The incumbent of this position will be working towards the goal of enhancing agriculture productivity and sustainable trading/sourcing while achieving conservation objectives.
Priority of the incumbent’s efforts will be given to influencing domestic Chinese agriculture in directions that support conservation within China. Other staff supporting the Conservation beyond Borders initiative may take on some or all of the above-stated tasks under Responsible Sourcing. Nonetheless, the Ag Director will function as the expert advisor for such efforts.
The Conservation and Agriculture Director will draw on TNC’s global science and best practices as well as emerging project work within China to engage producers and policy makers towards the conception, design and implementation of innovative best practices which enhance production while achieving conservation objectives. The Conservation and Agriculture Specialist will also engage with major trading interests, policy makers and TNC counterparts in other developing countries to instigate processes that replicate the successes of TNC and other like-minded organizations in balancing soy & palm production with conservation needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work with field team and partners, supporting TNC China Program to agriculture related conservation strategies;
- Develop cutting-edge conservation-driven best practices related to agriculture
- Assist project leads in applying those practices appropriately and cost-effectively
- Collaborate with the donor foundation for this position towards their interest in sustainable agricultural development
- Direct the donor towards appropriate specialized resources as appropriate
- Take appropriate advantage of the donor’s extensive network of ag-related government contacts
- Develop funding proposals to support projects demonstrating proof-of-concept
- Advocate with Government and other stakeholders to adopt TNC-tested practices to enhance productivity while protecting land and water resources
- Identify major trends, government and corporate policies, and key Chinese actors in import of soy and palm oil
- Engage with key importers and policy makers. Create enhanced awareness of best land use practices for production of soy and palm
- Develop partnerships with key importers. Work with TNC programs in producing countries to ensure new importer commitments are followed by on-the-ground conservation results
- Coordinate with TNC China beyond Borders initiative to create maximum impact from working with Chinese global actors
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
- Experience in negotiating.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree and above 5-7 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to make sound decisions on legal, financial, conservation and reporting issues
- Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science
- Explaining conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
- Ability to communicate and work closely with scientists
- Working with media and influential officials, especially governmental, to improve Conservancy programs’ outcomes
- Familiarity with principles of land acquisition
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation
- Experience in training and curriculum design.
- Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with the public and/or media
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
- Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages