Senior REDD+ Technical Manager

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is remote and is open to CI offices based in the US (Arlington-VA, Seattle-WA or Honolulu- HI) and the Americas (Please view a full list of the Americas Offices here ).

CI’s Center for Natural Climate Solutions (Center for NCS) is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to advise and support REDD+ programs. This role will provide technical expertise and support for broader REDD+ related initiatives across CI’s countries of operation, under the supervision of the Director of REDD+ Strategy and in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager for Jurisdictional REDD+, with some shared responsibilities that will require close coordination. This person should bring significant technical expertise on multiple dimensions of REDD+ and will play a key role in supporting REDD+ development and implementation in key countries and regions. In addition, this role will assist in shaping accurate and insightful communications; engaging with other technical experts, governments, and stakeholders; and collaborating with academic institutions and partner organizations to develop analyses and contribute expertise that supports REDD+ goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical and Scientific Expertise:

• Serve as a technical expert in REDD+ and related methodologies, including Verra and ART/TREES, providing guidance on technical aspects of REDD+ program design, implementation, and monitoring, especially in the context of national greenhouse gas targets and reporting.
• Maintain a cutting-edge and comprehensive understanding of the latest scientific research, methodologies, standards and best practices in REDD+ and other natural climate solutions, through networks, academic literature, events, and other channels.
• Support the development and refinement of technical guidance documents, tools, and frameworks for jurisdictional REDD+ programs.
• Collaborate with CI's learning and capacity-building teams to develop relevant training materials, guidance documents, and e-learning resources; contribute to developing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and training programs to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in REDD+.

Research and Thought Leadership:

• Conduct original research and analysis to support the improvement and advancement of REDD+ policies, practices, and emerging issues.
• Lead and/or contribute to the development and publication of scientific articles, policy briefs, and reports on REDD+ and related topics.
• Provide technical input and expertise in the development of CI's position papers, policy recommendations, and advocacy efforts related to REDD+.

Representation and External Engagement:

• Represent CI as a technical expert in key internal and external forums, conferences, and working groups related to REDD+.
• Engage with national governments, multilateral organizations, and strategic partners to promote CI's perspectives and objectives on REDD+ and natural climate solutions.
• Foster collaborative relationships with key partners, including local communities and Indigenous Peoples, to foster collaboration and leverage all forms of expertise.

Science Advocacy and Influence:

• Collaborate across CI’s programs to contribute to science-based advocacy at the sub-national, national and international levels and to promote robust, high-integrity frameworks for REDD+ and natural climate solutions.
• Engage with policymakers, government officials, and decision-makers to provide technical input and recommendations for REDD+ development and implementation.
• Participate in relevant scientific and policy dialogues to influence decision-making processes related to REDD+.

Support REDD+ Program Development and Implementation:

• Provide technical support and expertise to national governments, partners, and stakeholders in the design and implementation of jurisdictional REDD+ programs.
• Collaborate with experts inside and outside CI to develop strategies and frameworks for REDD+ program development, including governance structures, safeguards, and monitoring systems.
• Conduct technical assessments and analyses to inform program design and identify opportunities for maximizing carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and community benefits.

Strategic Planning and Program Management:

• Contribute to the strategic planning and development of CI's REDD+ programs, ensuring alignment with CI’s organization-wide climate efforts and other key organizational goals.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of program performance, assess risks and opportunities, and recommend strategic adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within CI to ensure coordinated and integrated program implementation.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time (35h/week).
• Frequent travel (~30%) to key countries/regions of focus.
• Flexibility in the work schedule is required to accommodate time differences between key stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors degree in environmental science, natural resource economics, geospatial sciences, conservation biology, sustainability science, climate science, or another relevant discipline.
• 5 to 7 years of experience (in a professional or academic context) working in a field related to land-based climate mitigation, terrestrial conservation projects, resource management or analysis, or carbon markets.
• Proven track record of thought leadership and publications related to tropical forest issues, land-use policy and planning, land-use and climate interactions, resource economics, or other disciplines that relate to the conservation of forest resources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; track record of effective and impactful communications with audiences at all levels of expertise.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to build on existing knowledge to develop new approaches.

Preferred

• Graduate degree/Ph.D. related to REDD+, land-use change, biogeochemistry, resource economics, or other relevant disciplines.
• Interdisciplinary training and/or a demonstrated record of interdisciplinary work.
• While CI’s most urgent needs are in the realms of natural sciences and quantitative approaches, outstanding applicants with highly applicable expertise from different disciplines, such as social science backgrounds and qualitative research perspectives, will be considered on a selective, case-by-case basis.
• Spanish, Portuguese, and/or French language skills.
• Experience working with local partners, with an understanding of the on-the-ground realities and challenges of project development and delivery.
• Proven team player able to work effectively across cultures and within and across organizations.
• Proficiency in land-use emissions reporting and accounting methods; experience working with carbon standards and methodologies as a technical expert.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.