TNC seeks a Chief of Party for an anticipated $10-25 million project entitled “Amazonian Indigenous Rights and Resources (AIRR)” funded by the South America Regional Program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/SAR). The objective of this five-year project will be to improve representation of indigenous peoples in governance of Amazon forests and waters so that they may contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and prevention of land-based greenhouse gas emissions in and around their lands. AIRR will be a regional activity as part of USAID/SAR’s Amazon Regional Environment Project (AREP), implemented across the Amazon region in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, with potential for activities related to Suriname and Guyana. AIRR is focused on capacity strengthening and skills building for indigenous groups including activities with the private sector, governments and the civil society (including academia), in raising awareness on indigenous people’s rights and responsibilities, especially of those communities facing planned development projects.
The AIRR Chief of Party will preferably be based in Brazil or Peru.
The Chief of Party is responsible for the overall technical and administrative leadership of the project, and will provide the project’s strategic direction. S/he shall have overall responsibility for ensuring quality control, and for the appropriateness and overall responsiveness of all assistance provided under the agreement, whether by long- or short-term advisors or others. S/he is the primary liaison with USAID and other organizations. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, the private sector, and indigenous stakeholders. S/he establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner for conservation on indigenous lands, and builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity of indigenous populations and the private sector.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- The project’s principal representative with USAID, host country government(s), implementing partners and indigenous organizations concerning project implementation, policy linkages, and indigenous rights and resources at a regional level and across countries.
- Oversees project staff in TNC and partner institutions in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, as well as technical quality of work done by consultants and subcontractors in achieving project results.
- Provides technical and intellectual direction, inspiration, and leadership within budget, making independent decisions consistent with TNC’s Mission and Values.
- Negotiates complex agreements with government, private sector, and indigenous organizations.
- Leads annual planning and development of workplans.
- Oversees all financial and administrative matters.
- Oversees development and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan.
- Ensures quality and timeliness of technical and financial reporting to USAID.
- Presents findings in both written and oral presentations as required; is a visible spokesperson with government, private sector, and indigenous stakeholders of the project.
- Coordinates program activities with implementers of other projects under USAID’s Amazon Regional Environmental Program, with USAID, and with relevant projects of other donors.
- Frequently travels domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
- 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
- Leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
- Extensive experience working with international donors.
- Experience in promoting the role of gender, youth, and vulnerable populations in biodiversity conservation.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of national and local governments, regional institutions, the private sector, and/or civil society.
- Experience managing programs that articulate with indigenous populations or local communities.
- 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 among diverse stakeholders, as well as contracts for significant studies and technical assistance.
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans at the country level in Latin America.
- Experience with financial management of a large program.
- Fluency and excellent writing skills in English and Spanish.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in environmental science or conservation-related field, with 10 -15 years’ experience implementing natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, or climate change adaptation or mitigation projects in developing countries, including previous experience in Latin America.
- Multi-cultural experience involving government agencies, private sector, and indigenous populations in multiple countries.
- Experience managing programs in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and/or Ecuador
- Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Politically savvy.
- Fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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.