Social Engagement Manager

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.

Position Overview 

• Field-intensive role leading community engagement, social safeguards, and institution-building across Imperative’s nature-based solutions (NBS) and carbon restoration projects in Odisha. Works with tribal, coastal, and forest-dependent communities; delivers social processes compliant with Verra CCB Standards, VM0033, and applicable Indian regulatory requirements. Reports to the Lead – Social Engagement. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and facilitate community engagement processes: Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), focus group discussions (FGDs), stakeholder consultations, and benefit-sharing plans. 

• Form and strengthen community level institutions — Gram Panchayats (GPs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Village Mangrove Management Committees (VMCs) including governance training and linkages to relevant government schemes and programs. 

• Administer the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM); monitor social risks; support livelihoods vulnerability assessments and Social Management Plans. 

• Maintain audit-grade documentation — consent registers, village profiles, beneficiary databases — and compile evidence packages for Verra, CCB Standards, and funder audits. 

• Coordinate with Gram Panchayats, Forest and Revenue Departments, and internal ecology, carbon, and GIS teams; support ESIA and FRA compliance processes. 

• Train and mentor community members, junior staff, and NGO partners on participatory methods, gender mainstreaming, and carbon finance literacy. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Education: Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Rural Development, Sociology, or Anthropology. Bachelor’s with 7+ years may be considered. 

• Experience: 5+ years with PRIs in community development / rural livelihoods, with at least 2 years of independent facilitation. Proven track record forming CBOs (Community-Based Organisations) and facilitating PRA in tribal or coastal contexts. 

• Knowledge: Forest Rights Act 2006, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and MGNREGS. Verra VCS / CCB Standards or FPIC experience is a strong advantage. 

• Language: Odia essential. 

• Field presence 50%+ of working time 

Key Competencies 

• Community trust-building · Participatory facilitation · Gender and social inclusion · Social risk analysis · Audit-ready documentation · Do-no-harm ethics · Adaptability in remote field environments.