NCS Forests Specialist Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID JR101197)

Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NCS Forests Specialist supports global strategy leadership by assisting with and/or managing priority projects that advance forest-focused Natural Climate Solutions (NCS).  As a technical resource on the Global NCS Strategic Framework, the Advisor primarily contributes to the forest-related components of the framework and associated strategies, helping to ensure that forest restoration, improved forest management, and protection efforts are grounded in sound science and strategic alignment.  They liaise with other TNC staff, notably field colleagues, as well as external actors as applicable, to help drive the implementation of forest NCS strategies and associated projects in the places where TNC works.  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 organizational conservation goals.  They may advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to global NCS strategies or priority project(s) and related issues.

The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. Salary is based on physical working location. No relocation assistance.  

This is a two-year funded position with the possibility for extension based on deliverables and funding. 

The NCS Forests Specialist provides strategic, scientific, and technical support across The Nature Conservancy's global forest-related Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) portfolio. This crosscutting role supports the Global Forests Lead in advancing the science, tools, methodologies, and enabling conditions needed to scale forest NCS interventions globally.

With a strong emphasis on forest ecology, restoration, and management, the NCS Forests Specialist contributes to the development of global strategies that promote forest protection, improved forest management, and reforestation. They serve as a technical resource and thought partner to global and regional teams, helping to translate forest science into practice, build capacity, and foster innovation across diverse geographies and contexts.

While the role may intersect with areas such as forest economics or climate finance, its primary focus is on ecological and scientific dimensions of forest NCS. The Specialist plays a key role in shaping NCS roadmaps, implementation frameworks, and decision-support tools that are grounded in robust evidence and aligned with TNC's global conservation strategy.

This role requires a blend of forest science expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership to ensure that forest NCS efforts are impactful, scalable and responsive to global conservation priorities grounded in robust evidence, aligned with global strategy, and positioned for transformative impact. They may take the lead on development and implementation of one or more forest-focused strategies within TNC's broader NCS agenda.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Provide technical advisory support across forest NCS pathways, including restoration, improved management, and avoided deforestation, ensuring 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, institutional capacity, and supportive governance frameworks.
• 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, particularly in forest-based contexts.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to co-develop innovative studies, pilot projects, and scalable models for forest NCS implementation.
• Advise on the integration of forest NCS into broader climate and biodiversity goals, including contributions to forest protection, regenerative economies, and supply chain strategies.
• Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including development of technical content for proposals, reports, and communications focused on forest NCS.
• Provide training, mentorship, and capacity building to TNC staff and partners on forest NCS science, tools, and implementation strategies.
• Represent TNC in technical forums and working groups, sharing insights and contributing to the global dialogue on forest-based climate solutions.
• Coordinate with the NCS science staff and learning networks, ensuring that forest NCS knowledge is captured, shared, and applied across geographies.
• May participate in fieldwork and provide logistical support for forest NCS research and implementation activities.
• Provides strategic analysis of conservation opportunities in key forest-focused strategy areas
• Provides occasional economic analysis of conservation opportunities, as relevant to forest NCS priorities.
• Designs, implements and directs complex and diverse projects encompassing multiple programs.
• Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives, contributing to the development and refinement of forest NCS tools, methodologies, and decision-support systems, integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and context, contributes to strategic planning and portfolio reviews, helping to assess progress, identify gaps, and inform adaptive management across the forest NCS program.
• Significant latitude to deal directly with field management personnel and organizational leadership.
• Develops reports, presentations and assessments on topics related to the global strategy.                         
• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects; may require gaining cooperation of team over whom there is no direct supervisory authority.
• May lead or support the development of an avoided deforestation strategy, including identification of high-impact opportunities, intervention design, and monitoring frameworks.
• 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 environmental science, natural resources, public policy, international development or related field and at least 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience leading complex forest-related projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
• Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for forest NCS strategy and action.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material related to forest conservation and climate solutions.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context particularly in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, forest science, policy, and field implementation teams.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous or current experience working with The Nature Conservancy is strongly preferred
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Master's degree.
• Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
• Familiarity and knowledge related to business, governmental, and/or environmental policy and practices pertaining to the global strategy area of focus.
• 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.
• Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material related to forest conservation and climate solutions.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context particularly in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, forest science, policy, and field implementation teams.

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 $58,500 – $100,725 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.

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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.