Africa Forest Carbon Catalyst (AFCC) Director at Nature Conservancy | July 2024

OFFICE LOCATION

Africa

The position will be located in any of TNC’s Africa offices, Angola, Gabon, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya

#LI-REMOTE

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, TNC’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate.

TNC has shown that Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) – including sustainably managing, restoring, and protecting forests, grasslands, and water – can provide a third of the solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. NCS can also provide a range of other benefits, such as protecting biodiversity, improving watershed function, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. In Africa, TNC’s flagship program for NCS is the Africa Forest Carbon Catalyst (AFCC). The AFCC is a technical and grant funding program for NCS projects across Africa, focusing on supporting partners to develop high-quality carbon projects for carbon markets.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis necessitates a shift towards an alternative economic paradigm that prioritizes sustainable natural resources management, promotes biodiversity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances equitable economic opportunities and well-being, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

The AFCC is dedicated to establishing and scaling high-quality NCS projects by cultivating a pipeline of market-ready businesses and community-focused enterprises that deliver climate and community benefits. This includes forging partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), IPLCs and other partners; creating innovations in business and delivery models; and collaborating with experts in TNC’s Global and Africa teams to develop financing and investment strategies. 

The Africa Forest Carbon Catalyst (AFCC) Director leads TNC’s work to incubate a portfolio of the most promising NCS enterprises and projects across Africa. They are key in leading TNC’s NCS strategy in Africa and will work seamlessly with our Global and regional teams. This position will support the design, implementation, and strategic investment in NCS projects in Africa and with projects that are able to scale and deliver critical forest protection and carbon storage. The position reports to TNC’s Africa Climate Director and will supervise the AFCC team. The position will be located in any of TNC’s Africa offices and will require regular travel to the field (up to 25%). Local labour employment requirements apply.

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.
• Relevant knowledge of 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.
• Deep knowledge of 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.
• Demonstrate existing networks in NBS fields such as Forestry, Rangelands, and Conservation of Agriculture.                                      
• Demonstrate 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.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, Retirement Pension Stipend, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Our Competencies:

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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55267, 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.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.