Document:

BENCHMARK
ELECTRONICS, INC.

    NONQUALIFIED
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

    

    

    This
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement ("Agreement") is
between Benchmark Electronics, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company") and
_________________(the
"Optionee").

    

    WITNESSETH:

    

    WHEREAS,
to carry out the purposes of the Benchmark Electronics, Inc. 2000 Stock Awards
Plan (the "Plan") by providing an award of a nonqualified stock
option  to retain and attract personnel of outstanding ability, to
provide additional motivation to the  employee to continue to exert
employee's best efforts for the success and welfare of the Company and the
benefit of the Company's stockholders, and to protect the Company’s confidential
information from unauthorized disclosure and use, the Committee (as defined in
the Plan) has determined that the Company’s interests will be advanced by the
issuance to Optionee of a nonqualified stock option under the Plan.

    

    NOW
THEREFORE, for and in consideration of these premises it is agreed as
follows:

    

    I.           Option.  Subject
to the terms and conditions contained herein, the Company hereby irrevocably
grants to Optionee the right and option ("Option") to purchase from the Company
__________(             )
shares of the Company's common stock, $0.10 par value ("Common Stock"),
at a price of  $             per
share (“Option Price”), which is not less than the fair market value of a share
of Common Stock on the Grant Date (as defined in Section 2 below).

    

    II.          Option
Period.  The Option herein granted may be exercised by Optionee
in whole or in part at any time during a ten (10) year period (the "Option
Period") beginning on __________
(the "Grant Date"), subject to the limitation that said Option shall not
be exercisable for more than a percentage of the aggregate number of shares
offered by this Option determined by the number of full years of employment with
the Company or its Affiliates beginning on the Grant Date in accordance with the
following schedule:

    

    
      
        
          
            	
                    Number
      of

                  	 	
                    Percentage
      of

                  	 
	
                    Full Years

                  	 	
                    Shares Purchasable

                  	 
	 
      	 	 	 
	
                    Less
      than two

                  	 	 	0	%
	
                    Two

                  	 	 	20	%
	
                    Three

                  	 	 	50	%
	
                    Four
      or more

                  	 	 	100	%

          

        

      

    

    

    Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Committee, in its sole
discretion may waive the foregoing schedule of vesting and upon written notice
to the Optionee, accelerate the earliest date or dates on which any of the
Options granted hereunder are exercisable.

    

    III.         Procedure for
Exercise.  The Option herein granted may be exercised by
written notice by Optionee to the Secretary of the Company setting forth the
number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option is to be
exercised accompanied by payment for the shares to be purchased, and specifying
the address to which the certificate for such shares is to be
mailed.  The notice shall be accompanied by (i) cash, cashier's
check, bank draft, postal or express money order payable to the order of the
Company, or other immediately available funds, or (ii) at the election of
the Optionee and agreed to by the Committee, certificates representing shares of
Common Stock theretofore owned by Optionee duly endorsed for transfer to the
Company, or (iii) any combination of the preceding, equal in value to the
aggregate exercise price.  Notice may also be delivered by fax or
telecopy provided that the exercise price of such shares is received by the
Company via wire transfer on the same day the fax or telecopy transmission is
received by the Company.  As promptly as practicable after receipt of
such written notice and payment, the Company shall deliver to Optionee
certificates for the number of shares with respect to which such Option has been
so exercised, issued in Optionee's name or such other name as Optionee directs;
provided, however, that such delivery shall be deemed effected for all purposes
when a stock transfer agent of the Company shall have deposited such
certificates in the United States mail, addressed to Optionee at the address
specified pursuant to this Section III.  The Optionee shall have
no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock until the
date of issuance of a certificate for shares of Common Stock.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    IV.         Termination of
Employment.  If the Optionee's employment with the Company is
terminated during the Option Period for any reason other than death or
disability, the unexercisable portion of the Option shall thereupon
terminate.  Any exercisable portion of the Option on the date of his
termination of employment may be exercised by the Optionee during a three-month
period beginning on such date, whereupon after the end of such three-month
period, the Option shall terminate; provided, however, that if the Optionee's
employment is terminated because of the Optionee's theft or embezzlement from
the Company, disclosure of Confidential Information or trade secrets of the
Company, or the commission of a willful, felonious act while in the employment
of the Company, then such exercisable portion of the Option shall expire upon
such termination of employment.  In no event may the Option be
exercised after the end of the Option Period.

