Location:Belmopan, Belize
What We Can Achieve Together:
In Belize, TNC partners with government agencies, local communities, and the private sector to advance resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods. Our work supports Belize’s Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Selva Maya–Mesoamerican Reef (SM–MAR) regional strategy. We tackle climate change through Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) that conserve, restore, and sustainably manage forests, wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems, helping Belize meet national climate goals while delivering co-benefits for biodiversity, communities, and the economy.
TNC Belize is managing the biggest voluntary carbon project in the country – “Belize Maya Forest REDD+ Project”. The Belize Maya Forest Carbon Project is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Belize Maya Forest Trust to protect 87,041 and mitigate 29,467,538 tCO2e over 40 years (2020 to 2060) in north-west Belize, through the acquisition and protection of forest lands threatened by agricultural conversion.
Another project is “The Laguna Seca Forest Carbon” Project protects 8,169 hectares of pristine forest with exceptional biodiversity value over 30 years (2011 to 2040) and mitigates 255,935 tCO2e annually.
Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy 486,000 acres in Belize have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the sea, TNC Belize is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Belize unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!
The NCS and Carbon Project Manager will lead the development and implementation of terrestrial and blue carbon projects, NCS strategies, and programmes, that contribute to the advancement of Belize’s climate commitments, TNC’s 2030 goals and the Selva Maya and MesoAmerican Reef Iconic Place program (MS-MAR IP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The NCS Project Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Belize business unit through planning, directing and implementing the Natural Climate Solutions Program. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance in relation to ongoing and future carbon projects, in line with recognized voluntary carbon standards and internal procedures. Additionally, the NCS Project Manager contributes to the development of nature-based initiatives and other conservation measures aimed at promoting climate mitigation via management of key ecosystems. The NCS Project Manager should be able to collaborate across local, regional and international teams and provide technical expertise, build partnerships and ensure that the programme provides high-quality, high-integrity climate impact.
The NCS Project Manager will provide technical support for conservation initiatives that can contribute to national emissions reduction/removal goals in Belize. The NCS Project Manager works under the leadership of the Lands Manager for TNC Belize and will work closely with other key staff. As part of a larger learning network at TNC, the NCS Prototyping Network, they will connect and regularly engage with similar projects in multiple global geographies to share information and support peer-to-peer learning.
Moreover, the NCS Project Manager will lead the data collection and analysis related to the Carbon Projects, managed by TNC. The Project Manager leads projects and teams, and guides and delivers reports, and publications to better understand and quantify nature-based climate change mitigation and its co-benefits. She/He liaises with and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders from the public sector, academia, conservation organizations, the private sector, and civil society in the context of NCS research.
The NCS Project Manager is a leader who uses TNC’s code of conduct and competencies as a baseline to lead by example.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Develops and leads management of carbon project workstreams, ensuring proper internal documentation and monitoring.
Ensures that the programme and its projects are in compliance with internal and external policies and requirements.
Financial responsibility includes working with/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors.
Supports the development of carbon-related proposals, concept notes, budgets and reports for donors and partners, that assist in meeting fundraising targets.
Advises leadership on emerging carbon market trends, financial mechanisms, and risk management.
Performs field visits, which involves working in diverse and sometimes adverse field conditions such as in remote locations, rugged or hazardous terrain and environments that require physical endurance.
Oversee the Rio Bravo Carbon Project budgets, financials, and execution.
Manages all technical and financial aspects of the Belize Maya Forest Carbon project including but not limited to monitoring, reporting and verification and coordination with implementing partners.
Liaises with consultants and contractors to ensure deliverables adhere to TNC workplans, timelines, budgets and policies.
Positions TNC as a key partner in the development of Carbon Projects in Belize, collaborating closely with the Conservancy’s NCS global teams, including the Carbon Markets. Provides technical input for carbon and climate policy initiatives.
Represents TNC Belize in carbon and climate-related forums, working groups and technical committees.
Engages with a wide range of stakeholders including landowners, conservation partners, government agencies, donors, board members, indigenous people and local communities, to advance implementation, assist with recruitment processes and raise awareness of TNC’s carbon-related work.
Prepares program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
Represents TNC and shares the program’s NCS research at priority meetings and on committees where technical input is required.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. May supervise contractors or temporary staff.
BA/BS in Climate Science, Natural Resource Management, Forest Management or related field with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in natural resource management, carbon project development, natural based projects management, climate science or policy or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Understanding of carbon project development cycle and nature-based carbon accounting methodologies, like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS), Equitable Earth, or Plan Vivo.
Experience/ knowledge of blue carbon projects such as work with mangroves/ seagrass. Experience negotiating complex agreements.
Experience managing multiple projects at once including initiating, planning, monitoring and closing projects
Experience in stakeholder coordination and supervisory experience.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Written and verbal communication skills in English; Spanish proficiency is desirable.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Web Browsers and GIS tools.
Experience managing multiple projects and work effectively and efficiently with cross-functional teams and with minimal supervision.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Background and knowledge of carbon accounting procedures, habitat mapping, and conservation practice and science.
Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
Knowledge of Belize’s climate and carbon related policies and regulations, as well as policies related to the ecological context within the Mesoamerican region.
Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgement and may act as a resource to others.
Job Family: Conservation
Internal Job Code: 450005
Salary Grade: 6
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
