The Global Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Advisor assists in the development and implementation of the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities strategy at TNC and helps drive implementation of the overall business plan to help transform the way land and waters decisions are made by strengthening the voice, choice and action of indigenous peoples and local communities to shape and manage natural territory in ways that improve people’s lives and drive conservation outcomes.
The Global Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Advisor’s main function will be to work with the IPLC leadership and TNC stakeholders to design, organize and facilitate a joint council and follow up process and events between tribal spiritual leaders from North America and TNC leaders. Successful gatherings will require working collaboratively with IPLC program and other departments to cultivate openness and curiosity among key leaders. It will also require convening TNC leaders with tribal leaders. The Advisor will identify and enroll tribal leaders in gatherings, and will be the main point of contact for tribal leaders. The Advisor will lead all tactical components of the joint council. The Advisor will work with a IPLC co-director to convene TNC leadership. The Advisor will also serve as a key liaison, technical advisor and informational contact for TNC projects in the U.S. engaging with tribes. Additionally, s/he will support the development of The Nature Conservancy’s North America Strategy to support tribes’ leadership in conservation. His/Her support to TNC projects and the development of the North America Strategy will be upon the request of TNC colleagues. The exact role and nature of support will depend upon the need, advisor’s expertise and current workload and will be agreed upon by the Advisor, supervisor and requesting colleague.
Additionally, the Advisor may be asked to do the following functions:
- Identify potential new funders and participate in fundraising including proposal preparation and direct engagement
- Support development of communications materials based on projects s/he leads
- Support the Network for Strong Voice, Choice and Action
- Support the design and execution of a 200-person learning exchange
- Advise on global strategy refinement
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Design, organize and facilitate gatherings
- Convene tribal and TNC leadership
- Assists in developing reports, presentations and assessments on topics related to TNC’s IPLC work.
- Serve as a team leader for assigned projects; may require gaining cooperation of team over whom there is no direct supervisory authority.
- Advising TNC programs
- Works within a budget to complete projects, negotiates and contracts with vendors and assists with budget development.
- Global program management and grant oversight
- May involve domestic and international travel.
- Work hours are approximately 20 hours a week with potential for additional hours as needed
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with government or legislative staff, indigenous, community or business leaders, program leadership and/or similar audiences.
- Experience with time management.
- Demonstrated trust and convening ability across extensive network of tribal spiritual leaders across the United States
- Knowledge of tribal issues across tribes and specific to individual tribes
- Experience in convening tribal and cross-cultural events and bringing together stakeholders in conflict
- Experience in designing, organizing, and facilitating conferences
- Understanding of tribal protocols
- Proven experience in program management, fundraising, budget management, grant management and reporting
- Understanding of opportunities for tribal and conservation collaboration
- Ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse stakeholders
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree.
- Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
- Deep knowledge of, and fluency in, the global strategy area of focus.
- Familiarity and knowledge related to business, governmental, and/or environmental policy and practices pertaining to the global strategy area of focus.
- Ability to sensitively advise other staff on how to effectively engage with internal and external parties.
- Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
- Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context.
- Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy. Must be a team player.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
- NGO and/or philanthropic relations experience a strong plus.
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.