Governance and Capacity Building Officer

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Governance and Capacity Building Officer will advance good governance at community, CSOs, and CBOs in Western Tanzania and influence Policy for the same at National level. They will develop and maintain relationships with government entities, non-governmental organizations working in the Western Tanzania landscape, and civil society organizations. They will liaise with TNC’s global teams, TNC Africa policy teams, and other Conservation teams to further TNC’s 2030 goals and Tuungane 2027 goals.  The Governance and Capacity Building Officer will build and coordinate partner platforms to influence conservation actions in the Western Tanzania landscape. They will build capacity of local civil society organizations including the Tuungane drama group, Community Conservation Saving and Lending groups and SACCOS; and will play a key role in negotiating increased levels of District government support for Tuungane’s work including education and health activities as the program transitions from NGO-supported to government-supported actions. They will facilitate government official visits to the project area to ensure government protocols during program visits are followed.  

The Government and Capacity Building Officer will lead the development and coordination of conservation relationships and collaborate with other organizations to influence stronger relationships for ecosystem conservation outcomes and activities in Western Tanzania. Reporting to the Tuungane Program Director the position will be based at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) office in Kigoma, Tanzania.

• Specifically, the role will cultivate partnerships and will be the focal person for government, civil society, community and NGO engagement in the landscape.
• Forge and nurture private sector linkages for natural resources conservation.
• Build good governance practices through training and coaching of local natural resource management organizations and platforms including Beach Management Units (BMUs), Collaborative Fisheries Management Associations (CFMAs), Agricultural Market Cooperatives (AMCOS), Village Natural Resources Committees (VNRC), Tree growers’ associations, Joint Forest Management (JFM) and health related community associations such as First Time Parents.
nafasi za kazi
• Lead and encourage equity in benefit sharing for Tuungane community based natural resources management platforms, CSOs and CBOs.
• Drive sustainability agenda in CSO, local CBOs and created Tuungane conservation platform in leadership, finance, and integration with ecological importance.
• Lead Community Conservation Saving and Lending groups and other microfinances such as SACCOSS for sustainability.
• Provide input for proposal writing and solicitation as needed. 
• Anchor to existing and emerging national natural resources governance platforms for relationship building and policy influence.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or another relevant field and 4 years’ experience in partnership management, government engagement and relationship building.
• Master’s degree in above background is an added advantage.
• Experience in government visit protocol management.
• Experience in community group development and managing relationships
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• Analytical and project management experience.
• Capacity building of local organization experience.
• Experience working with government agencies in Tanzania
• Experience with communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with negotiation skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience working in a multi-cultural organization is appreciated.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals. 
• Experience of working in engaging Government and partners especially in conservation agenda.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, partners, donors, and all levels of staff.

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.