South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Job summary:

The REDD+ Senior Project Manager will drive the project's implementation and oversee partnerships throughout its execution. This initiative is set to protect 3.6 million hectares of primary forest while promoting sustainable livelihoods for 8,300 Indigenous people and enhancing traditional knowledge and local governance capabilities. Four Indigenous Territorial Environmental Authorities (AATI) in the Colombian Amazon will implement this ambitious project, backed by the robust support of South Pole.

The Senior Project Manager will take the lead in effectively engaging with Indigenous communities to ensure agile and efficient implementation. This role demands establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with community leaders, government bodies, and stakeholders to secure comprehensive support and maximize project sustainability.

This position will be responsible for developing and refining operational plans, delivering essential technical support, and ensuring the achievement of expected outcomes. They will also oversee the integration of environmental conservation with the well-being of local communities and implement robust monitoring systems to assess project progress. This position is critical for aligning project activities with design documents, upholding quality standards, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Additionally, the Senior Project Manager will lead a team of professionals within South Pole and external contractors who will strengthen the AATI´s capacities for project implementation. This role will also require proactive collaboration across all South Pole teams involved in project execution, including social, certification, administrative, and legal teams, to successfully deliver on our commitments.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Your primary responsibility will be to drive the implementation of the REDD+ project in the Colombian Amazon, ensuring that all expected outcomes are met. You will lead the implementation of project activities, drive initiatives to strengthen the capabilities of AATIs, and oversee monitoring processes that align with the approved project documents.

Partnership and Project Management (70%)

• Lead the partnership, communication, and engagement with the Indigenous Territorial Environmental Authorities (AATI) to ensure robust project implementation.

• Provide decisive technical and operational support to the AATIs for project execution, including annual planning, project design, the hiring process, finance and legal compliance, and project monitoring.

• Develop and maintain the Annual Operation Plans (POA) strategically, incorporating detailed schedules and budgets, and oversee their execution without compromise.

• Ensure that all project activities align with certification requirements and national regulations.

• Establish and implement strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems to rigorously assess project progress and actively propose adaptive measures to guarantee the achievement of the project’s expected outcomes.

• Drive collaboration and coordination among the South Pole team, AATIs, local communities, and other stakeholders to enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure local ownership.

• Oversee the fiduciary scheme to guarantee transparency and efficiency in managing resources for the REDD+ projects.

• Prepare and present comprehensive project progress reports and results to key stakeholders, ensuring clarity and accountability.

Team Leadership and Management (15%)

• Lead the team of professionals responsible for overseeing the project at the South Pole, along with managing external contractors to enhance AATI's capabilities.

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams both in the field and remotely, ensuring the effective formation and consolidation of regional teams.

• Organize and conduct team meetings to drive effective communication and ensure the achievement of our objectives.

• Supervise and evaluate team performance decisively, providing direction and support as required to meet our goals.

Strategic Networking and Engagement (15%)

• Forge and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, such as local communities, government entities, and project partners.

• Actively engage in relevant events and forums to champion the project's interests and establish strong strategic alliances.

• Drive community consultation and participation processes to ensure project activities directly address local needs and priorities.

Requirements:

Essential -

• A university degree in economics, social sciences, environmental studies, or a related field is essential.

• You must have at least eight (8) years of proven professional experience in project management.

• You must have led or actively participated in a coordination team for at least three (3) projects, specifically with small farmers, rural communities, and ethnic groups.

• You should possess over three (3) years of experience designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating internationally funded projects, with a strong preference for sustainable development, productive systems, or local governance of natural resources.

• Experience with at least one (1) project involving the implementation of social and environmental safeguards, principles, and methodologies related to sustainable development is a must.

• Exceptional business communication skills (both verbal and written) in Spanish and English are non-negotiable.

• You must either be a national or hold a valid work visa in the country where you are applying.

Essential Skills:

• You must demonstrate results-driven team management abilities and have substantial experience in talent development and retention.

• Proficiency in managing targets and priorities while developing your own goals is essential.

• You will need the capacity to independently resolve complex project-related problems and follow general directions for new assignments or projects.

• A strong ability to manage targets and priorities and establish personal goals is imperative.

Desirable - 

• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, and providing process-oriented and technical input to guide the work of others, providing expert-level guidance in the field of REDD+, ACoGS, ARR, and other NBS-related fields of work to ensure carbon and biodiversity assets are developed and implemented while ensuring compliance with social safeguards and quality standards.

• Understanding of carbon finance essentials and carbon project development and certification, including familiarity with carbon standards like CDM, VERRA, GS4GG, CCBS, and the CAR, among others.

• Ability to create high-quality written documents (proposals and deliverables) in Spanish and quality control for others.

The deadline for submitting applications for the role is 31st March 2025.

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation. 

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make; South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.