Head of Panama

Location: This is full-time role based in Panama, with the option to be based in the Azuero Peninsula or elsewhere in the country with required travel to field sites in the Azuero Peninsula

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Ponterra is a developer and operator of biodiverse carbon projects on degraded cattle ranching lands in Panama and Mexico. Its vision is to develop nature projects at scale in partnership with local communities and to integrate sustainable land and livestock management practices with biodiverse restoration. Founded less than two years ago by a passionate international team, Ponterra now has sites in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama and Venustiano Carranza, Puebla, Mexico.

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To support its growth plans, Ponterra is hiring for a Head of Panama to oversee their project operations in Panama. This role demands expertise in the management of complex operations, commercial contracts, project finance, and compliance with validation and verification standards. You will closely collaborate with the project team in Panama including their lead forester as well as with the corporate team in the UK. This role involves regular interactions with the project commercial stakeholders.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage systems, processes, and structures to support efficient project operations.

• Analyze internal operations to identify areas for process improvement and optimize operational performance.

• Set and monitor compliance standards and success metrics in line with commercial contracts and Verra VCS Project Design Document requirements.

• Act as the main liaison with commercial partners to maintain clear and effective project communications.

• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive project execution and alignment with objectives.

• Promote transparency by regularly updating stakeholders on project progress.

• Prepare, monitor, and manage the project budget continuously.

• Coordinate with Ponterra's Corporate Team for project finance, reporting, and compliance.

• Contribute to a positive team culture and foster strong human resources practices locally.

• Encourage collaboration and clear communication across teams to meet project goals and deadlines.

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Qualifications:

• Experience: Proven leadership in operational roles for large, asset-intensive projects in sectors such as commercial forestry, real estate, green infrastructure, or renewable energy. Strong background in contract and financial management.

• Education: Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations & Supply Chain, or a related field.

• Skills: Fluent in Spanish and English; must have the legal right to work in Panama or be willing to apply for work status within three months.

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Characteristics:

• Mission-driven and proactive.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

• Effective communicator across all levels of an organization.

• Skilled at building trust and fostering relationships with diverse teams.

• Adaptable to ambiguity and able to navigate minimal guidance.

• Comfortable working in both field and office environments, leveraging insights from each.

• Proficient with project and financial reporting.

• Resilient in crisis situations and adept at finding solutions using available resources.

• Calm under pressure.

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Preferred:

• Leadership experience in asset-heavy projects within Latin America.

• Background in carbon, biodiversity, or the environmental sector.

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If you wish to join an ambitious, fast-growing carbon projects developer and operator,with strong emphasis on project quality and integrity, then look no further. In return, you will work with a highly qualified international team, with equal ambition to scale climate/ biodiversity solutions as well as creating long-term commercial value.

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Please contact Lewis Murray at lewis.murray@acre.com should you have any questions or would like to discuss the role.