The Senior Associate, Ocean Planning and Mapping assists in the development and implementation of global ocean strategies at TNC and helps drive the implementation of the overall business plan to achieve planned conservation outcomes such as our significant and matrixed ‘One Conservancy’ program, Nature Bonds. With the aim to secure durable conservation and climate outcomes by structuring and implementing sovereign debt solutions, this program generates sustainable funding for conservation and nature-based climate action and enable governments to achieve ambitious conservation and climate policy commitments, such as in the 2021 Blue Bond in Belize. Nature Bonds is an evolution and expansion of TNC’s proven Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation program.

The Senior Associate supports the Director, Ocean Planning and Mapping and serves as a technical expert and resource for Nature Bonds and other relevant global strategies and/or projects. The primary role is bringing ocean conservation, resource management and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) experience to the Nature Bonds strategy as a key liaison and point of contact between the Global Protect team and the sustainable debt team, government relations team, legal team and TNC country and regional program teams.  The Senior Associate uses global best practice for MSP, marine protections and ocean conservation including process design, conservation planning, governance, Indigenous peoples, local community, and stakeholder engagement. They work with external partners including governments, NGOs, marine stakeholders, communities, academia, and other groups as applicable. They advise and support TNC communications, marketing, and philanthropy staff on priority strategies and assist the global strategy and/or priority project(s) leads to help ensure that TNC’s internal and external communications accurately reflect the strategy and conservation goals.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.  You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day!

By joining our Global Protect Oceans, Lands, and Waters team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.

We’re looking for an individual who can support the team in the following;

• Developing conservation commitments for Nature Bonds marine projects in close coordination and collaboration with all teams working on this global program. Conservation commitments for ocean conservation and ocean management can bind TNC legally and financially.
• Bringing problem-solving experience and subject matter expertise on ocean protection, conservation, marine spatial planning and other topics to develop and complete Nature Bonds country projects within the timelines and milestones of the projects.
• As part of the Ocean Planning and Mapping team on the Global Protect team, supporting all team deliverables, project management, strategy development, and annual budgeting.
• May travel up to 40% both domestically and internationally (when approved for TNC staff), and work occasional weekends and evenings.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, international relations, international development, social science, environmental studies, natural science, ecology, fisheries, resource management, or related field and at least 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience in research, critical analysis, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with government or legislative staff, community or business leaders, program leadership and/or similar audiences.
• Experience with time management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in natural sciences, resource management, public policy, international development, social sciences, maritime law or related field, an asset.
• Experience on-the-ground with stakeholder engagement processes related to marine spatial planning, highly desirable. Related or equivalent experience could include marine protected area networks, fisheries management, renewable energy siting, and/or other marine area-based sector management.
• Experience with prioritization and portfolio development, an asset.
• Critical and analytical thinking, with excellent communication and English writing skills are essential.
• Multi-cultural and/or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to write and speak in a language other than English, such as French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese, highly desirable.
• Familiarity and knowledge of sustainable financing an asset.
• Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
• Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.  Must be a team player.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
• NGO and/or corporate relations experience a strong plus.

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.

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000-$112,500 for annual base salary in the United States. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the United States. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the United States would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual salary range.

To apply for job ID 54060, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.