Regional Lead, High Seas, Micronesia

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About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, with more than 1 million members and over 400 scientists, impacting conservation in 79 countries and territories.

The role

The Regional Lead, High Seas will support the development and implementation of the High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Strategy to advance The Nature Conservancy’s global ocean goals through strategic engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, regional coalitions, conservation partners, and the private sector. The role will help shape and influence country- and regional-level policy and enabling environments to build support for effective area-based conservation and management in areas beyond national jurisdiction, leveraging opportunities under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and related ocean governance processes.

The Regional Lead will identify, cultivate, and engage country champions; lead or coordinate foundational assessments and analyses; and support the development of High Seas proposals for submission to the BBNJ Secretariat in collaboration with NGO, government, and institutional partners. Working with Micronesia-based staff, governments, and partners, the Regional Lead will support country-driven High Seas MPA processes and strategy development. The position will also coordinate with the Micronesia Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative to align High Seas MPA efforts with broader regional conservation objectives, including 30×30 goals. The primary geographic focus is the Micronesia High Seas Pockets, with flexibility to pursue opportunities in other regional high seas areas as priorities evolve.

Responsibilities

• Lead country- and regional-level efforts to secure government support and identify country champions for High Seas MPAs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the High Seas Core Team and regional and in-country stakeholders, promoting strong communication, alignment, and coordination.
• Track and analyze country and regional political, legal, and institutional dynamics related to ocean governance and the BBNJ process, identifying risks, opportunities, interventions, and entry points.
• Convene and coordinate regional stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and research institutions, to build durable coalitions and advance shared priorities for High Seas MPAs.
• Develop regionally tailored approaches to MPA and OECM designation and implementation; identify political, institutional, and capacity-related barriers to MPA advancement within the region and propose practical solutions.
• Manage strategic partnerships with country- and regional-level NGOs, intergovernmental bodies, and technical institutions; support resource mobilization efforts by providing regional expertise and strategic input to fundraising proposals and donor engagements.
• Develop and deliver region-specific communications, talking points, briefing materials, and other resources tailored to government, multilateral, and regional audiences.
• Track and report on progress of regional activities; represent TNC in regional and local fora, workshops, and policy dialogues related to High Seas MPAs and broader ocean governance.

Qualifications and experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.

Desirable

• Deep familiarity with the social, cultural, economic, and political context of Micronesia and the broader Pacific region, including regional governance dynamics, ocean management priorities, and community-based approaches to conservation.
• Demonstrated experience influencing and engaging governments on conservation or environmental policy outcomes at national or regional level, legislative processes, and multilateral processes. Familiarity with the BBNJ Agreement or high seas governance strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting the design and implementation of marine protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures.

Salary and benefits

The starting pay range depends on the geography the final candidate resides in: Palau $50,300 to $57,000; Micronesia $48,900 to $55,400; Marshall Islands $31,650 to $35,870; Guam $69,000 to $73,000; Hawaii (Honolulu) $95,000 to $101,000 (USD). TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where it works, which may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage.

Location and schedule

Based in the Micronesia region in locations where TNC is authorized to conduct work (the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Guam) and embedded within TNC’s Micronesia & Polynesia Business Unit. Consideration will also be given to qualified candidates based in Hawaii. Full time, one-year term-limited, with the opportunity to extend subject to availability of funding.

Deadline and how to apply

Applications close 28 September 2026. TNC’s recruiting process includes a rolling interview process; once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Apply through the original posting (requisition JR103870).