Finance Director - Sustainable Conservation, Gabon

About the role

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is looking for a Finance Director for Gabon to lead the integrated implementation of its Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) and Blue Bonds (BB) programs. Reporting to the Gabon Country Director, the Director oversees technical, operational and management support to the Government of Gabon and acts as the main liaison with government agencies, conservation organisations, foundations, academic institutions, media and TNC's global and regional leadership teams.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the development of Sustainable Finance Mechanisms (SFM) in Gabon through PFP and Blue Bonds, and community livelihood improvement, with long-term outcomes and positive impact.
• Support partner ministries at technical and political levels, negotiate and manage complex agreements, and build strategic partnerships with green-economy stakeholders.
• Work with the Conservation Trust Fund for Gabon (FPBG) and other institutions to set up financial, fiduciary and operational structures.
• Define and drive an integrated workplan for SFMs and community livelihoods, and coordinate across TNC's Gabon, Africa and global teams within a matrixed organisation.
• Prepare proposals, reports and donor materials, and provide technical support to government partners, community-based activities and capacity-building programmes.
• Monitor performance, manage risk and report to the PFP Steering Committee, FPBG Board, donors and TNC leadership.
• Act as TNC's focal point for SFM strategy, support communication strategies and prepare briefing materials.
• Train, mentor and supervise staff, and travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Required profile

• BA/BS degree in conservation, natural resource management, finance, law or a related field, with 10+ years' experience in conservation, development finance or government relations, or an equivalent combination.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, complex programs, and experience with senior political and ministerial leadership.
• Supervisory experience leading teams and managing performance.
• Excellent written and spoken English and French (required).

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of biodiversity, conservation finance (including PFP and Blue Bonds), climate mitigation or natural resource management.
• Project management, negotiation of complex agreements and strong communication skills.
• Problem-solving, facilitation and conflict resolution.

Desired qualifications: a Master's degree, deep understanding of African conservation contexts, experience with Conservation Trust Funds, prior involvement in PFP, Blue Bonds or sovereign debt restructuring, and the ability to build high-level relationships.