Program Director

 

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 74 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) offers competitive compensation, 401k/ Superannuation 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.

 

TNC has been working in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 1996 with strong contributions to the Fourth Goal of Papua New Guinea’s National Constitution: ‘Papua New Guinea’s natural resources and environment to be conserved and used for the collective benefit of us all and are replenished for the benefit of future generations.’

The Papua New Guinea Program Director stewards and oversees all aspects of TNC’s Papua New Guinea program including our strategic plan, stakeholder and government relations, conservation and alternative livelihood initiatives. They provide leadership and support in country for TNC’s conservation planning work and establish overall conservation priorities for the program. The Director will continue to build on fostering strong in-country partnerships, community participation and supporting science. They will work with many partners including communities, tribal networks, civil society, governments and industry to guide our forestry and coastal fisheries management and to support the science and conservation team achieve significant long term on-ground impacts.

 

The Papua New Guinea Program Director provides strategic guidance to TNC PNG team.  They serve as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation and humanitarian organizations, foundations and the academic community.  They work to confirm TNC as a major conservation partner in Papua New Guinea and define priorities for the PNG program.  They lead and manage a team which seeks to improve conservation outcomes by linking resource management to sustainable alternative livelihoods. The Papua New Guinea Program Director supports and guides efforts to build the strategic, scientific, business and management capacity of key partners in the field.  They develop key partnerships with public & private organizations in order to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.  They negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural resources and develop and implement conservation and alternative livelihood strategies. They support the Pacific Division Business Unit in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.  The Papua New Guinea Program Director reports to the Melanesia Program Director.

 

• Geographic size and scope is Papua New Guinea.
• Supervises staff at remote locations across PNG.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Scopes and develops grant/contract funding for program.
• Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
• Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.                                                                                      
• May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
• Frequent travel 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.  

 

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice, development, humanitarian aid or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.   
• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 7-10 years’ experience conservation practice, development, humanitarian aid or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing policy and plans.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and Tok Pidgin.
• Politically savvy.
• Understanding of the humanitarian and resource management challenges that Papua New Guinea faces.
• Experience in community-based conservation or development approaches in Papua New Guinea.
• Knowledge of scientific and or development concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.

Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in Papua New Guinea will be considered. 

The Nature Conservancy will not provide support for working visas or residency for this position.

To apply to position number 48535, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time/ 11:59 p.m. PNG Time on March 11th, 2020.

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