TNC is looking for an experienced professional to head an expanding team focused on deforestation, habitat conversion and China’s commodity footprint, with particular reference to the soy industry. This position’s main focus will be on developing high leverage partnerships with Chinese corporations and other NGOs working in this space in support of our Zero Deforestation strategy at global level.
The primary focus in the short term will be an existing portfolio of relationships within China that have been developed under the Collaboration for Forests and Agriculture, with funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This portfolio will be managed in coordination with a global level portfolio which includes a number of major agribusiness traders, including COFCO International. It will involve close coordination with a global team and occasional travel to industry meetings and platforms beyond China. This position reports to the China Program Director and is based in Beijing. There will be a dotted line relationship to the Director of Global Agriculture.
The Lead will oversee supervision of multidisciplinary team, recruitment of additional members, management of existing high level partnerships and collaborations in public and private sector, identification and management of new partnerships, coordination with senior TNC management in China and globally on issues around deforestation, habitat conversion and China’s commodity footprint. Supporting, as necessary, fundraising efforts for the program, focusing primarily on foundations, corporate and bilateral/multilateral donors. Representing TNC in public spaces and speaking for the organization on issues relevant to deforestation and China’s commodity footprint, briefing top TNC management addressing those issues; ensuring Chinese perspectives and priorities around deforestation and habitat conversion are represented in high level strategic discussions and decision-making within TNC at senior management level. Specifically, the position will involve:
- Managing sub-contracts with institutions and organizations within China, monitoring performance and ensuring timely delivery of agreed products
- Leading the construction of a strategy for influencing relevant agencies of the Chinese government in advancing strategic conservation objectives around deforestation and habitat conversion
- Representing TNC in meetings and events, explaining TNC’s position and strategies around deforestation and habitat conversion in relation to soy (and potentially other commodities in due course)
- Leading TNC’s efforts to influence Chinese companies to make and implement more rigorous deforestation and habitat conversion commitments in relation to sourcing in key Latin American countries
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Negotiates complex agreements, sometimes in political environments.
- Develops and implements creative ideas to improve overall performance in conservation strategies.
- Broad management responsibility working across a matrix organization.
- Identify, cultivate and solicit major donors in support of program activities.
- Ensure that programmatic commitments, financial standards, and legal requirements are met
- Ensures that program complies with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal) requirements
- Assesses decisions’ potential impact on colleagues’ work, public image, scientific credibility, and financial and legal standings
- Makes decisions based on incomplete or ambiguous information and accepts associated risks
- Makes strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, experience, and judgment
- At least 5 years’ experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business or related field.
- Experience working with a wide range of people, such as landowners, corporate executives and government officials.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience in developing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
- Experience working with computers, including database management.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Advanced degree may be required.
- Knowledge of current trends and strategies in conservation
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.