    

    V.           Disability or
Death.  If the Optionee's employment with the Company is
terminated by his disability or death, the unexercisable portion of the Option
shall thereupon terminate.  If the Optionee's employment with the
Company is terminated by his disability or death, any exercisable portion of the
Option on the date of such disability or death thereafter shall be exercisable
by the Optionee, his executor or administrator, or the person or persons to whom
his rights under this Agreement pass by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, as the case may be, for a period of three months from the date of
the Optionee's disability or death, whereupon, after the end of such three-month
period, the Option shall terminate.  In no event may the Option be
exercised after the end of the Option Period.  The Optionee shall be
deemed to be disabled if, in the opinion of a physician selected by the
Committee, he is incapable of performing services for the Company by reason of
any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected
to result in death or to be of long, continued and indefinite
duration.

    

    VI.          Transferability.  This
Option shall not be transferable by Optionee otherwise than by Optionee's will
or by the laws of descent and distribution.  During the lifetime of
Optionee, the Option shall be exercisable only by him.  Any heir or
legatee of Optionee shall take rights herein granted subject to the terms and
conditions hereof.  No such transfer of this Option Agreement to heirs
or legatees of Optionee shall be effective to bind the Company unless the
Company shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and a copy of such
evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the
transfer and the acceptance by the transferee or transferees of the terms and
conditions hereof.

    

    VII.         No Rights as
Stockholder.  Optionee shall have no rights as a stockholder
with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by this Option Agreement
until the date of issuance of a certificate for shares of Common Stock as
provided in Section III above.  Until such time, Optionee shall
not be entitled to dividends attributable to such shares or to vote such shares
at meetings of the stockholders of the Company.  Except as provided in
Section VIII hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or
extraordinary, whether in cash or securities or other property) paid or
distributions or other rights granted in respect of any share of Common Stock
for which the record date for such payment, distribution or grant is prior to
the date upon which the Optionee shall have exercised said Option by written
notice and payment to the Company, as provided hereinabove.

    

    VIII.        Change of
Control.

    

    A.           Upon
the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), the Option shall
immediately vest and become exercisable, and, the Committee, in its discretion,
may determine to effect one or more of the following alternatives with respect
to the Option:  (1) determine a limited period of time for the
exercise of the Option on or before a specified date (before or after such
Change of Control) after which specified date any portion of the Option left
unexercised shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory surrender to the
Company of some or all of the Option held as of a date, before or after such
Change of Control, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee
shall thereupon cancel the Option and the Company shall pay to Optionee an
amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the Change of Control
Value  (as defined below) of the shares subject to the Option over the
exercise price under the Option for such shares, (3) make such adjustments
to the Option as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change of
Control (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole
discretion that no adjustment is necessary to the Option) or (4) provide
that thereafter upon any exercise of the Option, the Optionee shall be entitled
to purchase under the Option, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock
then covered by the Option, the number and class of shares of stock or other
securities or property (including, without limitation, cash) to which the
Optionee would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the agreement of
merger, consolidation or sale of assets and dissolution if, immediately prior to
such merger, consolidation or sale of assets and dissolution, the Optionee has
been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered
by the Option.  The provisions contained in this paragraph shall not
alter any rights or terminate any rights of the Optionee to further payments
pursuant to any other agreement with the Company following a Change of
Control.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    b.           "Change
of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the
acquisition by any person or group of persons (as such terms are defined and
used in Sections 3(a)(9 and 14(d)(2), respectively, of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act")) of beneficial ownership (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 issued under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of securities
representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors ("Voting Securities") or (ii) individuals who
constitute the Board of Directors of the Company on the date the Plan became
effective ("Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority of that Board of Directors of the Company ("Board"), provided that any
person becoming a director subsequent to the date the Plan became effective
whose election or whose nomination for election by the Company's shareholders
was approved by a majority vote of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board
shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though he or she were a
member of the Incumbent Board; or (iii) a recapitalization, reorganization,
merger, or consolidation with respect to which those persons (as defined above)
who were beneficial owners of the Voting Securities of the Company immediately
prior to such recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or consolidation do not,
following such recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or consolidation,
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares representing more than fifty
percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the
Company resulting from such recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or
consolidation; or (iv) a sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Company.

