The Lands Conservation Practitioner supports the development and implementation of conservation projects by providing necessary administrative, financial, research, project management, fundraising, communications and other general assistance activities for the proper operation of Mexico and Northern Central America’s (MNCA) Lands Program. The MNCA Lands Program focuses on Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, with a major focus on Selva Maya tropical forest region. The Lands Conservation Practitioner will be a position within MNCA’s Lands Program and will report to the Lands Director. The base location for the position will be in Mexico city’s TNC office. This position is for 18 months with possibility of extension.
- The Lands Conservation Practitioner is responsible for a variety of support tasks, which includes: drafting project work plans, terms of reference, reports and budgets, tracking partner grants and payments, carrying out research on key topics, writing and editing fundraising proposals, and other communication materials in Spanish and English, to allow for proper project planning, execution and monitoring within the Lands Program. S/he coordinates logistics for meetings, trainings, events and donor trips.
- The Conservation Practitioner will provide administrative, financial, procurement and technical support to several strategic projects particularly in Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula, in coordination with project managers and partners. S/he is responsible for supporting the Lands Director with: calendar management, drafting correspondence, preparing and approving expense reports, domestic and international travel arrangements, scheduling, note taking and coordinating logistics for conference calls and meetings, and knowledge management of electronic files. S/he provides guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of TNC’s policies and procedures. S/he will implement processes and practices in order to improve program effectiveness.
- The Lands Conservation Practitioner coordinates activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. S/he helps post communication materials and communicates on behalf of the Lands Director with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with partners, contractors, and vendors. Responsibilities will be distributed as follows: 50% providing administrative support and 50% supporting development and implementation of conservation projects. The Lands Conservation Practitioner will be overseen by the MNCA Lands Director.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Fluent Spanish and English communication (written, spoken and graphical).
- Experience using applications such as advance Microsoft Word, Power point, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years’ experience in a similar position or experience in natural or social sciences, project management, business administration, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Basic understanding of land use change dynamics and climate change contextual issues in Mexico and Central America (e.g. local, state government dynamics, REDD+).
- Basic knowledge of current trends and practices in tropical forest conservation and land use management.
- Strong skills and knowledge in project management, relationship building, conflict resolution, negotiations, and communications.
- Experience in development, technical and administrative management of international cooperation projects.
- Experience in administrative management of complex or multiple projects, including finance management and work coordination of professional and partners.
- Solid knowledge of word processing, database management and spreadsheet software, with ability to construct and produce reports, use mail merges and advanced functions.
- Experience working in non-profit organizations.
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.