Source Water Protection Partnership (SWaPP) Specialist at Nature Conservancy

What We Can Achieve Together

• The Source Water Protection Partnership Specialist will lead the establishment and implementation of the Source Water Protection Partnership for Africa (SWaPP). This partnership will work with representatives from peer NGOs, government ministerial level leaders, policy makers, scientists, and aligned private sector leaders to advance the practice of protecting and stewarding water supplies in Africa at its source through public-private partnerships and community-level implementation. The position will pursue enabling policy dialogue, catalyse resource mobilization for achieving source water protection goals, and lead outreach to key stakeholders including bi- and multi-lateral institutions. The role will also serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues for the TNC Resilient Watersheds Program as it seeks to deepen integration of water supply, sanitation, and watershed health. Reporting to the Africa Water Funds Director, the position is based in any country where TNC has an office in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Angola or Gabon). The successful candidate will prioritize the formation of a high-level leadership committee bringing together leaders from the water sector in Africa and conservation strategy leads in TNC. Some of the founding SWaPP institutions are TNC, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), IUCN, Diageo Plc, The Okavango Commission (OKACOM), The Coca-Cola Foundation, Water for People (WfP), Africa Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) and Africa Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA). There is also growing interest from several governments on the continent.
• The position will lead a consultative process across partners and governments towards the full establishment of the partnership including defining its mission, strategic focus, and developing structures. They will engage governments in scientific investigations and support relevant policy development processes through advocacy. The role will bring technical skills to programs that require TNC and partner’s input in pursuit of growing investments in source water protection work by communities, governments, NGOs and the private sector.
• No relocation or visa sponsorship or assistance is being offered with this position. This is a 2-year term limited position. Extension of tenure will be subject to performance and fundraising outcomes.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

• Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

As key roles and responsibilities for this position, the candidate will:

• Apply diversified knowledge of best practices to lead TNC’s relations with the relevant leading regional and global water sector stakeholders, governments, and funding agencies.
• Advance equitable conservation by applying best practices and policy development enhancing access to justice and information related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Develop right strategies for organizational development with clear targets and robust program objectives for the partnership, working in a complex matrix organization environment within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Work with partner organizations like Stockholm Water Institute (SIWI), African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), local and international NGOs, companies and/or multilateral agencies to drive policy agenda in support of TNC and partner’s conservation objectives leading to increased investment in watersheds conservation in Africa.
• Co-develop strategies for and encourage the adoption of policies at national level to help countries develop and meet commitments to targets under the various UN conventions as well as meeting water and sanitation commitments championed by the World Water Council, the UN- Water and other leaders in water and sanitation sector.
• Works with the multiple TNC teams and other partners to engage with public funding agencies in Africa, such as international lending agencies, bilateral development groups, and private investors, to create understanding of and support for TNC Africa’s Resilient Watersheds agenda.
• Ensure that the Source Water Protection work under the Africa Resilient Watersheds program meets all relevant contractual and legal regulations, and standards.
• Represent The Nature Conservancy and the partnership before special interest groups offering appropriate communication to key public and private officials with respect to programmatic needs, policy statements and broadly, to increase support for TNC’s mission.
• Write and share periodic activity reports with committee members, partners, relevant government leaders, NGOs, and local community representatives.
• Monitor significant political changes and governmental news, as well as press feeds in relevant geographies and offer advisories as appropriate to ensure work continuity across government transitions.
• Prepare grant applications in collaboration with the Africa Regional Resilient Watersheds and Freshwater teams to sustain the work and grow impact.

What You'll Bring

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex organizations or partnerships in unstructured environment.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Experience in working with NGO partners, private sector, and government agencies.
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized set up, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
• Experience communicating and navigating the intricacy of the government systems and protocol.
• Experience with writing grant proposals including forming and managing coalitions for fundraising where necessary.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating.

Desired Qualifications

• Post graduate degree in water resource management, political science, environmental policy, management, or other relevant fields.
• Over 7 years of post-training experience in the water and conservation sector at regional level leadership experience, multi country programs or multi-cultured corporate sector experience.
• Proven communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including key public policy decision-makers and other government officials, corporate executives, major donors, board members and others who are critical to the organization’s overall prosperity.
• Knowledge of priorities, trends, and requirements in water sector development assistance, strategic partners, and the policy goals of governments and multi-laterals.
• Ability to work effectively in high-tension situations and maintaining composure under pressure.
• Fluency in English and French. Good understanding of Swahili or Portuguese an added advantage
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience in partner coordination including government, NGOs, funding agencies involved in water sector processes in Africa.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management and leadership level individuals within the corporate sector.
• Excellent team player, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in sub-Saharan Africa region (national, sub-national and/or regional).
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Politically savvy.