Jobs Opportunities at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) – Africa REDD+ Project Development Lead

Africa REDD+ Project Development Lead
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Job Summary
The Africa REDD+ project development lead supports the development and implementation of Reduced Emissions from Deforestation &Degradation; ( REDD+) forest conservation and restoration projects across the Africa region which TNC partners with. Preferred location is Nairobi, Kenya but alternative existing TNC office locations will be considered. 

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 72 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. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Africa REDD+ project development lead works for TNC’s Africa Region Program by developing and/or managing priority REDD+ projects and serves as the technical lead for REDD+ in the Africa region. They liaise with other TNC staff, notably field colleagues, as well as external actors as applicable, to help drive the implementation of TNC’s Africa forestry strategy and associated projects in the places where TNC works. They track and/or assess REDD+ best practice in Africa, latest policy developments including nesting of projects with national or regional jurisdictions and advise on appropriate partners for TNC to work with in this area. They should be comfortable working with corporates, governmental institutions, private sector project developers and other NGOs in this area. They may advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to the global strategy or priority project(s) and related issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Responsible for sourcing, developing and managing the network of REDD+ partners receiving support from TNC’s Africa Tree Fund development facility.
• Technical lead for all REDD+ carbon projects within TNC Africa portfolio. This includes provision of technical backstopping for effective REDD+ implementation and support through the Africa Tree Fund development facility, including sourcing, evaluation and recommendation on REDD+ opportunities.
• Works closely with TNC’s Global climate policy team to support the development of national REDD+ readiness and accounting frameworks in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia & Gabon.
• Works closely with TNC’s global corporate engagement team to share REDD+ project opportunities in Africa with network of TNC corporate partners.
• Coordinates monitoring and knowledge management activities related to REDD+ and shares learning across TNC Africa priority REDD+ countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Gabon and DRC.
• Leads and manages team or project to support and improve conservation efforts.
• In the future, may manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Provide support for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. May involve domestic and international travel of 25% or more.
• Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, conservation, business, finance, political science, public policy, international relations, international development or related field and at least 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Direct experience of REDD+ project development, policy development or carbon markets related to forests.
• Experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
• Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
• Experience working in Africa in one or more of Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Gabon or DRC.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Ability to write and speak in a language other than English, such as French, Kiswahili or other relevant local languages, highly desirable.
• 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing REDD+ policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES
Relationships Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback. 

Develops Others Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Drives for Results Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high-performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work-life balance. 

Leverages Difference Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholder. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives. 

Systems Leadership Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large-scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.

For full Job profile and how to apply please visit http://careers.nature.org and search for Job Id 48920 Submit CV and cover letter separately using the upload buttons online. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to end of day September 03rd, 2020