The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people.”
The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Africa Oceans Strategy focuses on securing large scale ocean protection by supporting effective marine spatial planning and community-based conservation approaches. Our work seeks to establish sustainable financing (e.g. through Blue Bonds - debt conversion-based instruments) to enable conservation outcomes at large marine ecosystem scale, by supporting policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as local capacity, with emphasis on linking science and communities to habitat protection and management. TNC's work on fisheries aims to safeguard productive marine and freshwater fisheries for ecosystem health and as important foundations of food and livelihood security. TNC has established partnerships with several non-government and government agencies to support fisheries and coastal community-based conservation throughout Africa.
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Benguela Program Manager will lead design, development, and implementation of TNC's activities in support of protection, science, stewardship, and community relations for the coastal and marine areas of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). This includes advancing capacity for and commitments to marine planning, management, and protection, as well as increasing transboundary cooperation, and helping strengthen regional ocean governance frameworks. They role will help advance TNC's role as a major conservation partner within the marine community that connects Angola, Namibia and South Africa and help drive meaningful conservation outcomes at LME scale. The role includes overall project management responsibilities, development and oversight of partner relations, and management of donor relations to maintain financial support to the region. Where possible, this position will provide assistance to TNC global and regional teams for scoping activities for potential Blue Bonds (sustainable financing via debt conversion) projects within the region. The Benguela Program Manager will work dynamically and effectively with government and non-government partners and coastal community stakeholders to support local conservation efforts and negotiate complex and innovative solutions The The role will also advance TNC's work in support of livelihood resilience through key engagements with coastal fishing communities. Working closely with TNC's Africa and Global Oceans Teams, this position will report to the Africa Oceans Strategy Director and will be based at TNC's office in Cape Town, South Africa (the option to be based in Luanda, Angola may also be considered). This is an initial three-year contract with possibility for extension dependent on funding. No employment visas or assistance is being offered with this position except for the local labor employment requirements.
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. Our team in Africa is dedicated to ocean conservation. Come join us!
- Oversee implementation of the exciting new Blue Benguela Partnership - a partnership forged between TNC and the Blue Nature Alliance to facilitate long-term ocean conservation and ecosystem health outcomes for the region.
- Working with government and non-government stakeholders to define ocean conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies aligned with ongoing marine spatial planning processes, as well as MPA expansion strategies and efforts to improve local fisheries management and combat IUU fishing.
- Build scientific and technical capacity at regional and country levels, help improve regional cooperation and ocean governance, and develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to promote integration of best practices.
- Lead and manage a project team and national implementation partners to ensure the effective implementation of national and regional workplans, including focus areas of marine spatial planning, MPA management and expansion, and fisheries management in each of the three project countries.
- Responsible for project compliance, financial oversight, operations and quality assurance for all activities including budgeting and financial reporting
- Manages all the project's sub-contracts
- Prepares and submits annual work plans and quarterly and annual performance reports, and ensure progress towards program objectives, including through field visits
- Provides robust oversight of and technical input into the project's monitoring, evaluation, research and learning functions
- Manage the establishment and elaboration of the Blue Benguela Partnership and TNC's Benguela Current program, consistent with the Africa Oceans Strategy.
- Lead TNC's support for and relationship with national governments of the Benguela region with the aim to assist national ocean conservation priorities and objectives.
- Lead regional support and development of strategic partnerships and functional relationships with regional bodies to advance program opportunities and outcomes across the Benguela Current LME.
- Advance national level planning efforts that increase ocean conservation outcomes, and support the regional facilitation of technical and management capacity.
- Support efforts to create and advance community-based strategies for better managed coastal fisheries and marine areas.
- Assist in developing reports, presentations, and assessments on related topics, as well as internal and external communications materials that reflect the program's objectives and priorities.
- Work within designated budgets to complete projects, negotiate with and contract vendors and assist with ongoing work plan and budget development.
- Support fundraising by contributing to proposals and representing the Benguela Current and Africa Ocean programs where/when needed.
- Build cooperation from outside parties and strategic partnerships to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Will need to travel frequently within the region and occasionally internationally, as may be necessary.
- Make independent decisions based on program related analysis, experience, and relevant context.
- BA/BS degree and 7 years' experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in conservation, policy and sustainable programs for oceans and/or coasts. Experience facilitating and leading multiple objective planning processes and working across matrix organizations in the region will also be valuable.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 7-10 years' experience in marine conservation practice or related field experience.
- Experience with marine spatial planning, marine protected area management and/or community-based fisheries projects, including stakeholder engagements and implementation of ocean protection initiatives.
- Familiarity with the coastal and marine ecosystems of the Benguela region, as well as the coastal communities, in-country stakeholders and related governance systems.
- Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience with complex project implementation.
- Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams, subcontracts and meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience negotiating and politically savvy.
- A passion for oceans and ocean conservation
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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.
