Singapore Country Director

Are you passionate about conserving the lands and waters of our planet and want to be a part of driving long-term partnerships?

About The Nature Conservancy

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. They are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of their core values is commitment to diversity. Therefore, TNC strives for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries including all 50 United States, they use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

The Singapore Country Director is responsible for continuing to position TNC's Singapore Program as a global and regional hub for innovation, science and partnerships to contribute towards TNC's 2030 goals as well as support Singapore in achieving its climate and sustainability aspirations. The Singapore Country Director will form strong and highly collaborative relationships with global and regional colleagues to achieve this goal, in particular the APLT and colleagues in Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Global Wealth Markets team.

The Singapore Country Director provides strategic guidance and leadership to the development and implementation of TNC's strategies in Singapore. They develop, foster and grow partnerships with government agencies, the business community, institutes of higher learning, funders and other conservation organizations to help advance TNC's work in AP and globally. They play a leading role in donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship for the AP region. The Singapore Country Director establishes TNC as a 'go-to' conservation leader in Singapore and regionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent TNC at meetings with senior levels of government, as well as with a wide range of donor, business, media, multilateral and non-governmental partners in Singapore, and at key domestic and international events.
• Develop, sustain, and strengthen partnerships with key institutions in Singapore, including government ministries, funders, enterprises, universities, think tanks, media, multi-laterals, and other NGOs, that advance TNC's goals.
• Work closely with the AP Regional Managing Director and other members of the APLT to ensure the Singapore Advisory Council is well supported to advance TNC's mission.
• Support strong day-to-day management of the relationship with the Singapore Advisory Council Chair.
• Ensure within the Singapore team, TNC maintains expert knowledge on economics, conservation, environmental and climate issues, trends, policies, trade and investment flows, landscape, and local priorities in Singapore.
• In collaboration with other TNC senior executives, develop, articulate, and execute TNC's priorities, strategies, programs, and activities in Singapore and internationally that build on and advance TNC's global goals and strategic plan.
• Oversee all TNC's activities within Singapore and ensure that TNC operates in compliance with local law and reporting requirements, including risk management relative to fiscal, legal, reputation and compliance issues. Supervise (dotted line) the finance and operations staff.
• Direct and control the activities for planning, staffing, budgeting, and managing expense priorities, including allocating financial resources for program/functional groups.
• Lead a high-performing and motivated staff in Singapore. Manage, nurture, and inspire staff. Model leadership and inclusion, showing respect for individual contributions and inspiring collaboration across the organization.

The Singapore Country Director oversees all aspects of TNC's work in Singapore, including a variety of important and complex projects, initiatives and partnerships. Working closely with global and regional colleagues, the Singapore Country Director provides strategic leadership of this important regional hub, contributing to high-impact conservation outcomes and building support for TNC's work throughout the Asia Pacific (AP) region and beyond. The Singapore Country Director is also a member of TNC's Asia Pacific Leadership Team (APLT).

Key Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience and a relevant degree in conservation, developing strategic initiatives and practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Proven track record in fundraising, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation, and partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience designing, implementing, and directing complex or multiple projects of strategic importance, including managing finances/budget management, negotiation, supervising multidisciplinary professionals, and coordinating the work of partners while meeting deadlines.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, external partners or equivalent.
• Strong and relevant network across Asia and globally with senior conservation contacts.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is appreciated, particularly in dealing with politics and society, with respect to environmental affairs in Asia.
• Experience in public speaking and presenting on nature and sustainability topics.
• Strong leadership experience with an ability to inspire, motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage the performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• High energy, forward-thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Experience working with methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Written and verbal fluency in English.

If this position speaks to you or you would like some more information, please apply directly or contact Aysen Naylor at aysen.naylor@acre.com.