JOB DESCRIPTION

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Operating Unit (OU) Director functions as manager and conservation strategist, accountable for the operating unit’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit’s responsibilities, and contributes intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. They support alignment of activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in their ecoregion(s)/operating unit and in areas beyond their span of authority. They serve as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The Operating Unit Director oversees fundraising and marketing for the OU, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals. They support philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.

The staff comprising the various OU functions may be structured as needed or shared with other units as efficiency dictates to meet the needs of the unit. The Operating Unit Director reports to the Division Director and works closely with the local trustees/advisory board.

We’re Looking for You:

The Solomon Islands Country Lead functions as manager and conservation strategist, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) Solomon Islands Program to ensure alignment with TNC’s global 2030 Goals and regional strategic priorities. The Solomon Islands Country Lead is responsible for delivering tangible conservation outcomes, adaptively managing budgets and workplans, building strong partnerships, compliance with local laws and regulations, and fostering a high-performing, inclusive team culture. They support global and regional teams to deliver shared services to the Solomon Islands Program. The Solomon Islands Country Lead is based in Honiara, Solomon Islands and reports to the Oceania Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the execution and adaptive management of conservation programs aligned with TNC’s global and regional strategic plans and goals, including climate mitigation/adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development.
• Support regional and global conservation teams in strategic planning of conservation programs aligned with TNC’s goals.
• Adaptively manage the Solomon Islands Program annual workplan and budget, ensuring that outcomes are delivered on time and within budget.
• Represent TNC externally with government agencies, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), donors, media, and other stakeholders to build alliances and shared agendas.
• Provide support to regional and global fundraising and development efforts, including donor cultivation, proposal development, and stewardship to meet financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with local laws, TNC policies, and operational standards, including finance, HR, and risk management.
• Manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and performance excellence.
• Support global and regional teams providing shared services, such as marketing and communications, fundraising and development, finance, and human resources to the Solomon Islands Program.
• Promote science-based decision-making and innovation, integrating cross-disciplinary knowledge and local expertise.

What You’ll Bring:

• Responsible for compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Accountable for the delivery of conservation outcomes in priority areas and alignment with TNC’s 2030 Goals.
• Responsible for the local implementation of shared support services to the Solomon Islands Program, including through collaboration with diverse and dispersed functional team members.
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Leads high-level engagement with Solomon Islands Government and relevant regional and global bodies.
• May require frequent travel domestically and internationally.

Desired Qualifications:

• 7-10 years’ experience, including experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
• Experience gained both domestically and internationally and demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy.
• Demonstrated success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, work planning, staffing, and performance management.
• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a diverse and geographically dispersed organization.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Experience in community-based conservation or development approaches in Solomon Islands
• Experience working with conservation acts, regulations, agreements and policies from regional bodies, and national and sub-national government pertaining to conservation and natural resource management in Solomon Islands.
• Familiarity with tribal hierarchical land tenure system of the context of conservation and natural resource management in Solomon Islands.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy”s background screening process.

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.