Location Panamá District
Job-type Permanent
Salary $Competitive
Reference ACRE-12972

Are you passionate about driving impactful change in biodiversity restoration and carbon projects? Do you have the expertise and leadership skills to oversee critical monitoring operations in challenging yet rewarding tropical environments?

Acre is currently supporting Ponterra in the search for a dynamic and skilled Measurement, Reporting & Verification (MRV) Lead to drive the success of their transformative restoration projects in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama.

If you're passionate about tropical forestry, adept at managing multidisciplinary teams, and excited to tackle challenges in the field of nature restoration, we want to hear from you! This is your opportunity to lead innovative monitoring strategies, collaborate with a dedicated team, and contribute to the restoration of 10,000 hectares of degraded land using over 75 native species.

With a focus on environmental sustainability and economic development, Ponterra is committed to creating opportunities for a better future for people and the planet.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Monitoring Team Lead to spearhead the monitoring components of our ambitious restoration project. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with standards such as Verra SDVista VCS 4.7 and VM0047 methodology while driving excellence in data collection, analysis, and reporting. You'll lead a multidisciplinary team and manage monitoring strategies across areas such as landowner relations, planting, and stakeholder engagement.

This role combines technical expertise in tropical forestry and ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) projects with strong leadership, operational oversight, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership: Manage and inspire a diverse team, including field monitoring staff, drone operators, and GIS specialists, while remaining operationally capable in these roles.

  • Compliance: Ensure land eligibility and compliance with Verra rules through satellite data analysis and monitoring protocols.

  • Monitoring Strategy: Develop and implement strategies for tracking carbon, biodiversity, and social indicators, ensuring operational and project compliance.

  • Data Management: Oversee the collection, analysis, and integration of data using tools such as forest inventories, drone photogrammetry, and satellite remote sensing.

  • Field Operations: Operate drones and 4x4 vehicles to collect high-quality data in remote and rugged locations.

  • Resource Management: Manage software, hardware, and other resources critical to efficient field operations.

  • Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with restoration and leadership teams to integrate monitoring insights into broader project goals.

  • Innovation: Explore and adopt emerging technologies to enhance monitoring processes and outcomes.

  • Reporting: Deliver detailed reports and presentations to stakeholders, including investors, demonstrating accountability and measurable progress.

Qualifications


Required:

  • Experience: Proven leadership in monitoring operations, particularly in ARR or tropical forestry projects.

  • Education: Degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Geographic Information Systems, or a related field.

  • Skills:

    • Proficiency in GIS and GPS technologies.

    • Fluent in Spanish.

    • Ability to drive 4x4 vehicles in challenging terrain.

    • Legally authorized to work in Panama.

  • Attributes:

    • Initiative and problem-solving skills.

    • Adaptability to both field and office environments.

    • Calm and resourceful under pressure.


Preferred:

  • Advanced experience developing and assessing technology solutions.

What Ponterra Offer

  • Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in large-scale nature restoration projects with significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.

  • Competitive Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  • Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a supportive and innovative startup culture where collaboration and creativity drive success.

Join Ponterra and be part of a mission to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and create a sustainable future.

Apply today to lead a transformative journey in the Azuero Peninsula!