NCS Advisor Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID JR101190)

Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NCS Advisor supports global strategy leadership by managing priority projects, including those that advance economically viable forest-focused Natural Climate Solutions (NCS).  They serve as a technical resource on the Global NCS Strategic Framework, they primarily contribute to the financial and policy components of forest-related strategies, and/or project(s), helping to ensure that interventions are scalable and investment-ready.  They serve as a key liaison and informational contact between the global NCS strategy team and other TNC staff, as well as external actors, including government agencies, corporations, NGOs and other groups as applicable, with a focus on enabling conditions such as climate finance, institutional capacity, and policy alignment.  They track and/or assess corporate practices, governmental policies and decisions, or the practices or views of other stakeholders concerning the strategy or priority project and their potential impact on NCS investment priorities and organizational NCS conservation goals.  They advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to  global NCS strategies or priority project(s) and related issues and help ensure that TNC's internal and external communications accurately reflect the NCS strategy and conservation goals.

The NCS Advisor provides strategic, economic, and technical support across The Nature Conservancy's global Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) portfolio. This crosscutting role supports the Global Forests Lead in advancing the financial models, enabling conditions, and investment strategies needed to scale forest NCS globally.

The Advisor may specialize in areas such as forest economics, climate finance, and avoided deforestation.  They contribute to the development of NCS roadmaps, investment strategies, financing frameworks, and implementation strategies. They serve as a thought partner to global and regional teams, helping to translate NCS and economic insights into practice, build capacity, and foster innovation across forest restoration, improved forest management, and forest protection pathways.

This role requires a blend of analytical expertise, financial acumen, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership to ensure that NCS efforts are grounded in robust evidence, sound economic rationale, aligned with global strategy, and positioned for transformative impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Provide technical advisory support across NCS pathways, including restoration, improved management, and avoided deforestation, with emphasis on economic viability and alignment with the Forests and Climate Action Plan (FCAP) and the overarching Global NCS strategy.
• Support the design and implementation of NCS roadmaps, with a focus on enabling conditions such as policy, finance, and institutional capacity.
• Conduct or guide strategic technical analyses related to forest carbon, biodiversity, economics and/or livelihoods.
• Adapt workflows and processes in response to evolving program needs, priorities, and external conditions.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to co-develop innovative studies, pilot projects, and scalable financial models for forest NCS implementation.
• Advise on the integration of forest NCS into broader climate and economic goals, including contributions to regenerative economies, and supply chain strategies.
• Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including development of technical content for proposals, reports, and communications.
• Provide training, mentorship, and capacity building to TNC staff and partners on forest NCS science, economics, tools, and implementation strategies.
• Represent TNC in technical forums and working groups, sharing insights and contributing to the global dialogue on natural climate solutions.
• Coordinate with the NCS science staff, TNC conservation/climate finance staff,  and TNC learning networks, ensuring that NCS knowledge is captured, shared, and applied across geographies.
• May participate in fieldwork and provide logistical support for NCS research and implementation activities.
• Provides strategic analysis in support of the NCS agenda for a key finance-focused strategy area.
• Provides economic analysis of conservation opportunities and investment pathways.                                                                                                              
• May lead or support the development of an avoided deforestation strategy, including identification of high-impact opportunities, intervention design, and monitoring frameworks.
• Assists in developing reports, presentations and assessments on topics related to the global NCS strategy.                         
• Assists in the preparation of international policy materials, coordinating learning exchanges and conferences.         
• May serve as a team leader for assigned projects; may require gaining cooperation of team over whom there is no direct supervisory authority.
• Works within a budget to complete projects, negotiates and contracts with vendors and assists with budget development.
• May involve domestic and international travel of 25% or more.

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, international relations, international development, finance, economics, social science, natural science, ecology or related field and at least 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience in research, critical analysis, and evaluating information, including conservation or climate financing aspects, from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with government or legislative staff, community or business leaders, program leadership and/or similar audiences.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context particularly in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, conservation financing, economics, policy, and field implementation teams.
• Experience with time management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous or current experience working with The Nature Conservancy is strongly preferred
• Master's degree.
• Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
• Deep knowledge of, and fluency in, the global strategy area of focus.
• Familiarity and knowledge related to business, governmental, and/or environmental policy and practices pertaining to the global strategy area of focus.
• Ability to sensitively advise other staff on how to effectively engage with internal and external parties. 
• Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
• Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization.   Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.  Must be a team player.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
• NGO and/or corporate relations experience a strong plus.

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $70,100– 120,615 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate's qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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.”

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.

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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.