The Engagement Consultant will support The Nature Conservancy’s Nature for Water Facility (N4W) by working with multidisciplinary teams to design and develop watershed investment programs globally. This role focuses on financial modeling, funding strategy evaluation, and delivering strategic recommendations to advance water security through nature-based solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
What You'll Do
- Evaluate project and watershed needs to clearly understand the geography, water security challenges, underlying policy/regulatory framework, and socio-economic context.
- Support day-to-day execution of projects by leading internal coordination and delivery of workstreams/deliverables, managing timelines, and contributing big picture thinking.
- Support project delivery by producing high-quality analysis and research that combines technical, social, environmental, institutional, financial, and economic project elements.
- Develop financial models, cost models, and/or funding strategies for programs (a major responsibility for this role).
- Identify, assess, and engage key actors and diverse stakeholders in cities and watersheds.
- Assist in developing cost-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses including assessing ecosystem service benefits of Nature Based Solutions and watershed investment programs.
- Assist in making strategic recommendations on governance and developing governance structures.
- Create client deliverables, including reports, slide decks and verbal presentations that clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
- Present outputs and deliverables in stakeholder and/or client meetings, publications and conferences.
- Collaborate with the knowledge management staff of the Nature for Water Facility team to refine standard processes, procedures and templates over time.
- Assist with business development and drafting proposals or scopes of work for potential clients.
- May require frequent travel (up to 15%) domestically and/or internationally.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Science/Management or related field.
- 3+ years of related professional experience.
- Experience supporting complex projects and strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
- Strong quantitative/analytical skills, with exposure to funding strategies or an ability to quickly understand these topics, e.g., experience developing financial models, cost models, and building funding strategies for clients/organizations/programs.
- Fast learner with the ability to understand complex concepts and topics quickly with limited prior knowledge or exposure and a willingness to invest in learning new concepts, skills and methods.
- Professional language competency in English and Spanish (both verbal and written).
- Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to translate technical jargon into well-structured, writing-based deliverables (e.g., analytical reports, strategic plans, decks, memos).
- Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the locations noted will be considered.
- The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Nice to Have
- 3+ years of professional experience in finance, capital markets or management consulting.
- Graduate degree in an appropriate field, including (but not limited to) Business, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, or Environmental Science/Management.
- Self-motivated, self-driven, and able to work independently, with appropriate supervision or guidance.
- Highly organized and able to efficiently deliver tasks at the expected quality level within planned timelines. Past experience independently managing deliverables or workstreams is desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and effectively engage with stakeholders ranging from clients to government officials to internal leadership and colleagues.
- A productive team player working in a collaborative, multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary environment with the ability to critically evaluate, analyze and synthesize technical information across disciplines.
- A background in water, agriculture or climate change is preferred.
- Experience with Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) is a plus.
- Proficiencies in additional languages, especially Portuguese and French, is a plus.
Team & Environment
- Works with multidisciplinary teams of internal and external experts.
- Collaborates with Local Partners, Engagement Managers, and Science Leads.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
- Parental leave
- Accrued paid time off
- Life insurance
- Disability coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Other life and work well-being benefits
- Flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ
- Career development
- Flexible schedules
- Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process
Compensation: USD $30,000 - $60,000 annually (in local currency equivalent, based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience).
Work Mode
Fully remote with up to 15% domestic and/or international travel required. Position is available in: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.
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.
