Under the overall direction of the Director, External Affairs, Asia Pacific, the Director, Terrestrial Strategies and Partnerships will oversee select strategies under the Shared Conservation Agenda which involve multiple Asia Pacific Business Units, and will support the planning, monitoring and evaluation of terrestrial strategies and their project portfolios.
In relation to TNC’s terrestrial conservation priorities in Asia Pacific, s/he will also plan, implement and coordinate a comprehensive program that increases TNC’s capacity to:
- Build and maintain relationships with governments and multilateral development agencies necessary for operating effectively with nation states and influencing public policies related to sustainable development and Official Development Assistance (ODA); and
- Mobilize public funding. As it relates to the implementation of terrestrial strategies, s/he will support Business Units to: undertake government liaison and advocacy at national and sub-national levels; work effectively with relevant development organizations; and engage in domestic and international policy dialogues. The Director of Terrestrial Strategies and Partnerships will also hold responsibilities as relationship manager for TNC’s engagement with select Public Sector Entities as appropriate.
The Director, Terrestrial Strategies & Partnerships works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues. S/he liaises with TNC’s Global Teams, Science and Field Conservation staff, other External Affairs departments and with TNC’s Business Units to further the Shared Conservation goals and strategies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
The Director, Terrestrial Strategies & Partnerships will work with: Global Teams, the Asia Pacific External Affairs Network; the Policy Innovations, and International Government Relations Teams in the World Office; and, the senior leadership of the AP region to:
- Identify opportunities, and support efforts to secure public funding for TNC’s terrestrial conservation priorities under the Shared Conservation Agenda at national and regional levels.
- Identify strategic programs and policy opportunities that can increase TNC's profile, influence and capacity in region with an emphasis on building relationships with new and current partners.
- Co-lead and/ or support select terrestrial conservation strategies. This involves provision of technical assistance in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of AP SCA strategies and their associated project portfolios.
- Provide technical assistance and coordinate activities that build the systems and capacity of targeted Business Units to plan, monitor and evaluate government relations and policy advocacy functions, and to diversify the public donor base and secure public funding in the short and long terms.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of engagement strategies with Public Sector Entities as appropriate.
- Represent the terrestrial conservation strategies and programs of TNC’s Asia Pacific Region at key regional and international events as needed.
- Provide strategic analysis and regular updates to the senior leadership in AP and WO on changes and trends in relation to the regional and national context for TNC’s work in Asia Pacific.
- At least ten years of experience, including experience working with government policy development and public administration. Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
- Experience in strategy development, oversight, monitoring and evaluation
- Deep knowledge of current political, socio-economic and conservation trends and issues in the Asia Pacific region
- Proven skills in generating public funding and effective donor liaison
- Experience working with government and multilateral development agencies, building effective and lasting relationships, without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers
- Knowledge of lobbying laws and regulations
- Supervisory and staff management experience
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals
- Experience preparing and presenting policy and project proposals to and/or negotiating with representatives from government and multilateral agencies
- Experience using MS Word, Excel, Outlook etc. and navigating the Internet
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent presentation skills (If required)
- Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills
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.