New Forests (www.newforests.com) is a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, with AUD 8.7 billion (USD 6.5 billion) in assets under management across 1.1 million hectares (2.6 million acres) of investments. We manage a diversified portfolio of sustainable timber plantations and conservation areas, carbon and conservation finance projects, agriculture, timber processing and infrastructure. We aim to generate shared prosperity for our clients and the communities in which we operate and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

The incumbent shall report to the Associate Director of E&S in Asia.

In this role you will be responsible for supporting the Associate Director in:

Operations

• Support for and oversight of the E&S compliance of New Forests’ investments under management in Asia.
• Drafting and/or commissioning E&S baseline studies, impact assessments, management plans, policies, and procedures to ensure Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) are IFC compliant.
• Development of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) for new investments and monitoring ESAP progress and compliance.
• Coordinating the design and management of grant-funded E&S projects and conducting their associated reporting.
• Developing partnerships and relationships with stakeholders, including NGOs, communities, governments, joint venture partners, and other businesses.
• Supporting the wider operations team in strategic oversight for plantation forestry management, including budgeting, execution and reporting.
• Identifying and supporting the implementation of impact driven carbon, biodiversity, and community development opportunities associated with plantation forestry assets.
• Co-ordinating the reporting of E&S indicators from investments to clients.

New Investments

• Contributing to due diligence of new investments and ensuring that all transaction decisions are supported by appropriate E&S due diligence documentation.
• Providing support during transactions to ensure that fund level E&S compliance is incorporated in transaction documents and legal agreements.
• Developing E&S compliance plans to ensure all investments comply with New Forests’ Responsible Investment Policy and meet all requirements for E&S management.

General

• Being an active contributor to development of New Forests’ E&S programs, including collaboration with corporate sustainability programs.
• Providing E&S reporting on all investments in the region, including client and public reporting.
• Contributing to building New Forests’ knowledge base and leadership on Sustainable Landscape Investment.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, experience, and strengths:

• Operational experience in commercial tropical plantations in emerging markets.
• Experience with:

• • sustainable forestry, including third-party certification, community and social engagement strategies, and land use management.
  • working with community and NGO partners (both regional and international) to deliver effective engagement programs.
  • design and implementation of ESMS, ESAPs, and reporting systems.
  • communication/reporting with clients and prospective clients, including international financial institutions.

• Knowledge of (and experience in) implementing and/or auditing to recognised international E&S standards including Forest Stewardship Council certification and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards.
• Bachelor’s degree level qualification in environment or social sciences equivalent.
• Knowledge of GIS packages and GPS.
• Skill in MS Office suite of programs.
• Strong verbal and written English language skills. A working knowledge or fluency in Bahasa Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, or major languages within Southeast Asia, would be a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of carbon standards (VCS) and the GHG protocol would also be highly beneficial.
• Experience in an investment-related business, well regarded.

• Willingness and ability to undertake extensive travel, sometimes in challenging conditions.

• An ability and desire to work in a cross-cultural environment with local management teams, essential.

• Ability to:

• • build strong relationships and work within a team environment.
  • adapt to change quickly and effectively. Can work in a variety of environments and with different levels of people.
  • work independently and take ownership of role.

What can we offer?

Our environment is busy and supportive, and the team is professional but relaxed. If you join us, you would be joining a growing, fast paced business which is an environmental and sustainable leader in forestry investment. You will also be working with professionals who are passionate about their work!

We pride ourselves on having a supportive New Forests culture that is inclusive to all and we would love to learn how you can bring your unique skills and experience to our business. If you have experience in any of these areas, we encourage you to apply for our roles, even if you only meet some of the criteria.

New Forests is a Certified B Corp and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion. We offer flexible working arrangements to all employees to support their work/life balance.