Job Summary
- Employer: The Nature Conservancy
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Environmental Conservation
- Salary: For applicants based in the United States, the starting annual base salary is generally US$65,000-US$92,000 , depending on location, qualifications, skills and experience. For applicants in other countries, compensation will be provided in the local currency and will be based on the applicable local labour market.
- Closing Date: 2026-09-28
Key Responsibilities
- Support the organisation of DFI trainings on mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions into their operations.
- Coordinate teams across The Nature Conservancy and work with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish programme goals.
- Provide research, analysis and project management supporting DFI, association and corporate water-related priorities.
- Track policies and decisions affecting conservation goals.
- Support policy and corporate initiatives at international, country, sub-national and local levels.
- Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organisations and industry.
- Maintain regular contact with DFI, association and corporate representatives.
- Coordinate meetings, agendas, presentations and other programme activities.
- Prepare programme materials, presentations, memos and other communications.
- Maintain collaboration details, schedules and meeting documentation in the internal constituent relationship management database.
- Support budget development, fundraising goals and appropriate completion of projects.
- Ensure programme compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Work independently and coordinate the work of others on assigned projects.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree and three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Fluency in English.
- A qualification or experience in Business, Water Resources Management, Conservation/Environmental Studies, Sustainability or a related field.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports.
- Experience with policy or corporate initiatives at two or more levels: international, country, sub-national or local.
- Experience designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects.
- Experience ensuring programme accountability.
- Strong communications experience, including preparing and presenting project proposals.
- Experience developing, editing and proofreading written communications.
- Experience working with partners, government agencies and the corporate sector.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government, corporate staff and/or programme leadership.
Salary
For applicants based in the United States, the starting annual base salary is generally US$65,000-US$92,000 , depending on location, qualifications, skills and experience. For applicants in other countries, compensation will be provided in the local currency and will be based on the applicable local labour market.
How to Apply
REF Code: JR103911
About the Company
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States. As of 2021, it works via affiliates or branches in 79 countries and territories, as well as across every state in the U.S.
Website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/africa/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education are typically required for a Partnership Associate role in water and resilience in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources management, natural resource management, or a related field. A master's degree is often preferred for senior positions. Additional certifications in project management, climate adaptation, or water governance from institutions like the University of Zimbabwe or Midlands State University strengthen candidacy.
What does a typical day look like for a Partnership Associate in this field?
Daily activities include coordinating with government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders on water conservation projects. You will spend time in the field monitoring watershed health, preparing grant proposals, and facilitating workshops with rural communities. Office work involves report writing, data analysis, and partnership negotiations with donors and local authorities.
How is the work culture different in Zimbabwe's conservation sector compared to international NGOs?
Zimbabwean conservation work emphasizes community consultation and building trust through extended relationship-building, which can slow decision-making compared to Western counterparts. Hierarchical respect and formal communication channels are important, especially when engaging with government ministries like the Ministry of Environment. Flexibility is essential due to infrastructure challenges, currency fluctuations, and occasional political sensitivities around land and water rights.
What career progression opportunities exist for Partnership Associates in Zimbabwe's environmental sector?
With 3-5 years of experience, you can advance to Senior Partnership Manager or Program Coordinator roles overseeing multi-million dollar portfolios. Some professionals transition into policy advisory positions with government or regional bodies like SADC. Others move into consultancy or establish their own firms focused on climate resilience and water security, leveraging networks built during fieldwork.
What benefits should I expect from a conservation NGO employer in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages typically include medical aid coverage through providers like CIMAS or Premier Service Medical Aid Society, and pension contributions to NSSA or private schemes. Annual leave usually ranges from 20-30 days depending on seniority, with additional compassionate leave provisions. Field-based roles often include transport allowances, per diems for remote travel, and sometimes housing support for positions based outside Harare.
How should I apply for Partnership Associate positions, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize?
Submit applications through advertised channels like the NGO Network Zimbabwe portal, ReliefWeb, or directly via organization websites with a tailored CV and cover letter. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with community engagement, fluency in local languages like Shona or Ndebele, and proven ability to navigate government bureaucracies. Strong references from previous supervisors in conservation or development work significantly strengthen your application.
