Selection process developed by matteria

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Location and Work Mode

Antigua, Guatemala.

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Who we are

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in 1951, TNC develops science-based, collaborative solutions to our planet’s most pressing challenges. With a presence in over 70 countries and more than 400 scientists, TNC builds partnerships with governments, businesses, and communities to conserve nature and drive systemic impact.

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Our impact

• Active in 70+ countries.
• Supported by 1 million+ members.
• 400+ scientists advancing conservation science.
• Over 125 million acres of land protected.
• 30+ years of continuous conservation work in Guatemala.
• Strong emphasis on inclusive and community-led conservation.

Purpose of the Position

The Country Program Director will lead and scale TNC’s impact in Guatemala, managing a high-performing, mission-driven team and ensuring long-term sustainability through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and bold fundraising. This is a role for a leader who is both visionary and hands-on, with the ability to orchestrate systemic change while engaging directly in execution.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead TNC’s strategic and operational agenda in Guatemala.
• Supervise and mentor a growing team (currently ~18 staff), including four direct reports across conservation, partnerships, communications, and finance.
• Maintain oversight of compliance, administration, and team development.
  
• Represent TNC with credibility at the highest national and regional levels.
  
• Strengthen visibility and advocacy efforts at local and global forums.
  
• Foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligned with TNC’s global values.
• Balance strategic thinking with direct operational engagement: be both conductor and player.
• Drive the implementation of major initiatives, including:
  • Launching an $8M+ government-aligned project.
    
  • Advancing a 20-year conservation finance initiative aiming to mobilize $200–300M.
    
  • Building an integrated fundraising strategy across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

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Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Master’s degree (required). Studies in environmental sciences, public policy, international development, sustainability, or related fields.
• Fluency in Spanish and English, written and spoken.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including 7 years in senior leadership roles.

Key competencies

• Strategic Vision & Execution: Ability to set and deliver on long-term goals, navigating complexity in a dynamic socio-environmental context.
  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with government, NGOs, donors, indigenous communities, and private sector.
  
• Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to secure diverse funding, both nationally and internationally.
  
• Operational Leadership: Strong administrative skills, including oversight of finances, compliance, and team performance.
  
• Adaptability & Initiative: Comfortable working in a lean team environment where leaders must operate across levels.
  
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of Guatemala’s social dynamics, especially around indigenous inclusion and systemic inequity.

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Our team profile

We operate as a highly collaborative and mission-driven unit. In Guatemala, TNC’s team is agile and deeply committed to impact. Leaders are expected to be hands-on, supporting both strategy and execution in a close-knit and rapidly growing structure. We value humility, integrity, and the ability to grow with the organization.

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Key interests for working with us

TNC Guatemala addresses some of the country’s most pressing challenges: deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change—especially in regions like the Selva Maya. Our work is rooted in community engagement and long-term systemic change, aiming to reshape conservation funding, policy, and practice over the next 20 years.

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Reasons to join our team

• A leadership role in one of the world’s most respected conservation organizations.
• The chance to shape national environmental policy and practice.
• A competitive salary in local currency (quetzales), pegged to USD.
• Comprehensive legal benefits in Guatemala, including:
  • Retirement fund contributions
  • Full social security and income tax compliance
• Flexibility, wellbeing resources, and a supportive global network.

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Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

Position based in Guatemala, with national and international travel.

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