We are looking for an experienced technical lead with expertise and knowledge in the following topics: carbon markets/projects, silvopastoral systems and/or land restoration, biodiversity monitoring, sustainability science, sustainable finance, or green markets/value chains. The person must have project management experience (development/environmental projects) and be based in Colombia, and preferably have some experience in the Caribbean Region (Cesar department). They should be able to work autonomously, make decisions, establish and manage relationships with producer organizations, the private sector and investors, and facilitate collaboration between different stakeholders. S/he will lead the technical input for the Op Co (Operating Company) design, guaranteeing consistency and innovation. In addition, s/he will conduct rapid appraisals, synthesis technical and financial reports, and ensure the overall progress on the projects’ objectives and deliverables. Under the direct supervision of the TNC R2A Policy and Finance Lead, the Innovation Lead ’s responsibilities will include:

• Lead the technical development of the Op Co (Operating Company) for scaling SPS in Colombia, guaranteeing consistency and innovation
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of the project operation
• Lead a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy that includes initiating, maintaining and/or strengthening relations with key actors including producers, companies, producer organizations, investors, and government officials.
• Co-lead the design and setting of the governance structure for the Op Co, identifying partners for key roles within the Op Co.
• Oversee the development and execution the workplan, ensuring adequate progress in deliverables, budget, action plans and monitoring to ensure the timely achievement of project objectives.
• Lead the design and selection of on-farm technical interventions (ex. Specific SSP arrangements).
• Coordinate the development of the carbon project feasibility study, design and implementation.
• Lead and prepare project steering and technical committees.
• Support selection of contractors and/or new staff required to successfully implement the project.
• Supervise and monitor contracts and oversee progress in the implementation of work plans with partners, consultants, companies, and suppliers as needed.
• Support R2A team with technical advice with a regional focus, potentially advising or supporting meetings, visits, and workshops in diverse countries in LAR.
• Support the development of regenerative business models and financial mechanisms.
• Ensure alignment and synergies with relevant Foodscape strategies and interventions.
• Coordinate project activities and objectives with the regional R2A team and relevant country teams.
• Ensure that follow-up and progress reports are properly developed with relevant information from partners, allies, companies, consultants, and technical team using the required tools, ensuring timely delivery of products to donors and others, as needed.
• Drawing on previous project management experience and guided by the work plan agreed with the supervisor, assume responsibility of the project working independently under remote supervision.
• Supervise project staff.
• Ensure project compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Perform other project related tasks to achieve the strategic objectives set for TNC LAR-Colombia.
• Work closely with other TNC projects to support progress of R2A work in designated Iconic Places within LAR.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional degree in economy, business administration, agricultural or biological sciences, environmental/industrial engineering, economics, finance, sustainability sciences, or related disciplines.
• 5 years of experience working as technical lead in carbon markets/projects, silvopastoral systems and/or land restoration, biodiversity monitoring, sustainability science, sustainable finance, or green markets/value chains, in Colombia
• 5 years of demonstrated project management experience in Colombia managing and advising development-environmental projects.
• Experience in supervising teams and/or contractors.
• Experience in sustainable/regenerative agricultural production within a conservation context.
• Experience in multistakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, Zoom, web browsers and others relevant for effective project management (ex. Smart Sheets).
• Experience developing financial mechanisms for agriculture and/or conservation strategies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and adequately, both in writing and verbally, in Spanish and English.
• Willingness to travel to the project area (Southern Cesar) as needed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preference for 10 years of practical experience
• Ability and willingness to seek, build and strengthen relations with institutions, local companies, and actors in the cattle sector.
• Ability to work independently, set objectives, juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Fundraising experience.
• Previous knowledge of the project area (Cesar department) and familiarity with the social dynamics in the region.