Support TNC NZ programmes to engage effectively with iwi, hapū, whānau, and Māori entities on a case‑by‑case basis.
Provide advice on tikanga, te reo, and culturally grounded approaches to conservation work.
Assist in developing culturally appropriate engagement processes and tools.
Cultural Capability Development within TNC Aotearoa NZ
Support TNC Aotearoa NZ staff to strengthen cultural competence in engaging with iwi and Māori communities.
Provide guidance on tikanga, te reo Māori use, and cultural safety practices.
Connect with TNC global Indigenous networks and share insights, resources, and best practices.
Support development of internal guidance documents, cultural protocols, and training sessions.
Additional Business Unit Support
Document key outcomes, feedback, and learnings on cultural capabilities development and IPLC related program implementation for internal reporting and future programming.
Assess compliance with TNC expectations for engagement with indigenous peoples and recommend any changes needed to meet these expectations.
Provide analysis and preparation of written materials including memos, presentations, and reports.
Assist with budget inputs and basic financial tracking associated with Indigenous engagement activities.
Contribute to fundraising or resourcing efforts where Indigenous engagement is relevant.
Asia Pacific Region
Support the mapping, development and cultivation of relationships with Indigenous Peoples organizations, networks, and leaders across Asia Pacific region.
Prepare and maintain a database of potential partners consisting of partner summaries, background briefs, and opportunities for collaboration.
Facilitate regular cross-country learning exchanges (eg regular calls, webinars, peer-to-peer sessions), gather and document lessons learnt for sharing across country programs.
Support coordination and communication between regional team and the global team, ensuring Asia Pacific perspective and needs are represented.
Support regional level meetings, workshops, virtual engagement and other events related to IPLC, including agenda/program development, logistics and communications.
Bachelor's degree and 4 years' experience in the functional field, or equivalent.
Fluency in English and te reo Māori.
Experience working with iwi, hapū, whānau.
Knowledge of tikanga Māori and Indigenous governance syste
Additional Information
Your Position with TNC:
The Indigenous Partnerships Lead (NZ & AP) plays a critical role in enabling delivery of TNC's strategic objectives and goals, especially through the transformative practice of supporting indigenous people's leadership in conservation.
The role supports TNC Aotearoa NZ's work by supporting the development and maintenance of strong relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori organizations, and other Indigenous partners across the Asia Pacific. Working in collaboration with program managers in TNC Aotearoa and Asia-Pacific teams, the Lead strengthens TNC's cultural capability and ensures Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems are reflected in conservation and climate strategies and practices. The role also contributes to the Asia Pacific region in strengthening and advancing Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IP&LC)-led conservation by helping to shape a stronger, more connected, and more coherent approaches to IP&LC-led conservation across the Asia Pacific region. The role will not be the owner or gate-keeper of relationships between TNC and indigenous partners, but is there to facilitate TNC becoming a better partner and being more effective in our support.
We are looking for you:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We're looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
Essential Functions:
The role plays a key role in delivering culturally safe engagement, strengthening Indigenous partnerships, and coordinating Indigenous-focused initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. This includes supporting TNC staff to work effectively with tangata whenua, providing guidance on te ao Māori integration, and supporting partner-facing activities. At the Asia Pacific regional level, the role supports building of strategic partnerships, fosters alignment across country programs, facilitates shared learning, and supports coordination between country, regional, and global teams.
Nature · New Zealand, New Zealand