Project Manager– Carbon Removal Pilot (Enhanced Rock …, Johannesburg

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development—strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and complianceso that our clients can focus on impact.

High‑Level Overview The client is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the end-to-end delivery of a pioneering Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) carbon removal pilot project in KwaZulu-Natal. This role will be responsible for coordinating complex logistics, managing farmer and contractor engagement, andensuring alignment with scientific monitoring and carbon credit verification requirements. The pilot is approximately 50% operationally defined, with broad objectives and high-level activities in place, requiring further development of execution processes and workflows. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in agricultural or bulk logistics environments, coupled with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, first‑of‑its‑kind project settings and drive operational execution across multiple stakeholders.

Role and Responsibilities Role:

Project Manager Direct Report:

Project Leadership Candidates Required:

1

Pilot set‑up

Translate high‑level pilot objectives into detailed execution plans and activity sequencing

Define and refine operational processes and workflows for pilot execution

Farmer Engagement&Carbon Project Participation

Identify and engage farmers interested in participating in the project

Conduct farm assessments for suitability including soil, access, and crop systems

Negotiate and execute participation agreements

Provide education on ERW benefits for climate and agriculture

Maintain ongoing relationships with participating farmers

Contractor Coordination&Processing Management

Coordinate with crushing contractors for slag processing

Manage scheduling and logistics for slag collection

Oversee quality control of processed material

Coordinate transportation from processing to application sites

Liaise with spreading contractors and ensure logistics tracking

Science Team&Carbon Credit Coordination

Coordinate with science teams to implement monitoring protocols

Liaise with carbon credit partners for verification compliance

Collect and maintain data required for verification

Ensure all activities are documented to required standards

Align scientific activities with operational execution

Data Management&Project Reporting

Maintain records of slag quantities, locations, and application timing

Ensure all data meets carbon credit verification standards

Track project budget, monitor costs, and ensure financial discipline

Provide regular reporting to leadership and partners

Coordinate data sharing across stakeholders

Support documentation for carbon credit issuance

Project Development&Optimization

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency

Support evaluation of pilot outcomes

Contribute to development of standard operating procedures

Provide insights to support future scaling

Requirements Experience Required:

5–7 years project management experience in complex logistical operations

Experience in agricultural sector including farmer engagement and soil management

Background in mining, bulk materials handling, or agricultural supply chains

Experience operating in ambiguous or first‑of‑its‑kind project environments

Proven stakeholder management across contractors, technical teams, and partners

Technical Requirements:

Knowledge of agricultural systems and seasonal planning cycles

Understanding of logistics coordination and supply chain management

Familiarity with data tracking and reporting for compliance-driven projects

Exposure to environmental monitoring or carbon credit systems

Proficiency in digital tools for project coordination and data management

Other Skills:

Strong problem-solving and adaptive thinking capabilities

Excellent stakeholder communication and relationship management

High attention to detail in data management and reporting

Ability to operate effectively in uncertain and evolving environments

Cultural sensitivity and ability to engage local farming communities

Desired Profile Information

The ideal candidate will have strong local networks in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the Newcastle region, and demonstrate a pioneering mindset suited to emerging climate technology projects. Experience in liming, slag handling, or early-stage project environments is highly advantageous. A project management certification is beneficial but not mandatory.

Working Arrangement

Location: Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Travel: Periodic travel to project sites in and around Newcastle as required for farmer engagement, logistics coordination, and project implementation.

Terms of agreement: Start Date: May 2026 Contracting Period: 6 months

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