meetings between mentors and mentees (at least one per month)
- Check-in calls and optional peer meetings
- Mid-term refresher session in May 2025
- Final graduation meeting in October 2025
Schedule
Application process:
- 26 November 2024; –10 AM CET - Information and Q&A webinar
- 04 November 2024 – Opening of application
- 22 December 2024; Midnight - Application deadline
- 07 to 17 January 2025 - Application interviews
Mentor training:
- Thursday 6 February 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Thursday 13 February 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Thursday 20 February 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Thursday 27 February 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Thursday 13 March 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Thursday 20 March 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
Mentee preparation:
- Tuesday 18 February 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
- Tuesday 11 March 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET
Mentors & Mentees:
- Friday 21 March 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET - relationship building workshop
- Thursday 3 April 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET - getting started workshop
- Tuesday 22 May 2025; 9:00-11:00 AM CET - refresher session
For more information please contact Leonie Kraut.