Project Manager
Project Manager
Based in Costa Rica
Full time position, long term, local contract
Starting date: ASAP
PUR Description
PUR is a global, impact-focused B-Corp specializing in the development of environmental restoration projects, known as 'nature-based solutions' (NbS). Since 2008, we have been helping the world’s largest organizations meet their ESG targets, reduce their environmental footprint, and regenerate the ecosystems they depend on across complex supply chains. Having developed over 45 projects in more than 30 countries, PUR is recognized as both a pioneer and leader in a sector that is now at the forefront of global efforts to address the ongoing climate and biodiversity crisis.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering and operationalizing insetting strategies—interventions by companies within their own value chains designed to reduce GHG emissions while creating positive impacts for communities, landscapes, and ecosystems. By championing this insetting approach, we aim to create a holistic range of benefits that extend beyond ecological restoration, encompassing social and economic dimensions through enhanced agricultural yields and resilience to climate change-induced stresses, among others.
One of the distinctive features of our work is our ability to tailor projects to the specific needs of different regions and communities. By recognizing the unique characteristics of each ecosystem and the cultural context of the communities involved, we ensure our initiatives are contextually relevant and have a meaningful and sustainable impact. All our projects are developed in close collaboration with local actors, including cooperatives, NGOs, governments, and corporations.
Today, we employ 200 staff across 16 countries with key offices in Paris (HQ) and Toronto.
www.pur.co
Industry Description
PUR operates within the dynamic and rapidly evolving sector of environmental consultancy services and nature-based solutions markets. These markets are closely linked with the voluntary carbon markets (VCM) when NbS projects produce carbon credits that can be traded on the VCM. The NbS market has recently gained traction as society recognizes the invaluable services provided by nature and the need to preserve, restore, and harness these services to mitigate and adapt to environmental challenges. To be considered a nature-based solution, projects must effectively address real societal challenges and offer strong environmental, economic, and social benefits for local communities.
Market KPIs:
If combined with deep decarbonization efforts, NbS projects could provide up to 30% of the mitigation needed to limit global warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels by 2030 (World Economic Forum, 2023)
NbS project credits make up the largest volumes of carbon credits available in the VCM (voluntary carbon markets ) with $9bn invested between 2020 and 2022 (Sylvera, 2023)
In 2021, the VCM was estimated to be worth $2 billion, four times its 2020 value. By 2030, the market is expected to reach $10 to $40 billion (BCG, 2022).
5,307 companies have set science-based targets - a 4.2x increase since 2022 – and a significant driver of demand within the NbS and VCM markets (SBTi, 2024)
PUR is recruiting a Project Manager based in Costa Rica to join our Operations team.
Your role is to manage launched projects (agroforestry, reforestation etc) with the objective to drive positive impact in the projects’ landscape, coordinating PUR teams and external partners to leverage technical expertise, field knowledge and data insights.
You will travel to Guatemala to implement and follow-up Nature Based Solutions projects and you will directly report to the Country Manager while interacting with different teams and stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will be, but not limited to :
Project Management:
Build and manage agroforestry projects. Make sure quantitative & qualitative targets and the chronogram to meet them. Specifically agroforestry, regenerative agriculture
Establish a quality control plan: ensure regular contract verification from the desk and in the field according to the continuous verification protocols
Review and validate project deliverables before the payment of invoices, and transfer payment orders to the Accounting team
Lead the Adaptive Management process by leveraging data analysis and feedback from internal & external stakeholders (clients, partners, farmers). Be ready to challenge and adjust the project design annually using your technical expertise and your operational experience, to enhance the project’s permanence
Create and manage budgets & reforecasts to enable informed decision-making and keep control on costs
Seedlings distribution:
Make sure seedling distribution timelines are clearly defined in the nursery contracts/orders (whether such contracts are signed by PUR directly or by the implementing partner(s)).
Establish with the nurseries and/or the implementing partner(s) the optimum itinerary for seedlings distribution.
Establish a quality check process to ensure the seedlings and other nursery materials meet our standards prior to distribution.
Attend seedling distribution events to supervise the process and check the health and quality of the seedlings that reach the drop-off sites.
Reporting & Stakeholders Management:
Set-up, plan, coordinate and monitor the implementation of project activities at the country(ies) level
Be accountable for the quality and impact of operations by ensuring the respect of field, financial and due diligence standard procedures
Own your metrics & build corrective action plan to align with targets and budget (if necessary)
Lead the budget & reforecast management as well as the financial consolidation of the country/ies operations, ensuring a smooth collaboration with the Finance team
Drive excellence in the operations to guarantee the target impact (field impact, financial sustainability, good communication..)
Audit and update due diligence information on partners (incl. KYS) on a yearly basis
Lead the negotiation of contracts signed with the implementing partners, with the support and review of the Legal team
Organise regular meetings with the partners, leveraging data analysis and insights, to co-build adaptive management plans and enable agile decision-making
Train the implementing partners’ teams on PUR methodologies, and provide timely feedback to implementing partners to improve project proceedings
Organize consultation and information-sharing events with local stakeholders (incl. FPIC process)
We are looking for someone with :
Bachelor or higher education in Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Forestry, Agroforestry, Rural Development or equivalent;
At least 5 years of experience in the management of community-driven Nature-based Solutions projects (budget, schedules, operational planning..);
Experience managing agroforestry systems and nurseries. Knowledge with key commodities cocoa or coffee is an asset;
Experience in managing multistakeholder initiatives with small communities/organizations, partners and clients/funders;
Strong reporting and data collection skills;
Knowledge of carbon certification requirements for afforestation/reforestation projects is a strong asset;
Understanding of team structures to suggest the most efficient collaboration schemes;
High tolerance for ambiguity; ability to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment; International experience is a strong plus;
Strong sense of accountability and commitment/follow-through;
Adept at giving and receiving feedback;
Strong communication skills (clear, precise, and constructive);
Looks for impact by making decisions based on facts and critical thinking;
Fluent in English and Spanish;
A legal right to work and live in Costa Rica and to frequently travel to Guatemala (60-70%).
Recruitment process :
HR interview
Case study with the Country Manager
References check
At PUR, we strive to build inclusive teams and an equitable workplace where our employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. As a global company operating across six continents, we recognize that diversity in the workplace is essential to achieving our mission.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, gender, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other aspect that makes them unique.
PUR is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all candidates during the application process and for employees during their employment. If you require accommodation or consideration throughout the interview process, let us know, and we will do our best to support you.