Regional Lead, High Seas, Micronesia

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. As a member of the High Seas MPA Strategy Team, the role will bridge global strategy and regional implementation, ensuring alignment and coordination across global and country-level efforts. Working with Micronesia-based staff, governments, and partners, the Regional Lead will support country-driven High Seas MPA processes and strategy development that reflect national priorities, governance contexts, and existing marine management efforts. The role will support government-led BBNJ proposals through coordination, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and decision-support materials. 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 30x30 goals and effective marine management.

This position is 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, with close coordination across country and regional teams. Consideration will also be given to qualified candidates based in Hawaii. This is a one-year, term-limited position with the opportunity to extend subject to availability of funding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Regional Lead, High Seas leads country- and regional-level engagement to advance High Seas MPAs and, where appropriate, other area-based conservation measures, building multi-stakeholder support across governments, regional bodies, industry, and civil society. Serving as the primary liaison between the Global High Seas MPA Strategy Team, regional TNC teams, and key stakeholders, the role translates global priorities into regional workstreams and coordinates the development of proposals under the BBNJ Agreement. Responsibilities include convening partners, identifying and engaging country champions, supporting fundraising efforts, and aligning scientific, policy, and political considerations.

The Regional Lead manages day-to-day implementation of regional activities, monitors political and policy developments, and identifies risks, bottlenecks, and capacity needs. The role supports strategic communications and knowledge sharing to strengthen awareness of High Seas MPAs and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), while facilitating monitoring, evaluation, and learning across geographies. Working closely with the Global High Seas, Large-Scale Fisheries, and Micronesia PFP teams, the position ensures coordination across related initiatives and may provide limited support to complementary national marine conservation efforts as time permits. 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 & SCOPE

• 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, adapting approaches to account for specific political, institutional, and ecological context.
• 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 to strengthen alignment, accountability, and shared ownership of High Seas MPA design and implementation.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by providing regional expertise and strategic input to fundraising proposals and donor engagements for the High Seas program.
• Develop and deliver region-specific communications, talking points, briefing materials, and other resources tailored to government, multilateral, and regional audiences to build support and political momentum for High Seas MPAs, in collaboration with local and regional teams.
• Track and report on progress of regional activities and advise on adaptive management in response to shifting local political, institutional, and geopolitical contexts.
• Participate in regular High Seas MPA Strategy team calls to ensure alignment and coordination across global and regional teams.
• Represent TNC in regional and local fora, workshops, and policy dialogues related to High Seas MPAs and broader ocean governance.
• Provide other duties as assigned, including targeted support to the Conservancy’s national-level marine initiatives that complement High Seas MPA objectives.

• 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.
   

Our ideal candidate will also possess:

• 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.   

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is dependent on the geography our final candidate will reside in. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. Below are the ranges we expect, per geographical region in USD.

Palau: $50,300 - $57,000
Micronesia: $48,900 - $55,400

Marshall: $31,650 - $35,870
Guam: $69,000 - $73,000
Hawaii (Honolulu): $95,000 - $101,000

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the 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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected]  with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.