Emergent is a global non-profit that mobilizes public and private finance to conserve and restore the world’s forests to combat the climate crisis. We act as a catalyst between forest governments and participants of the LEAF Coalition—a groundbreaking public-private partnership committed to halting tropical deforestation by 2030. By uniting private sector buyers, donor governments, forest governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and civil society, LEAF aims to raise and deploy the finance needed to tackle deforestation by making tropical forests worth more alive than dead.

Emergent purchases high-integrity carbon credits from national and subnational jurisdictions generated through their REDD+ programs and verified under the ART TREES standard. These credits are sold to LEAF Coalition participants – donor governments and corporate buyers – who are committed to achieving ambitious climate and nature goals.

The Role

Emergent is looking for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Consultant to support our ongoing work in Costa Rica.

As part of the implementation of the National REDD+ Strategy in Costa Rica, the country has been developing various actions to access carbon markets and attract climate finance from various sources. These efforts aim to generate resources that enable carbon owners to be compensated for emission reductions achieved through sustainable forest conservation and management and to avoid deforestation and degradation.

The Consultant will support the geospatial analysis necessary to avoid the double allocation of payments to beneficiaries and prevent the double issuance of carbon titles and ensure transparency and traceability in the distribution of benefits.

Our ideal candidate is a professional in forestry engineering, with knowledge in geographic information systems (GIS), to support the geospatial analysis of forest owners eligible to be compensated for the Forest Emissions Reduction during the period 2017-2024, with the objective of demonstrating the State's capacity to transfer ownership of carbon rights.

The Consultant is expected to work on-site in San José, Costa Rica; they will report to and work closely with National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO). This is a full-time assignment (7 hours/day, 20 days/month), for the 6-month contract period – starting as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Consultant will carry out the following activities:

• Define rules for adding and updating Payment for Environmental Services (PES) property polygons in the program's Data Management System (DMS), as appropriate.
• Analyze and update the area for the Conservation Areas System (SINAC) according to PESpolygons and new private owners from 2018-2024.
• Review new CREF applications in process
• Refine protocol for the inclusion of new privately owned polygons in the 2018-2024 SGD.
• Protocol for reviewing areas of the annual SGD and the areas registered in the Emissions Reduction Contract Management System (SICREF).
• Support the corresponding overlap analysis between the geospatial data layer of the beneficiaries of the 2024 Environmental Services Payment Program contracts and the geospatial layer of the REDD+ Secretariat's Data Management System, to identify the owners eligible to be compensated for forest emission reductions for the period 2017-2023.
• Support the monitoring team in reviewing technical questions, location issues, reports, area calculations and other matters as required, etc.
  
  

Qualifications

Academic Background:

• University degree: Bachelor in Forest Engineering.
  

Required Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applied to environmental or forestry projects.
• Previous experience managing geospatial information related to land ownership, forest monitoring, PES projects, and REDD+.
• Knowledge of technical protocols for REDD+ and methodologies for calculating emissions reductions.
• Experience working with geographic databases and spatial file formats (shapefiles, geoJSON, etc.).
• Knowledge in interpreting satellite imagery and analyzing land cover.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar tools.
• Ability to perform overlay analyses between geospatial layers.
• Knowledge of technical protocols for REDD+ and methodologies for calculating emissions reductions.
• Strong skills in Excel, data management systems, and digitization tools.
• Clear and technical writing skills for preparing official documentation.

Other:

• Ability to respond to technical queries and provide remote support.
• Teamwork and effective communication with governmental institutions and communities.
• Attention to detail and adherence to established protocols.
• Possession of the required computer equipment.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your resume and a one-page cover letter detailing why you are a strong fit for the role. The application deadline is Monday, October 13, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If your application is unsuccessful, we will not retain your personal data.

Equal Opportunities

Emergent is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and consultants. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Studies show men apply when they meet 60% of the qualifications, while women apply only if they meet 100%. If you meet most of our criteria and are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply.