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 and cultivate 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 to meet fundraising goals. The staff comprising the various OU functions may be structured as needed or shared with other units as efficiency dictates. 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 Solomon Islands Program to ensure alignment with TNC’s global 2030 Goals and regional strategic priorities. The role is responsible for delivering tangible conservation outcomes, adaptively managing budgets and workplans, building strong partnerships, complying with local laws and regulations, and fostering a high‑performing, inclusive team culture. The 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 outcomes are delivered on time and within budget.
- Represent TNC externally with government agencies, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, 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 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, with demonstrated 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 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 ability 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.