    

    c.           "Change
of Control Value" shall mean (i) the highest price per share paid by any person
or group of persons who acquires beneficial ownership of securities representing
more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Securities, (ii) the per share price
offered to shareholders of the Company in any merger, consolidation,
recapitalization, reorganization, sale of assets or dissolution transaction
resulting in a Change of Control, (iii) the price per share offered to
shareholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer resulting in a
Change of Control, (iv) if a Change of Control occurs other than in (i) - (iii)
above, the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) per share of the shares
into which this Option is exercisable, as determined by the Committee, whichever
is applicable.  In the event that the consideration offered to
shareholders of the Company consists of anything other than cash, the Committee
shall determine the equivalent fair value in cash of the portion of the
consideration offered which is other than cash.

    

    IX.         Changes in Capital
Structure.

    

    a.           If,
and whenever, prior to the expiration of this Option, the Company shall effect a
subdivision or consolidation by the Company, the number of shares of Common
Stock may be exercised or satisfied under this Option, (i) in the event of
an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately
increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced,
and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares
shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be
proportionately increased.

    

    b.           If
the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, thereafter
upon any exercise of this Option, the Optionee shall be entitled to (or entitled
to purchase, if applicable) under this Option, in lieu of the number of shares
of Common Stock then covered by this Option, the number and class of shares of
stock and securities to which the Optionee would have been entitled pursuant to
the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such
recapitalization, the Optionee had been the holder of record of the number of
shares of Common Stock then covered by this Option.

    

    c.           In
the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of
recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations,
exchanges or other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the Grant
Date and not otherwise provided for by Section 8 or this Section 9, the Option
shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee at its discretion as to the
number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to the
Option.

    

    d.           The
existence of this Option shall not affect in any way the right or power of the
Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment,
recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital
structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue
of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or the
rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale,
lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or
business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    e.           Except
as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of
rights or warrants to subscribe therefore, or upon conversion of shares of
obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and
in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common
Stock subject to this Option.

    

    X.          Compliance With Securities
Laws.  Upon the acquisition of any shares pursuant to the
exercise of the Option herein granted, Optionee (or any person acting under
Section VI) will enter into such written representations, warranties and
agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with
applicable securities laws or with this Agreement.

    

    XI.         Compliance With
Laws.  Notwithstanding any of the other provisions hereof,
Optionee agrees that he will not exercise the Option(s) granted hereby, and that
the Company will not be obligated to issue any shares pursuant to this
Agreement, if the exercise of the Option(s) or the issuance of such shares of
Common Stock would constitute a violation by the Optionee or by the Company of
any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental
authority.

    

    XII.        Withholding of
Tax.  To the extent that the exercise of this Option or the
disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of this Option
results in compensation income to the Optionee for federal or state income tax
purposes, the Optionee shall pay to the Company at the time of such exercise or
disposition such amount of money as the Company may require to meet its
obligation under applicable tax laws or regulations; and, if the Optionee fails
to do so, the Company is authorized to withhold from any cash remuneration then
or thereafter payable to the Optionee, any tax required to be withheld by reason
of such resulting compensation income or Company may otherwise refuse to issue
or transfer any shares otherwise required to be issued or transferred pursuant
to the terms hereof.

    

    XIII.      Resolution of
Disputes.  As a condition of the granting of the Option hereby,
the Optionee and his heirs and successors agree that any dispute or disagreement
which may arise hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in its sole
discretion and judgment, and that any such determination and any interpretation
by the Committee of the terms of this Agreement shall be final and shall be
binding and conclusive, for all purposes, upon the Company, Optionee, his heirs
and personal representatives.

    

    XIV.      Legends on
Certificate.  The certificates representing the shares of
Common Stock purchased by exercise of an Option will be stamped or otherwise
imprinted with legends in such form as the Company or its counsel may require
with respect to any applicable restrictions on sale or transfer and the stock
transfer records of the Company will reflect stop-transfer instructions with
respect to such shares.

