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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate.

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for indigenous people, strengthening leadership and resource management and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socio-economic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development and sustainable food production, working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa.

In Angola, The Nature Conservancy works collaboratively to build and support an ambitious biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation agenda. TNC works across freshwater, ocean, and terrestrial ecosystems to protect and sustainably manage critical habitats for species, ecosystems, and climate mitigation. TNC brings science and innovative tools and approaches to inform better decision-making, develops innovative financial mechanisms for long-term sustainability, cultivates strategic partnerships, and fosters the need for inclusive, equitable conservation that benefits nature and people.

The Angola Government Relations Advisor works with the Africa and Global Conservancy teams to develop and leverage strong stakeholder and partner relationships with the Government of Angola (GoA), science and research organizations, the corporate business sector, local communities, and indigenous groups.  A primary role of the External Relations Advisor will be to explore avenues that could assist the GoA in increasing the scale of its conservation and climate commitments and advising on ways to help deliver on these commitments, including by unlocking funds for conservation through sustainable financing mechanisms. The Government Relations Advisor we seek is a self-starter, a collaborative person who is politically well-connected, has strong project management skills, and understands the opportunities and responsibilities of working within a local but globally connected team. The position supports the implementation of TNC’s emerging work in Angola and will report directly to TNC’s Angola Country Director. The Government Relations Advisor will be a member of TNC’s Africa External Affairs team and will be based in Luanda, Angola.

The Angola Government Relations Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to TNC and the Angolan Government on complex and strategic issues, particularly related to sustainable energy development and natural resource management. The Angola Government Relations Advisor supports the implementation of TNC Programs in Angola by ensuring that there is government buy-in and support. The role involves working closely with other TNC staff as well as in partnership with national and local government institutions, bi- and multi-lateral funding agencies, and the conservation/environmental sector in Angola. The position liaises with TNC’s Global Strategy teams, Science and Field Conservation staff, External Affairs departments, and other Operating Units in TNC to further conservation goals, policies, and strategy. The Government Relations Advisor will develop and implement a government relations and policy strategy to engage partners, bi- and multi-lateral funding agencies, regional policy bodies, and the Angolan government to advance TNC’s partnerships and conservation strategy in the country.

Specifically, the Government Relations Advisor:

• Provides knowledge and insight into the workings of the Government in Angola and develops and maintains TNC’s relationships with key decision makers (both political and bureaucratic) within the GoA.
• Identifies which key government departments, institutions, arms’ length bodies, ministry officials, and ministers are responsible for sustainable financing. 
• Identify acceptable routes to engage the government to obtain an audience and buy-in on key issues related to sustainable finance mechanisms that could be used to support conservation and climate projects in Angola.
• Keep and disseminate records of meetings and action items.
• Serve as in-country point of contact for regional and global Conservancy staff that are supporting policy and finance work in Angola and actively participate in processes led by these teams.
• Fosters TNCs' relationships with development partners and helps to develop relationships with other potential supporters of TNC’s conservation work in Angola.

• Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, international donor agency and non-governmental organization partners.
• Applies a diversified knowledge of practices to support TNC’s Freshwater, Oceans, Energy and Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities strategies.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Acts independently within broad program goals i.e., community-based and landscape level conservation, sustainable finance, smart development, science and capacity building, and strategic partnerships.
• Works with the GoA and other partners to secure funds (e.g., from international lending agencies, bilateral development groups, and private investors) to create and support the implementation of a lower-impact renewable energy system scale plan for Cuando and Cubango Provinces.
• Participates as a key voice for the Ocean Protection team to provide necessary input and linkages to guide the development and roll-out of TNC’s marine program in Angola, with respect to national government participation, priorities and perspectives.
• Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies and goals.
• Participates in and negotiates for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements (e.g., Ocean protection commitments and related sustainable financing arrangements).
• As a member of TNC’s Africa External Affairs Team, works closely with philanthropy staff and TNC’s global strategy teams to leverage key donor engagement and support.
• Manages multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
• Participates in fundraising activities to ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or environmental policy, management related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Fluency in Portuguese and English.
• Analytical and project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Proven communication and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the country’s key national priorities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals within the corporate sector.
• 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, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Understanding of development pressures (e.g., renewable energy and agriculture) and conservation actions (e.g., community conservation).

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

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.

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.