Program Manager- Zambezi Basin(The Nature Conservancy)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Zambezi Basin Program Manager is responsible for implementation of a comprehensive program to address critical threats to the natural systems of the Zambezi River Basin through science-based approaches and policy reforms. The program is one of the Nature Conservancy’s key projects within its Africa Region. The position works closely with the Africa Region staff, other divisions of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), government agencies, regional institutions, NGOs, multilateral and bilateral agencies, land and water managers, communities and the private sector to develop, coordinate and implement conservation strategies, including: development and application of ecologically sustainable water management; provision of technical tools and training for enhancing the effectiveness of protected areas; and enhancing international, regional, national and local policies for integrated water management, energy development, wildlife management, and protected area designation and management. The Zambezi Basin Program Manager represents TNC in relationships and negotiations with government agencies, regional institutions, multilateral and bilateral agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and multi-stakeholder working groups in the Zambezi River Basin.

To advance environmental flows in the Zambezi River Basin, the Zambezi Basin Program Manager will closely collaborate with WWF and other partners through the Joint Zambezi River Basin Environmental Flows Programme (ZRB EF). The position leads in the development and implementation of relevant TNC operating plans and budgets, manages contracts with partners, and helps secure public and private funds for the ZRB EF. The Program Manager provides water management analysis and guidance on Zambia and other Zambezi Basin countries to TNC and partner personnel.

The Zambezi Basin Program Manager will use a thorough understanding of the institutional and policy frameworks of protected area management in the region to develop a comprehensive protected area strategy for key geographies, paying particular attention to the setup of public private partnerships for management. The protected areas strategy will initially be focused in Zambia. The Zambezi Basin Program Manager will also ensure that investments made in protected areas complement those made in support of the ZRB EF.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the lead representative for TNC on environmental flows issues in the Zambezi River Basin, with a particular focus on Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

• Establish key partnerships with international, regional, national and local governmental, multilateral, bilateral, and non-governmental organizations that can help advance TNC’s conservation agenda for the Zambezi River Basin. Raise awareness of TNC’s mission, goals and capacity among key government, multilateral, bilateral, and NGO officials.

• Represent TNC in the negotiation and setup of co-management agreements and public private partnerships for protected area management.

• Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of practical, innovative strategies by TNC and its partners to conserve priority places, species, and ecosystem services.

• Lead and coordinate implementation of conservation strategies and practices in the field by TNC and partner personnel.

• Help the Africa Program raise private and public funds for the program by helping write and edit grant proposals and participating in donor visits.

• Coordinate with TNC staff and others in maintaining relationships with organizations in Africa (e.g., AMCOW, SADC) and Washington D.C. (e.g., World Bank, NGOs, institutes, associations, U.S. State Department, MCC).

• Develop policy statements and documents for conferences and coordinate TNC participation in priority conferences (e.g., World Water Forum, TNC-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Partnership Conference).

The Zambezi Basin Program Manager works closely with staff of the Africa Program, as well as TNC’s Global Freshwater Program, Conservation Lands Program, and International Government Relations team. The position will not initially supervise staff, but may manage fellows, volunteers, contractors or interns as the project matures. In due time, the Program Manager will oversee support staff (recruited as needed) to provide logistical and communications support to TNC and partner personnel.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 7 years experience in conservation practice 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.

• Experience in partnership development (partners, community, government, etc.).

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Zambezi Basin Program Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:

• require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain

• present occasional possibility of injury

• require long hours in isolated settings

This position may also:

• require frequent travel domestically and/or internationally

• require evening and weekend hours

BENEFITS

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please submit resume and cover letter to raquel.seybert@gmail.com , detailing why you are interested and what skills you bring to the position.

Deadline for applications - July 15, 2010