    

    XV.        Notices.  Every
notice hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by registered or
certified mail.  All notices of the exercise of any Option hereunder
shall be directed to Benchmark Electronics, Inc., 3000 Technology Drive,
Angleton, Texas 77515, Attention:  Secretary.  Any notice
given by the Company to Optionee directed to him at his address on file with the
Company shall be effective to bind him and any other person who shall acquire
rights hereunder.  The Company shall be under no obligation whatsoever
to advise Optionee of the existence, maturity or termination of any of
Optionee's rights hereunder and Optionee shall be deemed to have familiarized
himself with all matters contained herein and in the Plan which may affect any
of Optionee's rights or privileges hereunder.

    

    XVI.       Construction and
Interpretation.  Whenever the term "Optionee" is used herein
under circumstances applicable to any other person or persons to whom this
award, in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 hereof, may be
transferred, the word "Optionee" shall be deemed to include such person or
persons.  References to the masculine gender herein also include the
feminine gender for all purposes.

    

    XVII.      Agreement Subject to
Plan.  This Agreement is subject to the Plan.  The
terms and provisions of the Plan (including any subsequent amendments thereto)
are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.  In the event of
a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or
provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will
govern and prevail.  All definitions of words and terms contained in
the Plan shall be applicable to this Agreement.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    XVIII.     Employment
Relationship.  Employees shall be considered to be in the
employment of the Company as long as they remain employees of the Company or a
parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424 of the
Code).  Any questions as to whether and when there has been a
termination of such employment and the cause of such termination, shall be
determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be
final.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring upon
the Optionee the right to continue in the employ of the Company, nor shall
anything contained herein be construed or interpreted to limit the "employment
at will" relationship between the Optionee and the Company.

    XIX.       Binding
Effect.  This Option Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of any successors to the Company and all persons lawfully
claiming under Optionee.

    

    XX.        Notice of
Disposition.  If the Optionee disposes of any shares of Common
Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Option prior to the earlier of
(a) two years from the Grant Date or (b) one year from the date that the shares
of Common Stock were acquired, the Optionee shall notify the Company of such
disposition within 10 days of its occurrence and shall deliver to the Company
any amount of federal, state or local income tax withholding required by
law.  If the Optionee fails to pay the withholding tax, the Company is
authorized to withhold from any cash remuneration then or thereafter payable to
the Optionee any tax required to be withheld by reason of any such
disposition.

    

    XXI.  Non-Disclosure
of Confidential
Information.  Optionee recognizes and acknowledges that certain
proprietary, non-public information owned by the Company and its subsidiaries,
affiliates, predecessor and successor companies and assigns and its and their
directors, officers, employees, former employees, agents and representatives
(“Related Entities”), including without limitation proprietary, non-public
information regarding customers, pricing policies, methods of operation,
proprietary computer programs, sales products, profits, costs, markets, key
personnel, technical processes, and trade secrets (hereinafter called
“Confidential Information”), are valuable, special and unique assets of the
Company and its Related Entities.   Upon execution of this
Agreement, the Company shall give Optionee immediate access to its Confidential
Information in exchange for Optionee’s promises contained in Sections
XXI.  Optionee’s access to the Company’s Confidential Information is
not contingent on a continuing employment relationship between the parties,
rather it is dependent on and in exchange for Optionee’s full compliance with
the restrictions in Sections XXI.  Optionee will not, for a period of
three (3) years after the effective date of your termination, without the prior
written consent of a member of the Company, directly or indirectly use or
knowingly and intentionally disclose any of the Confidential Information
obtained by Optionee while in the employ of the Company to any person, firm,
corporation, association or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever,
directly or indirectly, unless and until such Confidential Information becomes
publicly available (other than as a consequence of the breach by Optionee of
Optionee’s confidentiality obligations hereunder), and except as may be required
(or as Optionee may be advised by counsel is required) in connection with any
judicial, administrative or other governmental proceeding or
inquiry.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the term
“Confidential Information” does not include any information that (a) is or
becomes publicly available other than as the result of the breach by Optionee of
Optionee’s confidentiality obligations hereunder became, (b) is or becomes
available to Optionee on a non-confidential basis from a source, other than the
Company, that to the Optionee’s knowledge is not prohibited from disclosing such
information to the Optionee by a confidentiality obligation owed to the Company
or (c) was known to the Optionee prior to becoming an employee of the
Company.  The non-disclosure provisions contained herein are
reasonable, necessary and for the protection and benefit of the Company and
Related Entities.

