UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - GFANZ Africa Carbon Markets Expert

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. UNEP FI is a strategic partnership between the UN and over 500 financial institutions, driving the international sustainable finance agenda. This role supports the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) Africa workstream, focusing on carbon markets.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to strengthen the role of carbon markets as a credible climate finance tool in Africa. The expert will provide technical support to UNEP FI and GFANZ regional networks, contributing to the design and execution of a workplan and strategy for the GFANZ Africa Network. The role involves translating central GFANZ priorities into actionable outputs for African stakeholders, engaging financial institutions, and addressing barriers to scaling finance for high-integrity carbon projects across the continent. The objective is to advance the development and implementation of effective carbon market strategies within Africa.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise on carbon markets in Africa, supporting the development of the GFANZ Africa carbon market strategy and its outputs. Engage with stakeholders, including financial institutions, project developers, and policymakers, to foster collaboration and understanding. Translate central GFANZ strategic priorities on carbon markets into meaningful engagements and work products for African stakeholders. Drive the development and execution of a workplan and strategy for the GFANZ Africa network, including an engagement plan with existing initiatives and stakeholders. Assist in piloting the Common Carbon Credit Data Model in African countries and collaborate with the Global Capacity Building Coalition to identify and address capacity gaps in African carbon markets.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in carbon markets policy, project development, transactions, climate, or green finance is required. Experience should include working with financial institutions, private sector developers, investors, or public sector entities. Experience in delivering complex projects in Africa and managing senior stakeholders is also essential.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing senior stakeholders. Proven ability to design and execute workplans and strategies. Strong working knowledge of international carbon markets, Paris Agreement (Article 6), ICVCM, and CORSIA. Understanding of Africa-specific carbon market challenges and stakeholders. Desirable: Deep technical expertise in various carbon market segments, experience in carbon project development, capacity building, or due diligence, and fluency in French or Portuguese.

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