Field Operations Manager

About Forest Carbon

Forest Carbon is an environmental asset manager based in Southeast Asia, delivering benefits for both people and the planet, alongside returns for investors, through a proven business model. At Forest Carbon, we recognize the true value in nature—value that can benefit all stakeholders and needs to be nurtured and protected. This is why we operate as a ‘Natural Asset Company,’ bringing the value of nature onto the balance sheet in a credible manner.

Forest Carbon’s team has a strong track record of success in the region. Our team brings a decade of experience on the ground, from mapping wetlands and assessing below-ground carbon storage to hiring local workers and securing community support. Forest Carbon relies on this technical expertise and a growing pipeline of project opportunities to secure millions in private sector investment for threatened ecosystems.

Our Sumatra Merang Peatland Project serves as a proven business model for large-scale restoration, having raised over 5 million euros in investment capital. Sales from major global brands support restoration efforts across more than 22,000 hectares, reducing fire risk, strengthening the rural economy, creating jobs, and delivering returns for investors and partners. This level of environmental and social performance is integrated into every aspect of Forest Carbon’s operations and management systems.

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About the role

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead field operations for our conservation project in Kaimana, Papua Barat. This role involves managing teams, relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and ensuring project activities align with conservation goals and operational standards. The Operational Manager will collaborate closely with the Project Manager and relevant team at the headquarter to drive successful project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management and Implementation
   1. Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of the project operations, ensuring it contributes to the overall strategic goals of the company.
   2. Provide support and regular updates to the Project Manager and HQ teams to ensure cohesive execution and alignment.
   3. Ensure that the resources, team, and processes are utilized effectively to achieve project goals. Manage any challenges or changes during implementation, making adjustments as needed to stay on track.
2. Conservation Implementation and Monitoring
   1. Oversee the implementation of conservation work-plans, ensuring alignment with project goals and priorities.
   2. Establish and implement a monitoring and reporting system to track progress, impact, and identify areas for improvement in field activities.
   3. Lead regular conservation management meetings to review progress, address challenges, and adjust plans as needed.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
   1. Build and maintain positive relationships with local government, community leaders, and external partners to secure support, align with regional policies, and enhance project outcomes.
   2. Promote the project’s vision and conservation goals to stakeholders.
4. Asset and Infrastructure Management
   1. Select and manage vendors for construction, maintenance, and cleaning services, ensuring quality and functionality.
   2. Oversee procurement and monitor operational expenditures to stay within budget, providing regular updates and reports to the Project Manager.
   3. Develop and manage resource distribution schedules and logistical support, optimizing efficiency and ensuring timely budget-conscious execution.
5. Field Team Management & Development
   1. Supervise field staff, setting clear objectives, performance indicators, and work plans.
   2. Manage operational HR needs at the project site, ensuring efficient hiring, task assignments, and identifying development opportunities.
   3. Promote a culture of open, respectful communication, and collaboration among field staff, promoting adherence to the company policies and standards.
   4. Foster continuous improvement through feedback mechanism and performance appraisals to ensure accountability and alignment with project goals.
   5. Address staff grievances promptly and escalate issues when necessary to ensure timely resolution.
6. Reporting, Compliance, and Policy Adherence
   1. Ensure timely reporting of field activities to the Project Manager and relevant HQ teams, including escalating urgent issues, managing accurate data, and cooperating with audits to promptly implement any recommendations.
   2. Ensure adherence to company policies for all field activities, including Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards, the Gender Equality Policy, and other relevant policies.
   3. Stay informed about relevant regulations and ensure compliance in the field, collaborating with legal operations when necessary.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Forestry/ Environmental Science/ Natural Resource Management/ Project Management/ Business Administration/ or related field. Advanced training in strategic management or operations is preferred.
2. 10 years of experience in strategic planning, project management and operations, including 5 years in field leadership roles overseeing large-scale conservation or environmental projects.
3. Proven ability to lead complex projects, developing strategic plans, setting goals, delegating tasks, and fostering skill development, with expertise in project management and KPI tracking to ensure success.
4. Experience working with government agencies, local communities, and partners, ensuring alignment with project goals, regulations, and stakeholder expectations.
5. Strong leadership and team-building skills, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
6. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies to assess project impact and improvement areas.
7. Strong problem-solving skills, anticipating risks, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring resource alignment with priorities and timelines.
8. Excellent communication skills, able to engage and maintain relationships with stakeholders in Indonesian and English, and convey complex project objectives to diverse audiences.
9. Experience in Forestry or Environmental Management, with knowledge of sustainable resource management and relevant regulations.
10. Familiarity with VCS and CCB standards, and understanding of conservation challenges in Indonesian ecosystems, including forest and peatland management.