    

    XXII.  Relief. Optionee
agrees that any breach of this Agreement will result in irreparable harm for
which damages would be an inadequate remedy and, therefore, in addition to its
other rights and remedies otherwise available at law the Company and the Related
Entities shall be entitled to equitable relief, including temporary and
permanent injunctive relief, in the event of such breach without the necessity
of proving actual damages.  Optionee and the Company further agree
that the amount of bond to be posted if an injunction is sought by the Company
and the Related Entities shall be One Thousand Dollars and No/100 Cents
($1,000.00) and that the Company and the Related Entities shall be entitled to
recover their expenses, costs and attorneys fees incurred in enforcing this
Agreement.  Optionee specifically recognizes and affirms that the
covenants contained in Sections XXI of this Agreement are material and important
terms of this Agreement, and Optionee further agrees that should Optionee breach
Section XXI of this Agreement, or should all or any part of Sections XXI of this
Agreement be held or found invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever by
an arbiter or a court of competent jurisdiction in an action between Optionee
and the Company, the Company shall be entitled to receive from Optionee all
Common Stock held by Optionee.  If Optionee has sold, transferred, or
otherwise disposed of Common Stock obtained under this Agreement, the Company
shall be entitled to receive from Optionee the difference between the Option
Price paid by Optionee and the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date
of sale, transfer, or other disposition.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the ___ day of
_____________, 20__.

    

    
      
        
          
            
              
                	
                        BENCHMARK
      ELECTRONICS, INC.

                      
	 
      	 
      
	
                        By:

                      	 
      
	 
      	
                        OPTIONEE

                      
	 
      
	
                        Benchmark
      Electronics,
Inc.Unassociated Document

    
 

    
       Exhibit
10.58

       

      EXECUTIVE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

       

      BETWEEN:

       

      GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., an
Alberta corporation (“GTEI”) and GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., a
Nevada corporation (“Gran
Tierra”)

       

      (GTEI and
Gran Tierra are collectively referred to herein as, the “Company”)

       

      -
and

       

      DANA QUENTIN COFFIELD, an
individual ordinarily resident in the City of Calgary in the Province of
Alberta

       

      (the
“Executive”)

       

      (collectively
referred to as the “Parties”)

       

      RECITALS:

       

      
        	
                A.

              	
                The
      Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience
      which are critical to the management and success of the
      business.

              

      

       

      
        	
                B.

              	
                The
      Company wishes to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that
      the Executive remains President and Chief Executive Officer of the
      business.

              

      

       

      
        	
                C.

              	
                The
      Executive is currently an employee of the Company pursuant to an
      employment agreement between the Executive and the Company dated April 29,
      2005, as amended (the “Prior
      Agreement”).

              

      

       

      
        	
                D.

              	
                The
      Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with
      respect to the subject matter hereof and replace the Prior Agreement in
      its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”).

              

      

       

      THEREFORE, the Parties agree
as follows:

       

      ARTICLE
1

      DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES

       

      1.1           Position.

       

      The
Company confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of President
and Chief Executive Officer.  The Executive will undertake those
duties and responsibilities set out in Schedule “A” to this Agreement as well as
those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of
the Company (the “Board”).  The
Executive will report to the Board.  The parties agree that the
relationship between the Company and the Executive created by this Agreement is
that of employer and employee.

       

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      1.2           Other
Engagements.

       

      The
Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which
would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under
this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments
to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the
Board.

       

      1.3           Reassignment.

       

      The
Company shall not reassign the Executive to another position within the Company
itself, or to a position within a subsidiary, affiliated or related corporate
entity (“Member Company”
or “Member Companies”)
or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the
Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the
Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.

       

      1.4           Travel.

       

      The
Executive shall be employed at the Company’s location in Calgary,
Alberta.  The Executive shall be available for such business related
travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s
duties and responsibilities.  The Executive shall be entitled to
business class tickets for domestic or international flights with a duration of
more than 1 hour.  The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable
accommodations when travelling on Company business.

       

      ARTICLE
2

      TERM
OF EMPLOYMENT

       

      Executive’s
employment with the Company is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will
employment.  Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by
either of the Parties, subject to the provisions of Article 9.

