Conservation Specialist I – Sustainable Commodities
Qualifications of Conservation Specialist I:
- Location: Belem, Brazil
- Vacancy No: 100538
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: TNC The Nature Conservancy
- Deadline: August, 8, 2025
Brief details about Conservation Specialist I:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
Integration of initiatives for sustainable agriculture
Together with TNC teams in the Brazilian Amazon and others at TNC globally, we will support the integration of different approaches and projects that promote: 1) the promotion of good regenerative and low-carbon practices for agricultural production chains, primarily beef cattle and integrated crop-livestock (ILP) and crop-livestock-forest (ICLF); 2) the implementation of zero-deforestation commitments and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural commodity value chains; 3) the development of innovative and scalable forms of technical assistance for small-, medium-, and large-scale regenerative practices; 4) training and dissemination of technical knowledge in good agricultural practices; 5) support for initiatives aimed at the full land and environmental compliance of rural properties, given the application of the Native Vegetation Protection Law (“New Forest Code”); and 6) promotion through economic incentives (e.g., markets, finance, credit, environmental services, etc.) and non-economic incentives (e.g., land regularization and other public policies) of low-carbon production models.
Engagement with actors in agricultural chains
The Conservation Specialist I (Sustainable Commodities) – Brazilian Amazon will design, together with teams from the Private Areas Hub, strategies for engaging different actors in the agricultural chains, with the objective of fostering a transition to more sustainable production models.
and inclusive, also ensuring full alignment with our conservation objectives (e.g., zero deforestation; enforcement of the Forest Code on rural properties; low-carbon and regenerative agricultural practices; biodiversity conservation; ecosystem restoration, inclusion and social development, etc.). Furthermore, we will support the transition processes of supply chains toward production that values the forest and environmental services, including the entire supply chain. Under the guidance of the Sustainable Commodities Manager and in partnership with other conservation teams in the Brazilian Amazon and TNC globally, we will proactively engage with key actors in the chain, including the public, private—including suppliers of inputs and services, commodity buyers, industries, and traders in Brazil and internationally—and non-governmental sectors. This engagement may take place directly through bilateral contacts or through roundtables, forums, groups, coalitions, and other spaces for sectoral or multi-sectoral debate and decision-making.
Technical leadership in the Brazilian Amazon
Together with the Brazilian Amazon team, we will provide technical leadership on this topic and support the institution’s strategic planning, directing and implementing agricultural production programs aligned with our conservation objectives. You will address critical conservation issues related to the commodity chain and associated production sectors, such as supply chain traceability, good agricultural practices, climate adaptation, production resilience, social inclusion, and technical assistance and dissemination in the production of beef, soybeans, palm oil, and their associated products, among others. To fully achieve this leadership role for TNC, you will seek partnerships with research institutions, universities, private companies, and others, and will interact with more than one territory, including local, national, and global stakeholders.
We look for in you:
A person energized by change and the prospect of combining the preservation and restoration of natural resources with food production in the Brazilian Amazon, thus aiming to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges. TNC has been working tirelessly, both on approaches aimed at promoting more sustainable production through regenerative practices and productive diversification, and through multi-sector governance arrangements, traceability, transparency, and support for various private and public actors in environmental and land regularization.
Based on these two distinct and complementary approaches, we’re seeking you to engage the private sectors of the agricultural supply chains (upstream and downstream), local and state governments, and non-governmental organizations, to navigate the transition to production chains focused on sustainable agriculture. Therefore, you must preferably reside in the state of Pará, work remotely, and be available, as needed, to perform the work.
Place of work : Preferably in the State of Pará.
