The Jalisco Lands Coordinator leads the implementation of GCF (Governor’s Climate and Forests Task Force) project in Jalisco to achieve the Conservancy’s goals. The Coordinator acts as a convener among diverse stakeholders, such a national, state and local governments, multilateral agencies, NGOs, local communities, and local and national businesses. This position is for a fixed term contract of 18 months and will be based in Jalisco (home office), México.
The Jalisco Lands Coordinator works with an interdisciplinary team to support the planning, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive program for developing subnational REDD+ initiatives in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. He/she provides technical and programmatic support to the Mexico and Northern of Central America (MNCA) Lands program. He/she serves as the principle contact to local communities, sub national and municipal government agencies, local conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community in Jalisco. He/she establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within its area of responsibility, defines conservation priorities in the area of responsibility, works with a team which supports and improves conservation efforts, and builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field. He/she negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and local communities to conserve and protect natural ecosystems, create sustainable landscapes and develop and implement conservation strategies in coordination with the wider Lands Program and other conservation programs at TNC. He/she will report to the MNCA Lands Director. Specific responsibilities include:
- Support the effective design and implementation of public policies through intersectoral coordination and public policy alignment.
- Support the development of Jalisco’s Investment Plan, based on the state-level REDD+ strategy and the Reduction Emissions’ Initiative.
- Provide policy expertise to state government agencies from the Executive and Legislative branches, leading to the development and implementation of sustainable subnational rural development activities.
- Contribute to the development of effective legal and regulatory land use and conservation strategies, structures and instruments that address the root causes of deforestation and forest degradation.
- Facilitate the active participation and capacity building of key policy agencies involved in sustainable rural development in Jalisco, particularly at the municipal and state levels.
- Provides support in order to manage relationships with, and coordinate between national and state government agencies and other key stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships.
- May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
- May lead and manages a team or project to support and improve conservation efforts.
- Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- May manage multi-disciplinary administrative and/or professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- 5 years’ experience in environmental policy, management, 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 negotiating complex agreements.
- Proven communication and presentation skills.
- Fluency in English and Spanish.
- Knowledge on REDD+, rural development policies and/or land management and conservation practices in Mexico.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 5 - 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends, policies and practices on REDD+, climate change, rural development in Jalisco and other regions in Mexico.
- Experience working with state and municipal level governments and on capacity building of key policy agencies.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and Spanish.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Politically savvy.
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.