Large Scale Fisheries Project Director - Europe and Africa

The Large-Scale Fisheries Project Director leads The Nature Conservancy's efforts to work with governments and other stakeholders to design, implement, and scale electronic monitoring (EM) programs that improve fisheries management, transparency, and accountability across industrial fisheries operating in Africa and Europe. The Project Director serves as a principal representative for TNC's fisheries transparency initiatives, providing strategic, technical, and partnership leadership to advance the adoption of effective EM strategies and the use of fisheries data to support sustainable management decisions.

The location for this position is flexible within countries in Europe and Africa where The Nature Conservancy is a registered NGO and has an established office in Europe (these include Croatia, Belgium, Germany, and the UK) and in Africa (these include Angola, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia).

The Project Director establishes TNC as a trusted partner in the design and implementation of electronic monitoring programs. They build strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, regional fisheries management organizations, technology providers, and civil society organizations to strengthen fisheries monitoring and management systems.

The Project Director provides technical support for the design, implementation, evaluation, and scaling of EM programs, including policy frameworks, operational models, governance arrangements, financing approaches, and implementation roadmaps. They work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify barriers, develop practical solutions, and integrate EM data into fisheries management, compliance, and decision-making processes.

The Director develops and manages multi-stakeholder collaborations, builds technical and institutional capacity, negotiates complex solutions, and facilitates policy dialogue to advance effective and sustainable EM programs. They represent TNC in national, regional, and international forums and communicate best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches that accelerate fisheries transparency and accountability

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Large Scales Fisheries program as a key Project Director to support biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives across the oceans but you will also support TNC's ambitious global goals for positive outcomes for both nature and people.

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our LSF projects across Africa and Europe. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under 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 
• Experience negotiating.

• 5-7 years of experience in fisheries management, marine conservation, natural resource governance, environmental policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or scaling electronic monitoring, fisheries transparency, monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS), or related fisheries management programs.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing fisheries management policies, regulations, standards, or implementation frameworks.
• Experience working with government fisheries agencies, regional fisheries management organizations, seafood industry stakeholders, and international partners.
• Demonstrated success building and managing complex partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaborations across diverse political, cultural, and institutional contexts.
• Experience securing and managing grants, contracts, and donor-funded programs.
• Knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues related to electronic monitoring, fisheries transparency, sustainable seafood, and industrial fisheries management.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a highly matrixed, decentralized, and collaborative organization.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency in French or Swahili is preferred.
• Politically savvy, with demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

This position may be based in European and African countries where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. Pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market. 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.

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.”

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 and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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.
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 [email protected]  with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.