Director, Global Agriculture and Food Systems Policy

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, and providing food and water sustainably. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Nature Conservancy is seeking to accelerate the role of policy for regenerative and resilient agriculture and food systems in the achievement of our 2030 Goals related to biodiversity and climate change. The Director, Global Agriculture Policy plans, implements and coordinates programs to affect governments, multilateral agencies and international institutions, and partners to support global policy outcomes for TNC's global agriculture and food systems strategies and pathways. The position will have a strong focus on the development and implementation of global policy strategies to support and accelerate TNC's work related to regenerative agriculture, sustainable supply chains, and foodscapes. The Director will serve on the leadership teams of the Global Provide Food and Water (PFW) Strategy as well as the Global Policy, Institutions and Conservation Finance (GPIF) team in External Affairs and will be a close strategic advisor to the Global Managing Director, Provide Food and Water. The Director reports to the Managing Director, GPIF with a close working relationship with the Global Managing Director, PFW. The position currently supervises one senior professional position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Director, Global Agriculture and Food Systems Policy works with national and international governmental and business entities and partners at all levels to further the Conservancy's mission focusing on strategic partnerships and policy outcomes. Facing externally, the Director will engage in key global policy forums (e.g. UNFCCC, UNCCD, UNCBD) and with strategic partners (e.g. Rome based agencies) to advance TNC's global agriculture and food systems work. The Director will draw on an extensive professional network to identify strategic trends and opportunities, and engage in or build strategic coalitions to advance TNC's strategies. The Director will also engage public sector bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to support relevant TNC strategies and regional programs.

Facing internally, the Director will serve as lead policy strategy advisor, guiding the development and implementation of policy strategies across TNC's global agriculture and food systems strategies and leading their effective implementation across a matrixed organization. The Director will also collaborate closely with TNC's Tackle Climate Change team to ensure coherence between TNC's sustainable supply chains and zero conversation commodities strategies and TNC's Nature Climate Solutions strategies. The Director will also support policy strategy development and implementation on regenerative food systems and work closely with regional and country-level colleagues in key geographies, especially China, Brazil, India and Africa, as well as coordinate with and align TNC's agriculture and food systems policy work in the United States and Europe.

The preferred location for this position is the TNC Worldwide Office (Washington, DC metro area). Other global policy centers will also be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Manages multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development. Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives.
• Ensures that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related senior-level work experience, including current and evolving political, legislative and conservation trends at the global level.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages appreciated.
• Demonstrated experience building strong relationships across an organization and with partners such as public agencies, governments, donors, corporations, and/or volunteers.
• Experience managing and supervising a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience working on food and agriculture issues at a global level.
• Experience working with current and evolving political, sustainability, and/or conservation trends on an international level.
• Experience in directing or participating in complex negotiations and presenting to and communicating with government officials, corporate executives, board members and others.
• Experience designing, implementing and directing multiple and multifaceted projects, setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
• Experience communicating complex processes and ideas effectively to a variety of audiences within and outside an organization.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master's degree appreciated.
• Significant experience in public policy, food and agriculture, conservation/environmental policy, regulatory advocacy, and public funding.
• Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities. Demonstrated ability to successfully develop and implement complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
• Independent and self-motivated with the ability to participate effectively in a remote team environment.
• Fundraising experience.

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