Gabon Sustainable Conservation Finance Director

About the role

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is looking for a visionary leader to serve as the Gabon Sustainable Conservation Finance Director. Reporting to the Gabon Country Director, the Director oversees the integrated implementation of the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) and Blue Bonds (BB) programs, providing technical, operational and management support to the Government of Gabon. The role acts as the main liaison to government agencies, conservation organisations, foundations, academic institutions, media and TNC's Global and Regional Leadership Teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the integrated implementation of the Sustainable Finance Mechanism (SFM) in Gabon through PFP and Blue Bonds, and support community livelihood improvement
• Support partner ministries at technical and political levels, negotiate 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, coordinate with the Africa and global teams and support alignment with the Congo Basin strategy
• Prepare proposals and reports to mobilise resources, and provide technical support to government partners, community-based activities and capacity-building programmes
• Oversee performance tracking, risk management and reporting 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 handle domestic and international travel 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
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, complex programs; experience with senior political and ministerial leadership
• Supervisory experience leading teams and managing performance
• Excellent written and spoken English and French (required)
• Desired: Master's degree, deep knowledge of African conservation contexts, experience with Conservation Trust Funds, and prior involvement in PFP, Blue Bonds or sovereign debt restructuring

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of biodiversity, conservation finance (PFP and Blue Bonds), climate mitigation or natural resource management
• Project management, negotiation of complex agreements and compliance and validation