The Director Policy and Government Relations, Africa  will lead engagement with partner governments where we work. This position will work with national and intergovernmental institutions, development institutions, non-governmental organizations, and business entities at all levels to further the Conservancy’s mission whilst helping governments achieve their regional and international biodiversity and climate change commitments. They will coordinate internationally negotiated agreements, legislative, administrative, and corporate initiatives and policies related to The Nature Conservancy’s mission or programs. They will  develop strategic partnerships to achieve TNC’s conservation goals and help shape the regional and national conservation strategies /initiatives to help government achieve their commitments through  regular contact with country, regional and multilateral officials, institutions, and/or corporate representatives regarding actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy. The Director Policy and Government Relations  will represent The Nature Conservancy before special interest groups and engage key public and private officials to increase support for TNC’s mission, and programs funding and development of policy statements.

• Applies a diversified knowledge of best practices to lead TNC’s government relations efforts within the region and countries where we work.
• Support country programs and strategy leads to develop and implement government relations strategies.
• Work with TNC country programs, partner governments and other NGOs and/or multilateral agencies to drive policy agenda in support of TNC’s work in the region  to design strategies for and encourage the adoption of policies at the national level to help those countries develop and meet their commitments to their respective targets under the CBD and UNFCCC.
• Manage and provide strategic direction to TNC Africa’s policy work, fostering enabling conditions to achieve desired policy results.
• Lead and coordinate policy work in line with TNC Africa’s programs and strategies.
• Works with the Africa Region Public Fundraising team and other partners to engage with public funding agencies in our countries, such as international lending agencies, bilateral development groups, and private investors, to create understanding of and support for TNC Africa priorities.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Acts independently within broad program goals, i.e., community-based, and landscape-level conservation, sustainable finance, smart development, science and capacity building, and strategic partnerships.
• Manages multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development. Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to network and communicate effectively about TNC Africa.
• Develops and administers departmental budget and has authority to modify budget based on changing circumstances. Operates within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
• Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives of superiors.
• Ensures that program meets all lobbying, contractual and legal regulations, and standards.