| Description |
| | | | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. | | | ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | | | The Country Representative is the legal representative and the spokesperson of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the assigned countries. In this role the Country Representative has legal accountability for country-wide matters especially when the legal framework establishes responsibilities in labor, taxes, government contracts and agreements.
She/he guides TNC’s efforts to develop and implement high-leverage conservation policy strategies and develops and maintains the relationships between TNC and government authorities, as well as with the staff of bilateral and multilateral agencies in coordination with Conservation Programs. She/he also develops and maintains the Conservancy’s relations with national and international private companies/corporations, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, in coordination with the Conservation Programs (Mexico and Northern Centralamerican Countries).
The Country Representative works closely with the Conservation Programs, with the Science department and other Latin America Region Regional Units, and with other key staff in TNC’s Worldwide Office, in developing high-leverage conservation strategies that promote the organization’s mission and goals.
The Country Representative provides Conservation Programs, XA and other LAR staff with a political vision for conservation, focusing on actions that increase public/private sector commitment and funding to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and specifically generating policy action and large-scale projects by governments and multi/bi lateral agencies that support conservation of TNC’s portfolio.
The Country Representative works in lobbying, and follows up on key legislative processes that could have an impact in TNC’s conservation work. He/She also works with Conservation Program Director and others at TNC to analyze risks and assess trade-offs when a potential reputational risk for the organizations is identified.
The Country Representative supports TNC’s Conservation Programs by identifying, contacting, and cultivating potential international and in-countries public sources of funding, and works closely with the Conservation Programs in preparing, submitting, and following up proposals for such public donors. The Country Representative also implements the portions of these proposals and other actions related to the External Affairs group’s objectives and responsibilities. She/he will also be involved in the commitments of the country with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) particularly (but not exclusively) with the Program of Work on Protected Areas, and with other international conventions as needed.
She/he also plays a key role on policy aspects of conservation strategies particularly (but not exclusively) related to forest management, infrastructure development, compensation funds, environmental services, indigenous peoples, climate change, financial and conservation leverage, marine issues, etc.
This position does not manage or oversee TNC’s programmatic and project work or staff, which is managed by the corresponding Conservation Programs | | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS | | | • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government relations, natural resources management or related field and 5 years experience, including experience working with legislative issues. Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable. Master’s degree (preferred).
• Experience with current political and conservation trends and issues in the relevant geography
• Knowledge of relevant lobbying laws and regulations
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Experience preparing and presenting project proposals to and/or negotiating with national or sub-national government representatives.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, Outlook etc. and navigating the Internet.
• Ability to work with partners/government agencies without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers. | | | ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION | | | KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government relations or related field and 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.
• Supervisory experience, including 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.
• Communicates clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in Spanish and English.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Cultivates the creative ideas of others to identify potential solutions. Experiments to find creative solutions – thinks out of the box.
• Designs, implements and directs multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
• Work is highly diversified and needed courses of action often do not fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Coordinates the efforts of multiple parties (both internal and external) on projects.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• Decisions may have program-wide impact.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
• Develop multi-year fundraising strategies and goals and implement programs to achieve them.
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development. Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives.
• Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Develops and administers departmental budget.
• Ensures that program complies with TNC policies and procedures and external lobbying and legal regulations.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Prepare and present project proposals and negotiate with regional, national and municipal government representatives to achieve program goals.
• Work and communicate with a wide range of people in order to develop, negotiate, and or implement programs and projects.
• Communicate strategic project goals and objectives.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
• Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements. | | | BENEFITS | | | The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. |
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