Project Director (PFP)

Join us as we tackle the intertwined global biodiversity and climate crises by delivering durable, representative, effectively managed, and inclusive protections through the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) approach. PFPs enable governments and local communities, in partnership with funders and NGOs, to secure long-term management and financing for networks of conservation areas

in the form of a deal with a single closing agreement. Accelerating the deployment and impact of this strategy is an organizational priority to deliver lasting outcomes across our 2030 Conservation Goals for Biodiversity, Climate, and People. The Project Director, Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) supports the development and implementation of a set of PFP projects, such as in the Mongolia PFP and a Great Bear Sea PFP, with matrixed teams over various stages of a project lifecycle that secure durable conservation outcomes.

The Project Director will take the lead on the development and implementation of one or several projects at a time within our portfolio of PFP projects. The initial projects assigned to this role will include projects in Guatemala and Mexico. For assigned projects, they lead the overall project, ensuring the successful delivery and closing of those projects in close partnership with country and regional programs and partners. They are the owner of the project and are responsible for developing a transaction acceptable to all parties. They play a key role in establishing and leveraging strong external relationships with government, building partnerships, and ensuring strong buy-in for the project. They are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the project, including the quality, strategic guidance, and integration across all components of a PFP – strategy, scope, conservation planning, community development, governance, finance, and government engagement.

The Project Director will work collaboratively with complex, cross-functional project teams and key stakeholders, notably TNC country and regional teams, Impact Finance and Markets, Development, External Affairs, and the PFP team to ensure the successful closing of PFP transactions. A significant component of this role will be creating partnership coalitions with in country partners. As the project director, they will critically assess project scope and objectives, ensuring all risks and dependencies are addressed in the project plan, and work with the project manager to assemble the project team to deliver successful project results. The Project Director will obtain go/no-go decisions at all project decision points from relevant decision makers and identify and obtain approval for project deliverables from the appropriate staff or teams. Throughout the project lifecycle, the Project Director will monitor and measure project progress, conduct corrective action as necessary, and communicate project status information to all stakeholders.

This position reports to the Global Portfolio Director, Project Finance for Permanence. The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy is a registered NGO and has an already established office. This position is not eligible for relocation or immigration assistance.

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience directing a major complex program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and government agencies. Able to influence and work productively with these stakeholders.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with government or legislative staff, community or business leaders, program leadership and/or similar audiences
• Experience negotiating complex agreements, ideally with governments.
• Experience with financial management of very large programs and bringing these to a successful close.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and 10 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience in international projects will be beneficial.  
• Experience working within the conservation sector in Latin America. Direct experience working in the conservation sector within Mexico or Guatemala highly advantageous.
• Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) (e.g., government relations, biodiversity, climate mitigation, community development).
• Experience developing business plans or major strategy assessments, particularly with deal structuring, and government negotiations.
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans with sub national and/or national governments in Latin America.
• Experience working in a matrix organizational setting and leading matrix teams without direct supervisory authority.
• Experience with innovative conservation finance and/or conservation trust funds.
• Strong strategic development skills.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Knowledge of politics and society in the Latin America region with respect to environmental and international affairs.
• Willingness to learn and develop expertise in new conservation strategies, economic drivers, management tools, and global affairs.
• Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization, including with senior management, and with partners.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

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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.