Blue Carbon Specialist

Key Purpose 

The purpose of the role is to undertake spatial analysis and blue carbon modelling and coordinate the project in-country. In addition, this person in this role will focus on building their own skills and capacity, with technical training and support provided by ZSL Philippines and UK. 

Main Duties & Key Responsibilities 

Technical Inputs 

Conduct GIS-based mapping of mangroves at risk of deforestation, abandoned and un(der)utilised aquaculture ponds (potential rehabilitation areas) and land tenure information to identify potential blue carbon project sites. Model baseline and project carbon emissions scenarios with pilot data to estimate potential credit volumes. Conduct spatial optimisation (cost:benefit) analyses across varied spatial scales to identify municipality-/region-specific optimal blended blue carbon implementation strategies. 

Project Management 

Coordinate the project in-country in accordance with project workplan, communicating activities and deliverables between project contributors. Coordinate the collection and submission of project KPI data from project contributors. Draft quarterly project narrative reports and coordinate the production of quarterly financial reports for the donor. Track project expenditure in-country in accordance with project budgets and escalate any deviation from budget. Identify and mitigate project risks. Undertake in-country procurement activities for goods and services. Ensure the project is compliant with ZSL policies and procedures, and head contract terms and conditions. 

Professional Development 

Improve own understanding of how to identify and quantify sites for potential carbon projects using GIS and field data. Develop own abilities in carbon stock and flow measurement, estimation and quantification. Develop own abilities in spatial conservation optimisation modelling. Improve own understanding of conservation project management principles and practices Improve own ability to work with international teams and across culture and time-zones to achieve project deliverablesPage Break

Key Competencies 

Required 

Strong GIS expertise compiling and analysing field and remote sensing data An understanding of scientific principles and research methods Strong quantitative numerical expertise building complex models in Excel and/or R Ability to present research findings in a coherent manner in presentations and reports Experience with project coordination, compliance, risk management, reporting, budget management and procurement Experience of working with international teams in cross-cultural environments Demonstrated passion for the natural environment and empowering local communities A commitment to professional development and learning High-level, working proficiency in written and spoken English Right to work in the Philippines 

Desirable 

Experience with carbon modelling An understanding of carbon standards and methodologies, such as Verra and Plan Vivo Experience working in environmental conservation and restoration Experience managing grant-funded projects 

Academic qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in conservation biology, geography, or other relevant field with quantitative and spatial training.

Willing to be assigned or to relocate in Iloilo City (with relocation package) Deadline for submission is 30 October 2022.

The Zoological Society of London Established in 1826, The Zoological Society of London, ZSL, is a centre of excellence for conservation science and is devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. It realises its mission by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and works to encourage positive behaviour change via dissemination of key conservation messages through its two zoos, London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. We strive to achieve our mission by:  Conducting world-leading conservation science  Implementing effective field conservation projects globally  Providing decision-makers with the best possible conservation advice  Building conservation capacity and inspiring people to connect with the natural world