       

      ARTICLE
3

      BASE
SALARY

       

      The
Executive will be paid an annual salary in an amount determined by the Board,
subject to applicable statutory deductions (the “Base Salary”).  The
Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with Company practices and
procedures as they may exist from time to time.  Base Salary will be
reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Board, with input from
the Executive.

       

      ARTICLE
4

      BONUS

       

      4.1           Bonus
Eligibility.

       

      The
Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to
Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment
(the “Bonus”) as determined by the Board
from time to time.

       

      
        
           

        

        
          2

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      4.2           Bonus Payment.

       

      The Bonus
shall be payable within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year (but in
no event later than March 15 of such following year), and will be based upon the
Executive’s performance during the preceding year.

       

      ARTICLE
5

      BENEFITS

       

      The
Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and
benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and
accident plans maintained by the Company for its employees and for its executive
officers specifically.  During a leave of absence for disability, the
Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary (less any amounts paid
pursuant to a short term disability insurance policy) until such time as the
Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance
benefits.

       

      ARTICLE
6

      VACATION

       

      The
Executive will be entitled to five weeks vacation per year.  Payment
of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary.  The Executive will
arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of the
Company.  Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the
following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one
year.  On leaving the employment of the Company for whatever reason,
the Company will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation
entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.

       

      ARTICLE
7

      STOCK
OPTIONS

       

      The
Company will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option
plans and/or incentive award plans approved by the Board.

       

      ARTICLE
8

      PERQUISITES
AND EXPENSES

       

      The
Company recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of
the Executive’s duties.  The Company shall reimburse the Executive for
any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of
employment.  To the extent that any expense reimbursements payable
pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any such
reimbursements payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid no later than
December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred,
the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount
eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and the right to
reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or
exchange for another benefit.

       

      
        
           

        

        
          3

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      ARTICLE
9

      TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT

       

      9.1           Termination Without
Notice.

       

      This
Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated,
without the Company being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice
of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute,
common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:

       

      (a)           Voluntary
Resignation.

       

      In the
event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for
Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum
of sixty (60) days’ advance written notice to the Company.  The
Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits
whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of
active service with the Company.  The Company may, at its discretion,
waive in whole or in part such notice by paying the Executive, following his
last day of active service, his Base Salary during the balance of such sixty
(60) day period in lieu to the Executive on the Company’s regular payroll
dates.  This payment of Base Salary in lieu of notice is intended to
be exempt from Code Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section
1.409A-1(b)(4).

       

      (b)           Cause.

       

      "Cause"
is defined as any of the following:

      

      (a)
conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

      

      (b)
participation in a fraud against the Company;

      

      (c)
participation in an act of dishonesty against the Company intended to result in
your personal enrichment;

      

      (d)
willful material breach of the Company's written policies;

      

      (e)
intentional significant damage to the Company's property by you;

      

      (f)
material breach of this Agreement; or

      

      (g)
conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the
Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the
Company shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness
and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such
gross unfitness is capable of being cured.

      
        
           

        

        
          4

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      

      The
Company may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive
a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company ("Board") finding that in the
good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the
particulars thereof in reasonable detail.

      

      9.2           Termination
by the Company without Cause.

       

      The
Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any
time.  If such termination constitues a “separation from service” (as
defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)), and provided the
Executive executes and allows to become effective the Company’s standard form of
release of claims within thirty (30) days following the separation from service,
the Company will pay the Executive cash severance (the “Separation Package”) equal to
two years’ Total Cash Compensation in a lump sum on the date that is thirty (30)
days after the separation from service.

       

      “Total
Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus
Payment for the prior 12-month period.

       

      9.3           Termination by the Executive for Good
Reason.

      

      Should
the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined,
and provided such termination constitues a separation from service, and provided
further that the Executive executes and allows to become effective the Company’s
standard form of release of claims within thirty (30) days following the
separation from service, the Company will pay the Executive the Separation
Package set out in section 9.2 in a lump sum on the date that is thirty (30)
days after the separation from service.  Failure of the Executive to
terminate his employment in a manner that constitutes a separation from service
effective not later than forty days (40) after the occurrence of any event which
would constitute Good Reason shall constitute waiver of his right under this
section 9.3 as to such triggering event.  Executive may terminate his
employment for Good Reason so long as Executive tenders his resignation to the
Company within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the
basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive
must provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the event
that Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and
the Company shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.

