Location: Quito, Ecuador

Employees are required to be physically located in Quito, Ecuador, during their employment with TNC. Candidates from other locations are encouraged to apply; however, TNC will not cover relocation costs if you accept an offer made by TNC for this position.

Type of contract: Fixed-term employment contract

The Finance for Conservation Specialist (FCS) will closely collaborate with the Amazon Biocorredor Program and other conservation programs to develop and implement tailored financial strategies. His/her role will involve designing specific financing plans, identifying suitable funding sources, estimating costs, establishing realistic budgets to support conservation goals, monitor the achievement of the implementation of the strategies and perform Cost/Benefit analysis. Will also be involved in the technical assistance provided by TNC to the Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico.

The Finance for Conservation Specialist (FCS) will contribute their experience and expertise to actively contribute to the endeavours of the Amazon Biocorridor Program concerning financial mechanisms and the Conservation Trust Fund. This includes understanding the purpose, governance systems, key processes, resource allocation and Return of Investment analysis, according to internationally recognized standards and best practices for environmental funds. We also expect that the SF will include safeguards to the financial mechanisms under implementation, considering the partners in the landscapes.

Moreover, the incumbent will provide valuable support and collaboration to TNC Ecuador, Regional, and Global teams in crafting and executing financial planning initiatives tailored to conservation objectives.

Conservation Trust Fund:

• Coordinate efforts to design and implement the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico for TNC-supported programs, such as the conservation fund for the Amazon Biocorridor program.

• Facilitate meetings with government and other stakeholders on financial mechanisms under development.

• Prepare financial events, analyses, and alerts regarding significant financial occurrences within the country, including shifts in economic policies, financial regulations, and market trends. This information will inform strategic conservation decisions and ensure alignment of efforts with the most effective financial strategies for projects in the field.

• Compile input from various partners on the design of the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico to compose final descriptive documents for approval.

• Prepare English and Spanish language texts on the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico under development for TNC internal and external partner approval processes.

• Coordinate input from consultants hired by TNC, especially legal area, for the operation of the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico.

• Contribute to capacity-building initiatives to enhance financial literacy and empowerment among local stakeholders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in conservation finance activities.

• Provide specialized advice related to key stakeholders (CTF and MAATE), for financial sustainability of conservation actions and different tools, including Cost-benefit, Return of Investments (ROI), Valuation of Environmental Services, etc.

• Work with consultants for the development of products required for the implementation of financial mechanisms.

• Collaborate with TNC global team thematic specialists on financial mechanisms issues, especially with the conservation fund specialist team, legal and safeguards teams.

• Support the participation of TNC representatives in the governance of the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico.

• Facilitate the operationalization of the Conservation Trust Fund: Fondo Biocorredor Amazónico until they are disbursing resources.

• Systematize knowledge and lessons learned from experiences with the design and operationalization of TNC-facilitated financial mechanisms in Ecuador.

• Share knowledge on the design and operationalization of TNC-facilitated financial mechanisms in Ecuador.

• Drive the development of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the effectiveness and impact of financial mechanisms, ensuring accountability and transparency in resource allocation.

• Coordinate efforts to implement an environment and socio and environmental safeguards framework for the Amazon Biocorridor program.

Financial Planning for Conservation:

• Work closely with the Amazon Biocorridor Program to ensure compliance with the financing objectives agreed between the parties, leveraging financial modeling and scenario analysis to optimize resource allocation and maximize conservation outcomes.

• Ensure funds are allocated effectively to achieve conservation objectives.

• Oversee the development of the Conservation Plan in the Context of the Amazon Biocorridor, in relation with the design and implementation of Cost-effective strategies and activities.

• Support and advise the Director of Conservation of the BU Ecuador in the specific products that are indicated.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses of conservation interventions, incorporating environmental and social metrics to assess the holistic value of investments in biodiversity protection and ecosystem such as reforestation projects, species monitoring, environmental education, among others.

• Prepare and present the information for decision making.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Supervise actual spending against the budget and provide financial analysis associated with conservation activities.

• Assess the financial impact of conservation actions and propose adjustments as needed.

• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the financial performance and impact of conservation initiatives, employing quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess progress towards conservation goals, and integrate them as part of the MEL plan of the BU.

• Conduct regular financial analysis to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigate financial risks associated with conservation activities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and interpret financial data, identifying trends, opportunities, and challenges to inform adaptive management strategies and decision-making processes.

External Relations and Accountability:

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with donors, philanthropic organizations, and financial institutions to mobilize resources and support for conservation priorities, advocating for increased investment in nature-based solutions to global environmental challenges.

• Represent TNC in forums, conferences, and working groups focused on conservation finance, promoting best practices, and sharing lessons learned from successful conservation finance initiatives.

• Strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms within the organization, ensuring that financial reporting practices adhere to international standards and guidelines, and fostering a culture of integrity and trust among internal and external stakeholders.

• BA/BS, finance, economics, business, or a related field degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience track record of successfully managing complex or multiple projects, including overseeing staffing, workloads, and finances, while adhering to strict deadlines.

• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal in English, with a demonstrated ability to effectively engage with the public and media.

• Proficiency in using applications such as Microsoft Pack, web browsers, as well as statistical and economic software packages commonly used in financial analysis and reporting, such as SPSS, SAS, Stata, or similar tools.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in training and curriculum design would be advantageous.

• Proven experience in the design and operation of environmental funds, ideally with hands-on involvement in environmental fund projects.

• Experience in project management, with emphasis on the Amazon region; national knowledge would be advantageous.

• Familiarity with the national Ecuadorian context, including economic and social dynamics, to effectively navigate local regulations, cultural nuances, and stakeholder relationships within the country with principal focus on knowledge of the Amazonian context and its socio-cultural reality.

Job Family: Conservation

Salary Grade: 6