Director, Government Relations

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Director of Government Relations plans, implements and coordinates a comprehensive program for the PNG country program program to affect government policy and legislation at all levels to further the Conservancy’s mission.  S/he ensures that the program complies with policies and legislations of the government and ensure TNC programs are aligned and linked to overall Government’s Vision 2050.   Duties include regular contact with national, provincial and local officials regarding matters pertaining to administrative and legislative actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy, and fund raising activity to increase the level of financial support for TNC projects and priorities.  The Dir. of Government Relations represents The Nature Conservancy before national and subnational agencies and special interest groups, and works among key government officials to increase support for TNCs mission and programs. S/he will also ensure that TNC programs are aligned to PNG Government’s Vision 2050, especially pillar 2 & 5, which is Wealth creation and Growth Nodes, and pillar 5, being Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. S/he will also launch new leadership network and/or reinvigorate existing networks to catalyze a social movement for conservation across PNG and to demonstrate the success of such networks. S/he manages liaison with other Conservancy national, regional and global programs to provide and extract useful lessons and experience and coordinate on joint functional initiatives.  S/he also serves as key contact with the external professional community in Papua New Guinea and surrounding region to keep abreast of new developments and opportunities that may be useful to the Conservancy and to report on and share the Conservancy’s experiences with others.  S/he helps to raise funds for overall PNG initiatives and/or specific projects, by providing input for proposal writing, negotiating with bilateral and multilateral agencies and donor cultivation as needed.

Director Government Relations reports to the PNG Country Program Director. Frequent in-country and some international travel are required. Location will be in Port Moresby.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government relations or related field and 5 years of experience, including experience working with legislative or campaign issues.  Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Experience with current political and conservation trends and issues in PNG;
• Knowledge of lobbying laws and regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Experience preparing and presenting project proposals to and/or negotiating with federal, state, county and/or municipal government representatives.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, Outlook etc. and navigating the Internet. 
• Experience working with partners/government agencies without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers.
• Fluency in English and Tok Pisin

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5-7 years experience, including experience working with legislative or campaign issues.  Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.  
• Master’s degree may be preferred or required. 
• Knowledge of current political, socio-economic and conservation trends and issues in the state; excellent working knowledge of state legislature as it relates to conservation issues.
• Ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance, including conflict resolution. 
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Ability to use advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet.  Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

To apply to position number 41157, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process