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’s 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.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Impact Finance & Markets (IFM) division at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) provides technical and strategic leadership to create transformational impact with the private sector by translating the value of nature and conservation approaches into actionable, science-based strategies that can help solve societal challenges. Sitting in the Global Carbon Markets team, one of four teams in the IFM Division, the NCS Business Manager ensures a global portfolio of high-quality natural climate solutions (NCS) carbon credit projects are investable by leading projects through a business incubator.
Through our Natural Climate Solutions Accelerator (NCSA) program and Carbon Business Incubator, TNC is currently supporting 25 NCS carbon projects in 18 countries with the technical and financial support needed to launch as a model global portfolio. The program and strategy are already well underway and this position is an exciting opportunity for a motivated person to play a key role in securing implementation funding for this portfolio, by turn these carbon projects into carbon businesses, ensuring that they prepared to take on investment.
This position is a two- year term and may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity and is within 6 hours of Eastern Time, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times.
We’re Looking for You:
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-aligned NCS Business Manager to lead the development and operation of an incubator dedicated to carbon-focused social enterprises. This role combines innovation, impact, and leadership to support startups tackling climate change through equitable and sustainable business models. The ideal candidate should have exceptional problem-solving skills and proven experience launching social enterprises. The key responsibilities for this role include operationalizing the vision, strategy, and operational plan for the Business Incubator. This involves identifying the needs of carbon projects to transition to carbon businesses, designing incubation modules, and working hands-on to prepare carbon businesses for investor due diligence. Additionally, the role requires tracking KPIs, monitoring results, preparing reports, and sharing learnings with stakeholders. This role will build a network of mentors and advisors, establish strategic partnerships with climate-oriented organizations, and lead a high-performing team while fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous learning. Finally, the role is integral in overseeing and managing the annual budget for the incubator program. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of the Global Carbon Markets team!
RESPONSIBIITIES & SCOPE
- Identify the needs of carbon projects and architect a comprehensive approach to transition conservation projects to carbon businesses
- Design incubation modules, including onboarding processes, curriculum, and programming to build the capacity of carbon social ventures
- Assess investor readiness and prepare carbon businesses for due diligence
- Assist as needed in resolving barriers or risks to due diligence
- Oversee project management for the incubator and bring together various subject matter experts to creatively problem solve and move work forward
- Identify and track relevant KPIs for incubator success and impact
- Monitor results, prepare reports, presentations and share learning with stakeholders
- Build and manage a network of mentors, technical experts, and industry advisors to support startups
- Establish strategic partnerships with other climate-oriented venture organizations and thought leaders to leverage learning and continuously improve incubation program
- Develop annual budget and oversee budget tracking and reporting
- Further integrate business incubator with the existing NCSA program
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, International Development, Sustainability, Public Policy or related field, and 5 years related experience in entrepreneurship, climate tech, social enterprise development, or business incubation OR equivalent combination.
- Proven experience architecting and scaling programs, start-ups, or business lines in multiple countries and regions
- Experience with an incubator or accelerator program, carbon project financing, or social enterprise in emerging markets strongly preferred