OFFICE LOCATION
Arlington, Virginia, USA.
The preferred location for this position is the TNC Worldwide Office (Washington, DC metro area). Arlington, Virginia (VA) preferred.
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.
We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Director, Global Food and Water Policy, plans, implements and coordinates programs to affect government, multilateral agencies and international institutions to support global policy outcomes for TNC’s Global Provide Food and Water (PFW) strategy. The position will have a strong focus on the development and implementation of a global policy strategy to support TNC’s work related to regenerative agriculture, food systems and aquaculture and secondarily, related to nature-based solutions for agriculture, and water security. The Director will serve on the leadership teams of the Global Provide Food and Water Strategy and the Global Policy, Institutions and Conservation Finance (GPIF) team and will be a close strategic advisor to the Global Managing Director, Provide Food and Water. The Director reports to the Director, GPIF with a close working relationship with the Global Managing Director, PFW. The position currently supervises two professional staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Director, Global Food and Water Policy, works with national and international governments and business entities at all levels to further the Conservancy’s mission. Facing externally, the Director will engage in key global policy forums to advance TNC’s global agriculture, food, and freshwater work, such as the, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and UN Convention on Biological Diversity processes, and oversee engagement with key international institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, CGIAR, and International Fund for Agricultural Development. The Director will draw on an extensive professional network to identify strategic trends and opportunities and engage in or build strategic coalitions to advance TNC’s strategies.
Facing internally, the Director will ensure coordination of food and water policy issues, primarily focusing on regenerative food systems; support policy strategy development and implementation by country-level colleagues in key countries, including, for example, Brazil, China, and Kenya, and coordinate closely with the US agriculture policy team. The Director will also engage public-sector bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to support relevant TNC field programs.
The preferred location for this position is the TNC Worldwide Office (Washington, DC metro area).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manages multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development. Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives.
- Ensures that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives of superiors.
- Ensures that program meets all lobbying, contractual and legal regulations and standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related senior-level work experience, including current and evolving political, legislative and conservation trends at the global level.
- Experience working with current and evolving political, legislative, sustainability, and/or conservation trends on an international level, with particular experience in food and agriculture-related policy issues.
- Fluency in English required; additional languages appreciated.
- Experience building strong relationships across an organization and with partners such as corporations, public agencies, donors, and/or volunteers.
- Experience managing and supervising a large multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience in directing or participating in complex negotiations and presenting to and communicating with government officials, corporate executives, board members and others.
- Experience designing, implementing and directing multiple and multifaceted projects, setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
- Experience communicating complex processes and ideas effectively to a variety of audiences within and outside an organization.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree appreciated.
- Significant experience in public policy, conservation/environmental policy, regulatory advocacy, and public funding.
- Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities. Demonstrated ability to successfully develop and implement complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
- Independent and self-motivated with the ability to participate effectively in a remote team environment.
- Fundraising experience.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 50472, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