Responsibilities and Scope of Work:
· Actively follow and promote our Code of Conduct both internally and externally, continuously and consistently demonstrating alignment with our values;
· To be TNC’s technical and strategic reference in the Brazilian Amazon for the development and transition to sustainable, regenerative and low-carbon agriculture, considering aspects
such as resilience and climate adaptation, reduction in the use of inputs, reduction of negative impacts on water use, biodiversity, among others;
· Lead the strategy to promote technical assistance and disseminate practical and scientific knowledge related to sustainable agricultural production chains, together with rural producers, professional institutions, public and private institutions, organized civil society, among others involved in rural development in the Amazon, with priority given to the State of Pará;
· Participate in engagement strategies and projects with key actors in the agricultural chains in Pará and the Brazilian Amazon, including state federations and associations of rural producers, family farmers, financial institutions, state governments, other NGOs, among others.
· Seek inter-institutional cooperation and coordination in order to achieve the conservation and socioeconomic objectives of the Conservancy;
· Implementation of new marketing arrangements, with public and private agents, aiming at accessing, expanding demand and valuing sustainable production – including national and export markets.
· Directly or through partnerships, seek, organize, consolidate, evaluate and prioritize production models and practices that can support large-scale production transition, being the custodian of this knowledge and identifying critical gaps that require further research and development.
· Implement actions related to TNC’s operations in supply chains, considering the most relevant and current issues associated with the chain (emphasis is placed on traceability, existing protocols, implementation of good practices, technical dissemination and training of key actors in production chains, environmental adequacy of rural properties, financial management of properties, among others), based on compliance and adequacy of rural properties with a focus on the Brazilian Amazon, with emphasis on the State of Pará;
· Develop and support the implementation of complex and diverse projects, covering multiple programs and coordinating the work of other professionals within and outside the organization, whenever necessary;
· Manage projects, including budgets, deadlines, negotiations with service providers, and their management – including the use of management tools;
· Ensure project compliance with TNC, internal policies and external requirements;
· Perform tasks with minimal supervision, considering analysis of facts, experience, context, and dialogue with the team and partners;
· Identify opportunities and challenges for expanding TNC’s operations in the region where it operates;
· Engage stakeholders and local and regional leaders to participate in actions led by TNC and partners;
· Work in an integrated manner with other areas of TNC to expand access to financial instruments, credit, and investment that may be suitable for family farming, with a focus on conservation;
· Availability to travel (up to 20% of the time), and temporary work in remote locations.
What you will bring to TNC:
· Bachelor’s Degree (BS/BA) in Agronomy, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biology, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering or related fields and relevant experience working with production chains and rural property management, or an equivalent combination of academic training and professional experience;
· Minimum 5 years’ experience with agricultural supply chains is desirable, primarily in the Amazon, especially beef and dairy cattle, cocoa, soybeans, palm oil – and up-to-date knowledge of the sector’s main challenges (considering topics such as good agricultural practices, chain traceability and deforestation, environmental suitability of rural properties, greenhouse gas emissions from the chains, financial management of rural properties, among others), including the private and productive sectors;
· Experience in negotiating complex agreements;
· Experience in developing and managing projects, ensuring adequate control of time allocation, use of resources, budget management, report preparation, etc.;
· Continuing education or significant experience with project management methodologies and tools;
· Excellent communication skills through written, spoken, and graphic media, and in preparing clear and objective reports and technical presentations.
Additional desired qualifications:
· Knowledge of agricultural production chains in the Brazilian Amazon;
· Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent degree in business, finance, administration, agribusiness or sustainability with a focus on production chains;
· Significant professional experience with the production chain, working in more than one link in the chain, including direct or indirect work;
· Advanced knowledge regarding the Forest Code, certifications and other standards relevant to rural production in the country, with a focus on the State of Pará;
· Significant experience or work experience in the rural or industrial sector associated with the Brazilian Amazon;
· Experience in modeling the financial viability of agricultural products;
· Intermediate level of English is desirable to develop communication (verbal and written) with TNC’s global team and strategic partners;
· Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, management and preservation of natural resources, especially related to water use and biodiversity;
· Complete tasks independently, respecting established deadlines.
Job Family: Conservation
Internal Job Code: 450005
Salary Grade: 6
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.