The context of work on water security in Latin America is well-known. As a region, Latin America is relatively rich in water. However, the full story is that water resources are unevenly distributed, and many cities, agricultural areas, hydropower sectors and people in Latin America are facing growing water scarcity. Moreover, water stress has the potential to bring consumers into conflict with other users, including agricultural and industrial ones. To succeed in managing water resources effectively, Latin America’s cities, agriculture sector and hydropower sectors are our key clients. In the case of cities, demographers estimate that by 2030, between 85 percent and 90 percent of Latin Americans will live in cities, making it the most urbanized region of the world. Cities will require services, especially water provision and flood mitigation, from a countryside that can stretch hundreds or even thousands of miles away. The Nature Conservancy has a track record on nature-based solutions and the capacity to make transformational changes in partnership with other institutions towards water security.
In the Latin American Region at The Nature Conservancy, the Water Security Regional Unit is the one in charge to advance the organization’s efforts in Latin America to use nature to secure clean water for major cities, agriculture and energy sectors. This Unit leads the Water Funds program work in Latin America which is managed under the Latin America Water Funds Partnership (LAWFP). The LAWFP It is an agreement between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the FEMSA Foundation, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), International Climate Initiative (IKI) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to contribute to water security in Latin America and the Caribbean through the creation and strengthening of Water Funds. The Partnership supports Water Funds through scientific- knowledge to achieve and maintain water security through nature-based solutions; the systematization, management and dissemination of knowledge; capacity building and technical support; the promotion of inclusive dialogue among relevant stakeholders in the region to boost collective action; active participation on water governance; and the leveraging of public and private resources.
The Water Funds Technical Assistant works with the LAR water security team and provides administrative, research, project management and other general assistance to program staff working toward the achievement of protection, conservation and stewardship goals to contribute to water security in the region. The Water Funds Technical Assistant reports to the Freshwater Manager in Latin America.
The Water Funds Technical Assistant supports the achievement of the workplan and outcomes established under the Latin America Water Funds Partnership in Latin America. This includes support in collecting and managing technical and financial data, develop project packages and reports, support in elaboration of contracts and agreements with key partners, participate and support water funds conservation planning and events. This may include collecting, assembling and analyzing various types of data to generate reports for the LAWFP, and support implementation and follow-up of water funds workplan execution in different countries.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff but may oversee and direct work of office volunteers or interns.
- Coordinates multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail.
- May assist with program budget preparation and monitoring.
- The Conservation Coordinator may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Makes day to day decision as delegated by the supervisor.
- 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects.
- Experience handling standard business communications.
- Advanced English and Spanish
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Advance Portuguese
- Knowledge on climate change and nature-based adaptation strategies
- Knowledge or experience on working with multi-lateral organizations
- 2-4 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to complete tasks independently within assigned time frames.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, with assignments sometimes coming from a number of sources and work independently.
- Ability to coordinate project information from a number of sources to populate databases, create reports and produce manual files.
- Experience utilizing databases for data entry and report production preferred.
- Strong administrative skills including attention to detail and numerical ability.
- Ability to plan, administer and record results of work-team meetings and activities.
- Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations based on quantitative analysis
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.