Manager of Forest Carbon Projects

The Climate Change Initiatives Program in the Conservation Strategies Division is seeking a Manager of Forest Carbon Projects to assist the program in leading Conservation International’s strategic work on climate change mitigation. As part of the Conservation Strategies Division, the Climate Change Initiatives Program develops and supports a diverse portfolio of forest carbon projects that conserve biodiversity, sustain rural livelihoods and mitigate climate change. The Climate Change Initiatives Program is responsible for providing scientific and technical support to Conservation International field programs in the design and implementation of multiple-benefit, climate change mitigation activities, building regional and partner capacity in climate change mitigation, and providing high-level support to emerging national Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) programs.

The Manager will directly support CI's field programs and partners through the delivery of technical and financial assistance to support project development, capacity building related to climate change and forest carbon projects, and support in developing proposals for funding opportunities. The position will also be part of a larger, inter-disciplinary team across the institution working on science, policy, economics, and social issues related to the role of tropical forests in climate change. The Manager will be responsible for assisting CI's field programs develop, negotiate and manage a portfolio of forestry carbon projects that reduce concentrations of atmospheric carbon via Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) or increase carbon sequestration through afforestation, reforestation, restoration and agroforestry. Utilizing supervisor facilitation and communication skills, the successful candidate will lead the effort to share information and collaborate with the regional program field staff and Headquarters staff, and serve as a liaison with external partners and groups working on forestry carbon projects. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical assistance to CI’s regional field programs in the design and implementation of a portfolio of forest carbon projects, by assisting with project planning, coordination and implementation and facilitating collaboration between Headquarters programs, field staff, consultants and other groups working on carbon projects
• Support the development and delivery of training events related to climate change projects and other events to enhance CI staff and partner capacity to develop and implement forest carbon projects
• Provide technical support to CI's work in climate change, with a focus on issues related to human well-being and social impact monitoring for projects and initiatives  
• Respond to tenders and opportunities for carbon offset sales, support the preparation of proposals for external grant funding, and review incoming proposals for project support
• Organize, manage and update project descriptions and communication materials on forest carbon projects

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working Conditions:  The position will include frequent international travel (up to 35%), including visits to remote forest areas in developing countries.

Required Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Years of Experience: 4

Required Skills: 
• M.Sc. degree in Forestry, Tropical Forestry, Global Change, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Tropical Forestry, Global Change, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field with a minimum of 4 years or related work experience
• Experience designing, managing, or supporting international field projects in reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry and/or forest conservation
• Broad knowledge of climate change science, international climate policy, carbon markets, forest carbon (and REDD), and social issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation is required. A deeper or more specialized understanding or experience in one of the above is highly desirable
• Understanding of skills and disciplines relevant to the implementation of forest carbon and environmental conservation field projects such as forest inventory, carbon accounting, GIS and remote sensing, stakeholder engagement and biodiversity monitoring
• Understanding of the economic and environmental issues facing developing countries and the roles that forest communities and indigenous peoples play in conservation. Experience in social impact monitoring and/or work with indigenous or rural community groups highly desirable.
• Knowledge of a foreign language relevant to CI field programs (Spanish, French or Portuguese)
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with other cultures
• Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic, multi-cultural, and interdivisional team comprised of a variety of professionals from different disciplines
• Ability to multi-task, learn new material, and manage time effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills: