Freshwater Strategy Director, Asia Pacific

About the role

The Nature Conservancy seeks an innovative leader with deep expertise in freshwater science, biodiversity conservation and water resource management to serve as Freshwater Strategy Director for the Asia Pacific region. Reporting to the Asia Pacific Deputy Director of Conservation, you will shape and support a portfolio of impactful freshwater projects across diverse countries.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement freshwater conservation strategies, including nature‑based solutions for water provisioning and regulation.
• Build collaborative partnerships with country teams, external stakeholders, and global TNC groups to scale impact.
• Strengthen scientific and technical capacity within regional programs and refine theories of change for freshwater conservation.
• Negotiate innovative solutions with communities, governments, corporations and lenders.
• Integrate freshwater work into the regional portfolio management approach with robust monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Lead fundraising efforts, donor engagement and proposal development for priority geographies such as Mongolia and Australia.

Required profile

• BA/BS degree with at least 7 years of conservation practice experience (or equivalent).
• Proven experience managing complex, multi‑project portfolios and budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to develop science‑based freshwater conservation recommendations.
• Experience in partnership development with NGOs, community groups and government agencies.

Required skills

• Expert knowledge of current trends and practices in freshwater conservation.
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into practical conservation strategies.
• Fundraising and grant‑writing expertise.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and diplomatic skills for multi‑disciplinary teamwork.