Verified Carbon Markets+ (VCM+) Program Project Manager

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is dedicated to achieving high environmental and climate integrity in carbon markets around the world, as well as unlocking new Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) pathways in these markets. As part of the multidisciplinary Global Carbon Markets (GCM) team, the Verified Carbon Markets+ (VCM+) Project Manager will be responsible for managing and leading the execution of VCM+’s ambitious finance, science and policy goals to ensure that carbon markets unlock their full potential by 2030.  

This strategy spans multiple TNC teams: while housed in TNC’s Global Carbon Markets team and working very closely with TNC’s International Climate Policy team, the Project Manager will also oversee the implementation and achievement of VCM+ strategies across TNC’s Europe, Singapore, NatureVest, Tackle Climate Change, Corporate Engagement, and select additional TNC country Business Units (including, potentially, Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, and more). 

This is a two-year term limited position with opportunity for extension based on performance and budget availability. The position may be located in any country with an established TNC office, within 5 hours of Central time. Preference is for candidates based in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Belize, Peru, Guatemala, or Chile.

The VCM+ Project Manager will develop project plans, budgets, metrics and schedules with input and buy-in from key stakeholders and team members to ensure that project goals are met. They will critically assess project scope and objectives, ensuring all risks and dependencies are addressed in the project plan in order to deliver successful project results that support the fulfillment of the objectives.

Throughout the project lifecycles, the Project Manager will monitor and measure project progress, conduct corrective action as necessary, communicate project status information to all stakeholders. They will also lead adaptive management processes to ensure that all critical team members are learning and re-assessing work throughout the next three years. They will perform risk management, issue resolution, and conflict management, and collaboratively solve complex problems. They will utilize project management methodologies and processes and ensure all organizational and divisional standards are met. They will act as a resource to other staff and project managers to provide project management guidance, training, and expertise.

Ideally, the VCM+ Project Manager will have some familiarity and/or interest in carbon markets and Natural Climate Solutions, as an understanding of relevant acronyms and key stakeholders can help ensure success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome; 

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;  

• Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally; 

• Manage and report out on project budgets and assist with budget development related to strategic projects; 

• Ensure we are on track to meet our near-term goals, and flag when we are not;

• Create systems to capture key takeaways, lessons learned, and feedback loops to inform future program design and growth, contributing to the VCM+ programmatic strategy and optimization;

• Maintain and refine data management for VCM+, leveraging appropriate software including TNC’s “Hub” to report progress against near term and long-term goals;

• Develop MOU agreements between the Global Carbon Markets team and partner BUs.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination;  

• 3 years of project management experience or 2 years acting as a project lead;

• Experience in managing and tracking multiple projects;

• Experience managing project teams and working with cross-functional staff; 

• Experience managing scheduling and financial aspects of small to large projects that range from short to long term; and 

• Experience using project management techniques and tools such as Smartsheet.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated; 

• Certification in project management (PMP or equivalent) or other completed project management training, and experience applying project management tools and methodologies;

• Experience in carbon markets, climate policy, climate finance, natural climate solutions, or conservation finance;

• Ability to manage and implement complex processes;

• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data; 

• Strong communication and presentation skills. 

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.”

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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.
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 [email protected]  with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.