Job ID: 54044
Location: Latin America
Full/Part Time:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
OFFICE LOCATION
Location is flexible in TNC’s core countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru) and in United States.
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WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The LAR Director of Science and Strategy works to achieve the Conservancy’s ambitious goals in the Latin American Region (LAR), by ensuring that science underpins and orients our strategic priorities and interventions. conservation prioritization, projects and programs in LAR.
They advance the organization´s understanding and use of spatial data and decision analysis principles and support rigorous strategic planning methods consistent with TNC’s established planning processes (the Conservancy’s Conservation by Design approach). They understand systems change approaches and contribute to defining pathways to advance these in priority areas and sectors. They serve as a high-level advisor to key regional leaders, and they are skilled at translating science into practical uses to inform strategic direction.
While potentially conducting original research and publishing findings, their primary focus lies in applied science. Their research endeavours may include designing and testing conservation interventions; predicting the effects of potential strategies on nature, climate, and communities; leading Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL); identifying priority areas for the Conservancy’s work; keeping abreast of emerging trends in science both across TNC and in their field of expertise; communicating science needs from the region to the broader organization, including as a member of TNC´s global Science Council; and partnering with scientists and conservation teams throughout the organization to guarantee a science-driven approach.
They communicate to diverse audiences, actively support fundraising efforts and represent the organization in external events and partnerships.
Collaborating with LAR’s Conservation and Policy Directors, as well as Global Science and the Chief Conservation Office, they offer input and scientific leadership on organizational priorities, management of the science strategies to reach our 2030 goals in LAR, and cross-cutting science issues.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
The LAR Director of Science and Strategy provides science-focused leadership, supporting the Science, Conservation, Policy and Management teams. They strive to enhance the Conservancy’s reputation as a conservation thought leader. They inform work in LAR with conservation science best practices and emerging scientific findings from around the world. They provide conceptual leadership and specific advice and guidance on the development, refinement and reporting on conservation strategies and projects in alignment with TNC’s 2030 goals and regional initiatives. They engage actively with both regional and global leadership across TNC.
The LAR Director of Science and Strategy develops high leverage strategies for funding research. They lead and participate in analytical projects, and identify ways to focus external scientific resources on Conservancy research priorities. They lead and manage a comprehensive program of conservation planning, research, and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning.
Specific functions include:
• Collaborates with LAR´s regional and country teams to address science capacity gaps, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and optimize resource allocation.
• Serves as a thought partner to Conservation leaders, to help shape strategies and projects in LAR.
• Facilitates knowledge sharing and synergies across teams in LAR and with global TNC teams
• Facilitates the deployment of global and regional science resources and expertise for the development, execution, and integration of work streams. Supports alignment of science support with LAR strategy. Helps ensure communication among functions and teams, within LAR and globally.
• Undertakes and leads applied scientific research to assist LAR leadership in identifying priority locations and approaches in LAR – in alignment with TNC’s 2030 Goals. This includes designing and testing conservation interventions, and predicting the impact of potential strategies for nature, climate, and people.
• Supports teams working in defined regional priority areas with program design, applying Conservation by Design and Systems Change approaches.
• Leads a small dedicated team.
• Leads Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, and supports teams in the establishment of metrics and verification for LAR priority areas and sectors.
• Builds strong collaborative networks within and beyond TNC, including partnerships with universities and institutions.
• Provides training and mentoring to LAR staff on conservation science, evidence-based decision-making, and other relevant scientific disciplines, to empower informed and effective conservation actions.
• Enhances TNC’s profile by actively engaging and collaborating with scientists, conservation practitioners, fundraising teams, governmental liaisons, and marketing/communication professionals. Acts as the primary spokesperson for topics pertinent to the organization’s mission and objectives.
• In partnership with fundraisers, pursues grant funding for science projects, and provides scientific support to teams preparing funding proposals for conservation work.
• Promotes inclusion, a diverse workforce, diversity of thought, and shared ownership and commitment to the organization’s highest priorities.
• Actively supports a culture of accountability for execution and results.
• Communicating effectively with a wide variety of audiences helping translate science to ensure it can be meaningfully integrated into conservation strategies
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
• Master’s degree (PhD desired) and minimum 10 years’ experience in Conservation Science.
• Experience in leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, including managing senior level leaders.
• Experience seeking public and private funding.
• Experience publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with high-level stakeholders in the conservation field, including policy makers, leading researchers, and conservation organization leaders.
• Experience working at the nexus of conservation and science.
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking to complex projects and challenging partnerships
• Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time.
• Experience communicating and teaching science to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience in partnership development in multiple countries.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of either Spanish or Portuguese; excellent written and oral communication skills.
WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
• Can be based in any country in LAR with an active TNC office: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru; or in the United States.
• Willingness to travel frequently, at least 50% of the time, often on short notice.
SALARY INFORMATION
This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $141.000.- – $200.000.- for annual base salary in USA. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual salary range.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 54044, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on October 14th, 2023. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.
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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.
Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.