      

      “Good
Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the
Executive’s express written consent:

      

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (a)

              	
                an
      adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties (including any
      position or duties as a director of the Company) or responsibilities
      (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting
      responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such
      positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the
      termination of his employment for
Cause;

              

      

      
        
           

        

        
          5

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (b)

              	
                a
      reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the
      extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of
      the Company are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which
      the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is
      or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual
      performance bonuses by the Company’s Compensation Committee (and approved
      by the Board of Directors) are discretionary and in no instance shall be
      considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from
      a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not
  paid;

              

      

      

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (c)

              	
                a
      Change in Control (as defined below) of the Company occurs;
    or

              

      

      

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (d)

              	
                any
      breach by the Company of any material provision of this
      Agreement.

              

      

      

      A “Change
in Control” is defined as:

      

      (a) a
dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company;

      

      (b) a
merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving
corporation;

      

      (c) a
reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares
of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are
converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of
securities, cash or otherwise; or

      

      (d) the
acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)
or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding
any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the
Company or any affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable
successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent
(50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of
directors.

      

      9.4           Section 409A.  Application of Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A.   If the Company (or, if applicable, the
successor entity thereto) determines that the Separation Package and/or any
other termination payments and benefits provided under this Agreement or
otherwise (the “Payments”)
constitute “deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A (together, with any
state law of similar effect, “Section
409A”) and Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined
in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)) of the Company or any successor entity thereto upon
his separation from service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the
incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A as a
result of the payment of compensation upon his separation from service, the
timing of the Payments shall be delayed as follows:  on the earlier to
occur of (i) the date that is six months and one day after the date of the
separation from service or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier
date, the “Delayed Initial
Payment Date”), the Company (or the successor entity thereto, as
applicable) shall (A) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the
Payments that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed
Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Payments had not
been delayed pursuant to this paragraph and (B) commence paying the balance of
the Payments in accordance with the applicable payment schedules set forth
above.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is intended that each
installment of the Payments provided under this Agreement is a separate
“payment” for purposes of Section 409A and that the Payments are exempt from
Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4).  This
Agreement is intended to be interpreted to the greatest extent possible as
providing for payments that are exempt from, or, if that is not possible,
compliant with, the provisions of Section 409A.

      
        
           

        

        
          6

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      

      ARTICLE
10

      DIRECTORS/OFFICERS
LIABILITY

       

      10.1           Indemnity.

       

      Gran
Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the
Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the
Executive.

      

       

      10.2           Insurance.

       

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (a)

              	
                Gran
      Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the
      Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company
      and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to
      act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company,
      directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the
      Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other
      legal representatives, such that the Executives insurance coverage is, at
      all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran
      Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current
      directors and officers, from time to
time.

              

      

       

      
        	
                 
      

              	
                (b)

              	
                If
      for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer
      asserts that the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors,
      administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible
      under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
      purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive
      and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal
      representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of
      the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other
      legal representatives, as the case may
be.

              

      

       

      10.3           Survival.

       

      The
provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the
termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with the
Company and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in
accordance with such Indemnification Agreement and the provisions of this
Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.

       

      
        
           

        

        
          7

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      ARTICLE
11

      NON-COMPETITION
AND CONFIDENTIALITY

       

      11.1           Non-Competition.

       

      The
Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and
responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a
key employee of the Company and will occupy a position of high fiduciary trust
and confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire
wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and
businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in
which such businesses are conducted.  It is the expressed intent and
agreement of the Executive and of the Company that such knowledge and experience
shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business
interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner
detrimental to them.  The Executive therefore agrees that so long as
he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in
any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any
of its Member Companies.

       

      11.2           Confidentiality.

       

      The
Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his
employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be
a key employee of the Company and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed
of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, data, strategic
studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind
or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and
operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without
limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information,
shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel
information (collectively “Confidential Information”)
concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies.  The
Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will
not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long
as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of
24 months thereafter; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any
Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the
competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of
this Agreement.

       

      11.3           Following Termination of
Agreement.

       

      Subject
to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations
imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the
Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of the Company, the
Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise
forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of the
Company after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with
the Company.

