Senior Associate, Impact Investing and Natural Climate Solutions

We are excited to present a challenging opportunity for an experienced, dynamic, and energetic Senior Associate to join our Impact Investing and Natural Climate Solutions (II & NCS) team and become a critical team member of Manulife Investment Management Timber and Agriculture (MIMTA).

Manulife Investment Management (MIM) is seeking candidates interested in managing projects related to an expansion of forest carbon projects in North America, South America and Asia Pacific. This position will be specifically focused on carbon project development, project management, and execution.

The Senior Associate is a vital member of the II & NCS team, initiating carbon project development and management in conjunction with MIMTA’s operations and other investment management teams. This role is a component of fiduciary asset management and requires a working knowledge of fiduciary obligations. This mid-level position reports to the Managing Director of II & NCS.  The candidate selected for this position will be expected to work cross-functionally to realize opportunities that rely on a range of skills housed in various fields and internal groups.

Position Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end development of forest carbon projects, from feasibility through credit issuance, ensuring alignment with carbon registry protocols and business objectives.

• Develop and execute project delivery plans, identifying critical pathways, analysis and creative solutions. Provide strategic input to ensure projects meet business and environmental objectives.

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver key milestones across project planning, execution, and monitoring phases. Liaise with Manulife’s operations and investment management teams, including foresters, Resource Support, Planning & Analysis, Acquisitions & Dispositions, and Client Account Management.

• Manage project budgets, accounting, and financial modeling, including discounted cash flow analysis and return expectations.

• Lead project communications, ensuring clarity around workflows, timelines, and expectations. Represent the organization in client, community, and industry relations. Participate in senior leadership meetings, providing updates on project status, risks, and deliverables.

• Conduct feasibility assessments, develop baseline scenarios, and perform spatial and data analyses to evaluate project viability.

• Leverage advanced data analytics, geospatial tools, and AI-driven workflows to streamline project development, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance decision-making.

• Serve as a key liaison with validation and verification bodies, foresters, planning and analysis teams, and internal stakeholders across Manulife.

• Support carbon credit sales and marketing efforts, including client engagement and strategic positioning of project outcomes.

• Contribute to policy and strategy development related to forest carbon and nature-based solutions. Conduct research on emerging forest carbon opportunities and share technical insights with internal teams and peer groups.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, fiduciary obligations, and environmental stewardship standards.

• Contribute to strategy development for nature-based solutions and carbon market engagement.

• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support successful project and strategy execution.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field.  Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of four (4) years of applicable experience in forestry or forest carbon project development.

• Proven track record in project management, including financial oversight and stakeholder engagement.

• Carbon Methodologies: Deep familiarity with improved forest management (IFM) and afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) methodologies across major registries, with emphasis on American Carbon Registry (ACR IFM v2.1) and Verra (VM0047).

• Geospatial Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in geospatial analysis using tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and remote sensing platforms. Ability to develop and interpret spatial models for carbon quantification and biomass logistics.

• Technical Communication: Exceptional technical writing and documentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment, including financial modeling, stakeholder coordination, and reporting.

• Collaboration & Leadership: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative mindset and experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Organizational Skills: Robust document management and organizational capabilities, with a proactive approach to troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

• Client Orientation: Demonstrated commitment to internal and external client service, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes aligned with business and environmental goals.

• Safety & Stewardship: Commitment to personal safety, environmental stewardship, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Preferred Experience:

• Data & Coding Skills: Strong command of data analytics and modeling, MRV workflows, and scenario analysis. Proficiency in coding languages such as Python or R for spatial data processing preferred.

• AI & Automation: Ability to leverage AI tools and digital solutions to automate workflows, enhance data interpretation, and improve project efficiency.

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

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