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, Colombia, Peru with potential for activities in 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. Filling this position is contingent upon success of proposal.
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will work with the Chief of Party (COP) to manage the project’s implementation and oversee performance, management, and operations. S/he shall support the COP with the overall responsibility for technical and administrative leadership of the project. S/he shall manage quality control, ensuring the appropriateness and overall responsiveness of all assistance provided under the agreement, whether by long- or short-term advisors or others. In the COP’s absence, s/he serves as the liaison with USAID and other organizations, and as the contact with government agencies, other conservation organizations, the private sector, and indigenous stakeholders. S/he maintains the program operations necessary to establish 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.
The AIRR Deputy Chief of Party will be located in Peru, Colombia, Equador or Brazil.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Coordinate project activities with USAID, project implementers, host country governments, private sector, and indigenous organizations.
- Coordinates program activities with implementers of other projects under USAID’s Amazon Regional Environmental Program, with USAID, and with relevant projects of other donors.
- Manages daily financial and technical operation according to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan, coordinating with staff in and implementing partners in project countries.
- Assist strategy development and project leadership within budget, consistent with TNC’s Mission and Values.
- Coordinates annual planning and development of workplans.
- Supports COP to ensure quality and timeliness of technical and financial reporting to USAID.
- Serve as Acting Chief of Party during periods of his/her absence.
- 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.
- 7 years’ experience implementing natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, or climate change adaptation or mitigation projects in developing countries, including previous experience in Latin America.
- Proven leadership and organizational skills, successfully managing and coordinating large, complex, and disparate teams.
- Knowledge of management processes and systems, such as human resources management and development, financial management, and management of employee compensation systems.
- Extensive experience working with international donors.
- Fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish.
- Prior experience implementing and managing programs in Latin America or similar country;
- Excellent written, oral and graphical communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master’s degree and 10 years’ experience in natural resource management, environmental management, ecology, environmental science, economics, business administration, or other relevant field, or a combination of relevant academic backgrounds between undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in indigenous issues, conservation, and development in Latin America.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Experience working with indigenous peoples in Latin America, particularly in the Amazon region.
- Fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Multi-cultural experience involving government agencies, private sector, and indigenous populations in multiple countries.
- Prior experience managing programs specifically in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and/or Ecuador.
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.