The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities. To achieve our mission, we partner with diverse allies around the world to drive positive change across global supply chains and in many of our most critically important natural landscapes.

Our alliance spans 70 countries and includes farmers and forest communities, companies, governments, civil society, and millions of individuals. Together we work to protect forests   and biodiversity, take action on climate, and promote the rights and improve the livelihoods of rural people.

As an international nonprofit organization with more than 30 years of experience in sustainability transformation, we understand that the social and economic well-being of rural communities is tightly connected to ecosystem health. This knowledge has shaped our rigorous programs to advance sustainable land-use and commodity production.

At the Rainforest Alliance we combat climate change, protect forests and biodiversity, promote human rights, and improve livelihoods. The enormity of the social and environmental challenges we are facing requires working together in a broad alliance. This is why we bring farmers, forest communities, companies, and consumers together to change the way the world produces, sources, and consumes.

Why

To protect nature and improve lives it’s becoming increasingly urgent that we approach the way we use our land and produce food and other products in more sustainable ways. For this to succeed we need to fundamentally change the way that businesses operate and source, and the choices we all make as consumers.

How

Our growing global alliance aims to transform our relationship with our natural resources and each other, to create a better future for people and nature together.

The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability, and any other protected group.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Rainforest Alliance and its global and local partners are working to develop a carbon project with tea farmers in Assam, India.

The project will be an Afforestsation/Reforestation/Revegetation (ARR) project in which trees are planted in Agroforestry Systems within tea farms, resulting in carbon sequestration and increased climate resilience for farmer communities in the region. This project is in an advanced stage of its Feasibility Assessment, but the Project Design Document and registration phase has not yet been initiated.

The Project Manager Carbon will play a pivotal role in supporting a feasibility study, and designing, registering and leading a carbon project with large and smallholder tea producers in Assam that generates carbon credits for the voluntary carbon market This position requires a dynamic individual with knowledge of carbon project development and carbon markets, who can effectively lead and coordinate activities to ensure successful project management during its various phases. The Project Manager Carbon will work closely with tea producers and other key stakeholders in Assam, and the organization’s global teams to achieve project objectives and make a meaningful impact in the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Design and Implementation:

• Lead the design and development of the ARR carbon project, aligning it with international standards (Verra) and best practices.
• Collaborate with tea producers, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to identify most effective project design and implementation strategies for ARR carbon sequestration.
• Coordinate project activities, including baseline assessments, project registration, carbon monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable farming practices among tea producers.
• With the support from a multifunctional team from RA, define goals and monitoring strategies to measure project co-benefits including biodiversity improvements, and social and livelihoods’ impacts.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:

• Foster strong relationships with tea producers, local communities, and key stakeholders to ensure their active participation and support for the carbon project.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as government agencies, NGOs, and carbon market experts, to tap into their expertise, resources, and funding opportunities.
• Represent the organization and the carbon project at key events, conferences, and policy forums to promote awareness and build strategic alliances.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification:

• Support our project development partner in:
  • Developing a robust monitoring and reporting framework to track the progress and impact of the project concerning not only carbon sequestration but also co-benefits (biodiversity, water retention and economic and social benefits for landscape actors)
  • Ensuring compliance with international carbon standards and methodologies throughout the project’s lifecycle.
  • Leading the verification process to validate the carbon credits generated by the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training and capacity-building support to tea producers and local communities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, carbon management, and monitoring techniques.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning among tea producers to enhance their understanding of carbon-related opportunities and challenges.

Project Management and Coordination:

• Develop and lead project budgets, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and timely project delivery.
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, and experts to ensure effective project implementation and seamless collaboration across all stakeholders.
• Regularly report project progress, challenges, and opportunities to the organization’s management and relevant donors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, climate change or a related field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing carbon projects, preferably with a focus on agriculture or forestry.
• In-depth knowledge of carbon markets, carbon accounting methodologies, and international carbon standards.
• Strong understanding of tea production systems, agricultural practices, and the challenges faced by tea producers in Assam.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, and building effective partnerships with farmers and local organizations
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, coordination, and budget management.
• Strong analytical skills to track and evaluate project performance and impact.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• carbon experience is a distinctive advantage.
• Fluency in English (knowledge of local languages spoken in the Assam region would be an advantage).
• Based in Assam, India

Job Level: 3A

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Deadline: Aug 4, 2023

Notes: Only candidates authorized to work in Assam, India will be considered.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: recruitment@ra.org