Agriculture Strategy Director | |
| Job ID | A5-7B-2B-5B-6E-8D |
| Company | Nature United |
| Location | Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton |
| Province | Across Canada |
| Date Posted | 2022-06-07 |
| Posted Until | 2022-08-06 |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Job Category | Agriculture |
| Job Details | View attachment |
| Description | |
| WHO WE ARE Nature United is a national organization that is reimagining conservation across Canada. We believe that nature-thriving and full of life-is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy, and a future worth passing on to our grandchildren. We believe that reconciliation is at the heart of our progress as a nation. And we believe that Canada can be a global beacon for hope. We build diverse partnerships by unearthing shared environmental, social and economic values, and we transform our collective strength into solutions to Canada's greatest conservation challenges. We work to advance sustainable resource management by supporting Indigenous leadership and authority and to harness the power of nature to address the climate crisis by advancing natural climate solutions. Nature United is an affiliate of the global organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC). As a conservation organization, we support the authority of Indigenous peoples to steward and manage their lands and waters by working in partnership with Indigenous Nations to strengthen governance, build on-the-ground stewardship capacity, support leaders, and catalyze local economies. Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice are central to achieving our conservation mission and we are committed to co-creating a culture that is equitable and a workplace that is diverse, inclusive and safe for all staff, partners, donors, and volunteers. All Nature United staff based in Canada are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in Canada shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. Nature United is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or human rights reason will be considered. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Agriculture Strategy Director will lead the design and implementation of an agriculture strategy to influence how Canada and its producers provide food while generating regional and global outcomes that benefit both people and nature focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maximizing food security and production systems resilience. Leveraging existing corporate and government engagement, science and research capacity, the Director will bring their understanding of the existing food system in Canada to develop new and diverse partnerships and innovative approaches to drive the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in key Canadian geographies. The Director will work rapidly to refine strategy goals and objectives. They will engage in and establish relationships with key external partners leveraging the experience, expertise and resources of our global affiliate The Nature Conservancy, especially in science, innovation and global corporate relationships. The Director will identify strategic risks, gaps and opportunities, and build the necessary team capacity and relationships to achieve Nature United's 2030 Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) program goal for increasing landowner adoption of regenerative agricultural practices to reduce emissions by 37.8 CO2e Mt/yr while generating biodiversity and socio-economic co-benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE The responsibilities of this role include: 1) developing and communicating a strategy that leads to transformational change in agricultural production in Canada; 2) creating strong internal alignment within and support from TNC's global program, Provide Food and Water Sustainably, to effectively execute this strategy in Canada; 3) building partnerships to educate and influence leaders and decision makers and to support execution of projects with farmer and rancher networks, government agencies, agribusinesses, agri-food companies and agribusinesses, and NGO partners; and 4) supporting organizational efforts to secure the necessary capacity and financial support from public agencies, corporations, private foundations and individuals to deliver on strategy goals. Given the complexity of this work and the nascent stage of Nature United's NCS Program, the Director will recruit and lead members of a dynamic, adaptable and regionally dispersed team that can deliver on the vision and goals of the NCS Agriculture Strategy. Team members are also expected to contribute to the efforts of the broader Nature United organization as members of the conservation team. The NCS Agriculture Strategy team will identify and pursue high impact opportunities, while also implementing the NCS Agriculture Strategy, adapting as necessary to changing market or policy circumstances. The Director will report to Nature United's Natural Climate Solutions Program Director, collaborate with Nature United's government engagement policy team, interact directly with key government officials to influence federal and provincial public policies, and direct resources to implement NCS agricultural solutions across and through relevant government programs. The Director will also work closely with the corporate engagement teams at Nature United and TNC to engage agri-food companies and agribusinesses, input providers, and farmer groups in the development of agricultural supply chains that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil health, nutrient management and avoided conversion of grasslands and wetlands while supporting profitable production of food, fiber, and other agricultural products sufficient to meet demands from a growing global population. The Director is expected to work with the broader Nature United team to assess legal, financial, reputational, and policy risks on a variety of issues related to program development, public policy, and external partnerships, ensuring relevant Nature United and TNC organizational standards are met. | |
| Experience | MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BA/BS degree and 7 years' experience in agricultural production, agri-food or agri-business, agriculturally focused conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience Demonstrated understanding of climate related challenges and opportunities in agricultural production and supply chains Experience directing and managing a major program or complex project of strategic importance at a regional or national scale Experience leading and supporting staff, setting objectives and managing performance to meet deadlines Demonstrated understanding of current trends and practices in agriculture and conservation in North America Experience developing diverse partnerships and shared vision to achieve organizational goals Demonstrated prior success educating and influencing decision makers Willingness and ability to travel within Canada and the US (estimated 20-25%), and occasionally internationally, as required Communicating clearly via written, oral and graphical means Demonstrated leadership and visionary qualities with ability to work effectively as a team member in a matrix organization that is decentralized and geographically dispersed. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated Experience working in decentralized, matrix structured environment, federated NGO or large corporation is a plus Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations to meet conservation objectives. Experience delivering practical, adaptable products and services to customers Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs |
| Languages | English |
| How To Apply | Click "Apply Now" Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply for job ID 51661, submit your cover letter and resume online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. |
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