Social Engagement Manager

Imperative Global Group, Inc.; Odisha; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperative is building a team to deliver nature-based carbon removal projects with strong community engagement in Odisha. The role focuses on social safeguards, institution-building, and compliance with Verra standards, while coordinating with local government and field partners.

We seek candidates with a Master’s in Social Work or related fields, 5+ years of PRI experience, and a proven track record in PRA, FPIC, and gender-inclusive programs for community development.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Social Work or related field; 5+ years with PRIs; 2+ years independent facilitation.
• Experience with Forest Rights Act 2006, PRIs, and MGNREGS; FPIC experience is a plus.
• Field presence 50%+ of working time; ability to work in remote field environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate community engagement processes (FPIC, PRA, FGDs, stakeholder consultations, benefit-sharing).
• Form and strengthen community institutions (GPs, SHGs, FRCs, FPOs, VMCs) and link to govt schemes.
• Administer GRM; monitor social risks; support livelihoods vulnerability assessments and Social Management Plans.
• Maintain audit-grade documentation and compile evidence packages for Verra/CCB standards and funder audits.
• Coordinate with Gram Panchayats, Forest and Revenue Departments; support ESIA and FRA compliance.
• Train and mentor community members, junior staff, and NGO partners on participatory methods and gender mainstreaming.

Skills

Community engagement

PRIs experience

Gender inclusion

Social risk analysis

Audit-ready documentation

Education

Master's in Social Work (MSW)

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / Rural Development / Sociology / Anthropology

Job description

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.

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.
• Field presence 50%+ of working time.
• Community trust-building, Participatory facilitation, Gender and social inclusion, Social risk analysis, Audit-ready documentation, Do-no-harm ethics, Adaptability in remote field environments.