Advising Manager, Brazil Origination (Maternity Cover)

Emergent is a global non-profit that mobilizes public and private finance to conserve and restore the world’s forests to combat the climate crisis. We act as a catalyst between forest governments and participants of the LEAF Coalition—a groundbreaking public-private partnership committed to halting tropical deforestation by 2030. By uniting private sector buyers, donor governments, forest governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and civil society, LEAF aims to raise and deploy the finance needed to tackle deforestation by making tropical forests worth more alive than dead.

Emergent purchases high-integrity carbon credits from national and subnational jurisdictions generated through their REDD+ programs and verified under the ART TREES standard. These credits are sold to LEAF Coalition participants – donor governments and corporate buyers – who are committed to achieving ambitious climate and nature goals.

The Role

Emergent is looking for an Advising Manager (Manager) to support the strategy and implementation in Brazil. The Manager will participate in high-level engagements with national and state governments, working closely with Emergent’s on-the-ground team. They will support negotiations, ensure jurisdictions are set up to issue jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) carbon credits, and facilitate smooth financial transactions through the LEAF Coalition. This role requires leveraging networks and expertise to build effective partnerships for transformational climate and biodiversity impact.

The Manager will report to Emergent’s VP, Brazil and partner closely with the Chief Partnerships Officer and other Emergent colleagues and partners across Brazil. This is a maternity coverage consultancy, running for 5-months, starting in May and running through September 2025. There is a possibility of extension, based on business needs and performance.

The Manager must be based in Brazil, with a preference for Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, or São Paulo. The role is ideally full-time, though flexibility can be considered for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including senior government officials, IPLCs, civil society and technical partners.
• Position LEAF’s initiatives within Brazil’s National REDD+ Strategy and related policies.
• Identify opportunities for LEAF to support the objectives of Brazil’s COP30 Presidency working towards the high-profile climate negotiations that will take place in Belem in November.

Negotiation and Coordination:

• Participate in negotiations of Emission Reductions Purchase Agreements (ERPAs) and Funding Agreements, in collaboration with Emergent’s legal and transaction teams.
• Coordinate efforts across Emergent, LEAF donor governments, corporate buyers, technical partners, and Brazilian jurisdictions to ensure smooth execution of transactions.

Program Implementation:

• Support the development and implement the Brazil Strategy identifying priorities, key milestones, and main blockers while developing action plans accordingly.
• Coordinate with forest governments on their jurisdictional program implementation as they make their submissions to ART, helping to ensure accurate forecasts of carbon credit volumes and timelines, while identifying technical assistance needs and partners to deliver needed support.
• Monitor jurisdictions’ procedures on local stakeholder engagement and consultation, in line with social and environmental safeguards requirements and best practices.
• Ensure local governance established by jurisdictions for fund management and reporting meets LEAF requirements.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years in jurisdictional REDD+ program implementation, carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and/or climate finance.
• Proven track record working with government officials and navigating Brazil’s political and regulatory landscape.
• Hands-on experience in REDD+ program implementation or related forest protection and restoration initiatives.
• Understanding of REDD+ concepts, policies, and best practices, including social and environmental safeguards and carbon market mechanisms.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and collaboration across functional teams. 
• Excellent communication skills in English and Portuguese – both written and verbal, and public speaking experience is essential, with the ability to represent Emergent in public forums and to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., forestry, environmental science, climate, international development).

Other Requirements:

• Based in Brazil, preferably Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, or São Paulo.
• Self-starter with flexibility and adaptability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Willingness to travel (~20–30%).
• Passion for tackling climate change and advancing sustainability.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter detailing why you are a strong fit for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If your application is unsuccessful, we will not retain your personal data.

Equal Opportunities

Emergent is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and consultants. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Studies show men apply when they meet 60% of the qualifications, while women apply only if they meet 100%. If you meet most of our criteria and are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply.