Project Officer – Odisha

Why Imperative

Imperative is building one of the world’s most ambitious and scientifically rigorous portfolios of nature-based carbon removal projects. Operating across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, we develop large-scale reforestation, mangrove restoration and other ecosystem-restoration project assets under a build–own–operate model, ensuring scientific integrity, operational excellence, and long-term accountability.

We aim to set the global benchmark for quality, transparency, and durability in the markets for nature-based removal credits. Our projects integrate sound forestry and applied field ecology, supported by major-projects execution capabilities, advanced remote sensing, and state-of-the-art carbon measurement and modelling to deliver true, infrastructure-grade removal outcomes.

As our portfolio scales across multiple geographies and project types, we are growing the Carbon & Impact team to match. This role will sit at the core of project delivery, translating science, data, and standards into credible, investment-grade carbon assets.

Our Values

• Integrity: We act honourably and are guided by a strong moral compass. If things go wrong, we put our hand up, admit it, and adapt.
• Momentum: Speed matters. We have a bias to action. We think quickly, plan tirelessly, mitigate risks, and above all, take action.
• Purpose: We are driven by our desire to make the world better with every interaction, process, and project.
• Accountability: We do what we say and deliver. We seek to be the best at what we do.
• Collaboration: We celebrate diversity of thought, values, and backgrounds, harnessing the strength of our people and partners to achieve more together through teamwork and creativity.
• Tenacity: We are highly ambitious, driven, and hardworking. We persist until we deliver impact.

Role Overview 

• This is a field-based execution role supporting the Odisha mangrove restoration and blue carbon programme. The Project Officer will act as a direct extension of the India Project Manager, closing the gap between decisions made and work executed on the ground. 

• The role prioritises ownership and follow-through over independent strategic authority. The successful candidate will be given plans and direction and will be expected to drive them to completion with minimal supervision, escalating judiciously rather than reflexively. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Government and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Support the India Project Manager during state-level government meetings. 

• Independently lead follow-up, coordination, and relationship management at the district, block, and Gram Panchayat level. 

• Track action items arising from meetings and drive them to closure without requiring repeated prompting. 

2. Project Planning and Field Execution 

• Assist in preparing project implementation plans and translate them into actionable, week-to-week field schedules. 

• Supervise on-ground implementation directly, identifying and resolving delays or blockers before they require escalation. 

• Travel to project sites to collect technical, progress, and other data points required by the project controls office. 

3. Procurement and Vendor Management 

• Identify, contact, and follow up with material suppliers and service vendors. 

• Initiate procurement processes and manage contracts through to delivery. 

• Handle day-to-day vendor coordination and basic commercial negotiation independently. 

4. Reporting 

• Prepare clear, timely progress reports for management as required. 

Qualifications 

• Engineering background (civil, environmental, agricultural, or forestry preferred) or equivalent project management experience. 

• Minimum 6 years and maximum 10 years of total experience, with a strong preference for hands-on, site-based project execution rather than purely office-based coordination roles. 

• Experience working within a project management office or leading site-based project teams. 

• Fluent in Odia, which is essential for district and Gram Panchayat-level engagement. Working knowledge of Bengali is an advantage. 

• Comfortable working with basic spatial and GIS data, including the ability to read maps and field survey outputs. Full GIS proficiency is not required. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Willing and able to travel extensively, including to remote coastal sites. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of problems, and escalate only when genuinely necessary. 

Reporting Structure and Location 

• This role reports directly to the India Project Manager, and have to coordinate with the Technical Team, Social Team, GIS Officer and field staff on data collection and survey logistics. 

• The role is based in Odisha, with rotation across Bhubaneswar, Kendrapara, and Balasore, and requires extensive field travel.