Africa Forest Carbon Catalyst (AFCC) Director at Nature Conservancy

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

We’re looking for a passionate, motivated problem-solver to lead the AFCC program. They will coordinate closely with a senior-level steering committee to align, implement, and manage the program. They are a key focal point for topical expertise on NCS and carbon markets for the region. They work to develop and coordinate a network of forest and climate change experts across TNC and with external partners, all while working to support the development of the staff they manage. Most importantly is a focus on building a portfolio of carbon storage and habitat protection projects that offer scale, impact and durable lasting outcomes for people and nature. This position will help drive fundraising and strategic communications with support from TNC Africa and Global functional teams.

Specifically, they will:

• Ensure day-to-day successful implementation of the AFCC program and its accountability.
• Management oversight and direction for the AFCC program to ensure the design, development, and delivery of high-quality and high-integrity NCS carbon projects.
• Lead and be accountable for managing and implementing the AFCC strategic framework to achieve short- and long-term targets in line with TNC’s 2030 goals.
• Develop partnership with private philanthropy and public fundraising teams to raise required funds for AFCC - including actively seeking out new funding opportunities by contributing to proposals.
• Collaboratively negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect Indigenous People and Local Communities interest and develop and implement conservation strategies.
• Develop and nurture external relationships with key partners and subject matter experts - including signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements.
• Manage and allocate the budget for the AFCC through a coordinated process with your team.
• Lead in steering AFCC meetings, managing action points, and seek approval of the committee to onboard new projects as a key member of the AFCC steering committee.
• Lead the AFCC donor roundtable and roadshows and provide active lead on action point follow-up with collaborating teams.
• Coordinate with global TNC teams to maximize and align the AFCC strategy with TNCs Global NCS programs.
• Oversee and coordinate investor demonstration workshops for AFCC projects, prospective investors, and carbon buyers.
• Manages a team, involving 1-1 coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Deals directly with field management personnel and organizational leadership.
• Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours. Requires willingness and ability to travel up to 25% both domestically and internationally and to work occasional weekends and evenings.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Extensive experience in environmental project assessment and managing a portfolio of high-quality natural climate solution carbon projects.
• Experience in project screening and budgeting/ financing.
• Experience with carbon markets, climate policy, standards and project development.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Expertise in the African Climate context and of Africa Carbon projects and enterprises.  
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience developing partnerships with non-profit partners, community groups and/or   government agencies.
• Possess existing networks in NBS fields such as Forestry, Rangelands, and Conservation of Agriculture.                                      
• Experience negotiating.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant understanding of the regional climate policy context, carbon markets and climate finance developments, and/or the corporate sustainability landscape
• Self-starter with the ability to generate work plans with limited support in line with the overall Climate Strategies Team outcomes, goals, strategies, and plans.
• Experience developing business plans or major strategy assessments, particularly with conservation forms of valuation, deal structuring, negotiations support, financial modeling and analysis, business planning.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and motivating teams.
• 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 Conservancy partners.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• 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.
• Politically savvy.