The Nature Bonds Strategy Lead oversees the Nature Bonds project portfolio – both future projects and the implementation of closed transactions – and guides our strategy to secure durable conservation and climate outcomes through sovereign debt solutions. The Strategy Lead provides strategic direction and management for the program’s outcomes and establishes the overall conservation priorities aligned with TNC’s 2030 Goals. They are responsible for overall program funding, resources, and budget. The Nature Bonds strategy is “co‑led”, meaning it is a close partnership between TNC’s Protect, NatureVest, and Regional teams and is overseen by a multi‑division Steering Committee. The Strategy Lead works with workstream leads to identify and resolve internal and external bottlenecks and barriers, mitigate risks, and identify pathways for adaptive management of individual projects and for the strategy as a whole. They also elevate and address issues as necessary to the Strategy’s Steering Committee.
The Nature Bonds Strategy Lead supports regional TNC Business Units in closing and implementing a targeted portfolio of prospective projects and an existing portfolio of closed projects by appropriately allocating technical and financial resources across the portfolio to successfully deliver our long‑term conservation and nature‑based climate outcomes. These outcomes include achieving effective and durable 30x30 protections, addressing climate mitigation and adaptation through nature‑based solutions, and advancing nature and climate outcomes through sustainable bioeconomy initiatives.
The position directly oversees a small and able team of Global Protect staff who support and/or lead the conservation planning and outcomes, monitoring and evaluation, implementation, administration, and/or cross‑organizational coordination. This team works closely with a much larger disbursed team in local business units and global programs to effectively deliver on the goals and projects under the Nature Bonds strategy.
As such, the Lead will need to manage and oversee the strategy in a way that closely collaborates with and leverages the strength of the organization across direct and indirect reporting lines and will act as a leader, facilitator, and mediator to bring the team together under a shared vision, culture, and goals. The Strategy Lead demonstrates a proven track record of, and commitment to, radical collaboration and co‑leadership of complex programs. They work in close partnership with their counterpart in NatureVest (TNC’s impact finance wing) to advance the Strategy and deliver a successful portfolio and its outcomes for nature. They inspire a One Conservancy culture with leadership and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Impact, Finance and Markets Division, Regional Programs, Public Policy and Funding, and Protect, Provide, and Climate programs.
They are responsible for engaging key internal and external partners, from cultivating and stewarding donors and engaging with philanthropy teams, to elevating strategic communications internally and externally, and engaging governments and private sector stakeholders. They also serve as one of the primary points of contact and liaison for The Nature Conservancy’s involvement with the Debt for Nature Coalition and evaluate how TNC can support the broader partnership portfolio to advance high‑quality debt projects to achieve more conservation and climate outcomes through radical collaboration with others.
This position is part of the Global Protect Lands, Waters, and Oceans Business Unit and reports to the Global Managing Director, Global Protect, with oversight from the Nature Bonds Strategy Steering Committee, comprised of executive leadership from the different units that comprise the Nature Bonds strategy at TNC. The position has deep connections with teams across the Conservancy, including our experts from Country Programs and Regional Teams, External Affairs, Impact Finance and Markets, and Climate Change.
The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy is a registered NGO and has an already established office. This position is not eligible for relocation or immigration assistance. This position may require frequent travel (~30‑50%) and evening and weekend hours.
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.
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 a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well‑being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well‑being of the people we employ.
