TNC-GCF Project Development Specialist
The Nature Conservancy
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Development Program Specialists IV will apply advanced skills to a functional team of organizational priority within a development program. The team will be responsible for providing organizational resources such as research, gift processing, prospect management, stewardship, etc.
The Nature Conservancy is an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which allows the organization to work with developing countries and other partners to design and implement transformative projects that support their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As part of the TNC-GCF Unit, the TNC-GCF Project Development Manager coordinates and supports the development of TNC-led GCF project proposals and helps establish and maintain the enabling conditions for the successful funding and delivery of GCF projects.
The TNC-GCF Project Development Specialist reports to the TNC-GCF Unit Director within the broader Public Funding Center (PFC) and Policy and Public Funding (PPF) Business Unit but will leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of colleagues, including regional and country programs, global strategy teams, senior management and impact investing staff, project implementation partners, and the GCF. The TNC-GCF Project Development Specialist will be instrumental in leveraging TNC’s experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, channeling finance through public and private sector partners, and utilizing various financing instruments, including grants, loans and equity, to mobilize resources from the GCF to meet GCF objectives and country priorities embedded within TNC’s 2030 goals.
The Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the team by developing and coordinating idea notes, concept notes and funding proposals, and completing and coordinating diverse complex tasks and activities. They will set priorities based on the needs of the organization. They will analyze and report to leadership on key information, risks and potential solutions related to the team scope and priorities, utilizing appropriate tools for the request or project. The Specialist will perform complex analysis of contexts and needs and recommend focus for analysis by peers. They will provide advice, recommendations, and broad training related to the functional area of the team. The Specialist maintains expert knowledge in the systems, processes and resources managed by the team; applies knowledge to coordinating project development teams and other stakeholders and planning communications related to the resources. They will have substantial contact with stakeholders and will serve as the lead liaison with leadership. They take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, such duties may include but are not limited to designing and leading training initiatives, managing documentation, and/or enhancing the processes and tools managed by the team. The Specialist will keep up-to-date on market trends, donor requirements and best practices in order to improve services. They will analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions in order to improve effectiveness. The Specialist will initiate complex processes and practices based on an expert understanding of related policies and procedures.
This position will include international travel and calls before/after regular working hours. The TNC-GCF Project Development Specialist may travel frequently and on short notice and occasionally work long hours and weekends. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. Location is flexible in the geographies in which TNC works. Schedule and part of core hours must align with that of the East Coast of the United States.
We’re Looking for You:
The challenges facing our planet today require comprehensive solutions that address the well-being of people and nature and lay the foundation for future conservation efforts. Promoting policies and actions that provide benefits to both people and nature, and engaging with public donors is critical to securing lasting climate and conservation outcomes. The work and expertise of TNC’s PPF Business Unit is integral to this effort. The PPF is helping to shape the government policies and mobilize public resources that help make possible achievement of transformative conservation outcomes to address climate change, enhance protection of lands, waters, and the ocean, and provide food and water sustainably. We have an awesome task at hand, and the work that you do here will have a direct impact on our success.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and 6 years related experience in a field related to climate change, conservation and/or international development.
- Experience with developing projects for the Green Climate Fund
- Experience designing and generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting the data.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.
- Experience working with teams across an organization.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.
Salary Information:
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. Schedule and part of core hours must align with that of the East Coast of the United States. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 – $128,000 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.
Who We Are:
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.”
What We Bring:
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.