       

      
        
           

        

        
          8

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      ARTICLE
12

      CHANGES
TO AGREEMENT

       

      Any
modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by
all Parties or else they shall have no force and
effect.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may assign this
agreement to Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.

      

       

      ARTICLE
13

      ENUREMENT

       

      This
Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and
their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the
Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal
representatives.

       

      ARTICLE
14

      GOVERNING
LAW

       

      This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of
Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.

       

      ARTICLE
15

      NOTICES

       

      15.1           Notice to
Executive.

       

      Any
notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to
have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier
to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.

       

      15.2           Notice to
Company.

       

      Any
notice required or permitted to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have
been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile
to:

       

      Gran
Tierra Energy Inc.

      300,
611-10th Avenue S.W.

      Calgary,
Alberta, Canada T2R 0B2

      Fax:
(403) 265-3242

      Attn:  Chief
Financial Officer

       

      ARTICLE
16

      WITHHOLDING

       

      All
payments made by the Company to the Executive or for the benefit of the
Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.

       

      
        
           

        

        
          9

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      ARTICLE
17

      INDEPENDENT
LEGAL ADVICE

       

      The
Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent
legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained
such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice,
and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of
the contents hereof of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and
authority to do so.

       

      

      ARTICLE
18

      REPLACEMENT
OF PRIOR AGREEMENT

      

      The
Parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety
by this Agreement.  Pursuant to Article 12 of the Prior Agreement,
this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated,
upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties.  Upon such
execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their
entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or
effect.

       

      

       

      (remainder
of page intentionally left blank)

       

      
        
           

        

        
          10

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties
have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective
date as of November 4, 2008.

      

       

      
        	
                GRAN
      TIERRA ENERGY INC.

                 

                 

                By:      /s/ Martin H.
      Eden                                    
      

                Name:
      Martin H. Eden

                Title:
      CFO

                 

                 

                Date:
      November   ,
      2008                                       
      

                 

              	
                GRAN
      TIERRA ENERGY INC.

                 

                 

                By:      /s/ Martin H.
      Eden                                    
      

                Name:
      Martin H. Eden

                Title:
      CFO

                 

                 

                Date:
      November   ,
      2008                                       
      

                 

              
	
                SIGNED,
      SEALED DELIVERED

                In
      the presence of:

                 

                 

                /s/
      Sonya
      Messner                                              
      

                                              Witness

              	
                 

                 

                 

                 

                /s/
      Dana
      Coffield                                                   
      

                                   
      Dana Quentin Coffield

                 

                Date:
      November 4,
      2008                                       
      

              

      

      
        
           

        

        
          11

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      SCHEDULE
“A”

       

      Duties and Responsibilities
for President

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                President
      shall report directly to the Board of
Directors.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Strategic
      leadership – formulate and recommend strategies to the Board to maximize
      shareholder value and long-term success of the Company; implement capital
      and operating plans; identify principal risks to the Company’s business
      and take appropriate steps to manage these risks; keep the Board fully
      informed on all significant operational, financial and other matters
      relevant to the Company.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Technical
      Leadership – ensure a rigorous and disciplined approach to technical work
      of the Company with regard to geology geophysics and related disciplines;
      encourage technical innovation, imagination and
  pragmatism.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Financial
      Leadership – develop annual capital commitment and expenditure budgets for
      approval by the Board; develop annual operating forecasts; authorize the
      commitment of funds sanctioned by the Board; authorize the commitment of
      contracts, transactions and arrangements in the ordinary course of
      business; take reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s assets are
      adequately safeguarded.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Administrative
      Leadership – develop and maintain a sound and effective organizational
      structure; ensure all members of the organization have clear
      responsibilities.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Public
      Leadership – maintain effective communications and appropriate
      relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders; manage
      interactions between the Company and the public and act as the principal
      spokesperson for the Company.

              

      

       

      
        	
                ·

              	
                Compliance
      Leadership – establish effective control and coordination mechanisms for
      all operations arid activities of the Company; take reasonable steps to
      ensure the safe, efficient operation of the Company and its
      employees/workers ; ensure all operations and activities are in compliance
      with laws, regulations and the Company’s code of business conduct and
      ethics and other policies and practices approved by the Board; foster a
      high performance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and
      encourages individual and corporate integrity and
      responsibility.

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