External Affairs Manager, Asia Pacific

About the Role

The Nature Conservancy seeks an External Affairs Manager for Asia Pacific to advance public funding and external engagement initiatives in the region. Reporting to the Regional Director of External Affairs, this two-year fixed-term role (with possible extension) focuses on strengthening partnerships with public sector entities, securing public funding aligned with TNC's 2030 conservation goals, and promoting TNC's leadership in conservation across Asia Pacific. Collaboration with internal teams and global strategy units is key to support programmatic and policy objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the One Conservancy Public Funding Strategy across Asia Pacific, including achieving organizational targets for public funding secured and maintaining a robust pipeline.
• Identify and evaluate public funding opportunities and prioritize engagements to optimize results.
• Assist TNC Business Units to capture prioritized funding via competitive proposals or co-designed projects with public donors.
• Ensure regional activities align with global strategies for coordinated engagement with major public donors.
• Facilitate co-creation of projects with government, bilateral and multilateral agencies.
• Monitor, report on, and provide recommendations regarding fundraising activities to leadership.
• Develop and nurture relationships with governments, development partners, and public donor representatives under a designated Relationship Manager.
• Support coordinated, strategic public sector engagement compliant with TNC standards.
• Enhance internal capabilities by promoting tools such as BBCRM, the HUB, and the Public Funding Knowledge Bank.
• Maintain and improve capacity-building resources; lead training and mentoring for staff involved in public fundraising.
• Offer expertise in project design elements including logical frameworks, risk management, governance, and monitoring and evaluation guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build staff skills in managing public sector relationships, navigating donor systems, and developing competitive funded projects.
• Support project design, documentation, packaging, and quality assurance of proposals to public donors.
• Coordinate cross-functional tasks and ensure internal approval processes are met.
• Maintain institutional knowledge on priority donors, tracking their focuses and engagement tactics.
• Provide strategic advice on prioritizing public sector engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, environmental policy, international development, management, or related disciplines, plus at least 5 years of government relations or corporate experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Fluency in English with strong analytical, project management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing complex project portfolios and implementing strategic program goals.
• Preferred experience includes working with governments, public entities, multilateral bodies; proposal development; donor-funded project management; developing theories of change and logical frameworks.
• Experience working in Asia Pacific and knowledge of public funding mechanisms and evolving trends.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, organizational, analytical skills; ability to work across diverse locations and cultures.

About The Nature Conservancy

Founded in 1951, TNC is a leading environmental organization committed to protecting land and water globally through science-based, practical conservation solutions. The organization values diversity, inclusivity, and offers flexible work benefits tailored to regional contexts. TNC encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes a welcoming work environment where all employees feel valued and included.

Additional Information

• This is a fixed-term contract position for two years with potential extension based on performance, needs, and funding.
• TNC is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity across all protected statuses.
• Successful candidates must pass background screening.
• Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is provided upon request.