Freshwater Strategy Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Australia.

📋 Description

• Develop and enhance freshwater conservation strategies throughout the Asia Pacific region in collaboration with TNC country and global programs.

• Ensure a significant portfolio of freshwater conservation initiatives aimed at resilient watersheds and sustainable freshwater protection.

• Design and facilitate the implementation of nature-based solutions for water provisioning, regulation, and sustainable freshwater protection.

• Foster partnerships with country teams in the Asia Pacific, Conservancy staff, and external stakeholders.

• Align the work in Asia Pacific with TNC’s global teams and impact pathways.

• Strengthen scientific and technical capabilities within country programs.

• Refine and enhance Theories of Change for freshwater conservation.

• Negotiate innovative solutions with local communities, governmental bodies, corporations, and lending institutions.

• Ensure representation of freshwater conservation efforts in Asia Pacific’s Portfolio Management approach.

• Support comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning programs to track progress towards TNC’s 2030 Goals.

• Act as the Asia Pacific focal point for TNC’s Nature4Water partnership.

• Seek and secure fundraising opportunities that advance freshwater priorities, including Forever Freshwater regions in Mongolia and Australia.

• Engage donors, craft proposals, and forge partnerships.

• Assist in both internal and external communications regarding freshwater conservation.

• Represent TNC in both internal and external subject matter forums.

• Manage project budgets and coordinate a matrixed team as required.

• Report to the Asia Pacific Deputy Director of Conservation and function within a decentralized, highly matrixed organization.

⛳️ Requirements

• BA/BS degree with 7 years of experience in conservation practice or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven experience managing complex or multiple projects, including overseeing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.

• Demonstrated experience in developing freshwater conservation recommendations that are strongly supported by scientific evidence.

• Background in partnership development with non-profit organizations, community groups, and/or government agencies.

• Willingness to travel internationally; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

• Capability to work in varying weather conditions, remote areas, and challenging and hazardous terrains.

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is appreciated.

• 7 to 10 years of experience in conservation practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A Master’s or PhD in a relevant field is preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of current and emerging trends and practices in freshwater conservation.

• Ability to translate freshwater conservation knowledge into relevant strategies for TNC.

• Proven experience in influencing, developing, and implementing freshwater conservation policies and plans.

• Skill in developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation objectives.

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and utilizing influence, interpersonal skills, active listening, sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.

• Experience in fundraising and grant writing.

• Alignment with TNC’s values.

• Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive benefits packages customized to the individual countries where TNC operates.

• Health care benefits.

• Retirement benefits.

• Parental leave.

• Paid time off.

• Life insurance.

• Disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program.

• Additional life and well-being benefits.

• Flexible work environment that promotes employee health and well-being.

• Opportunities for career development.

• Flexible work schedules.