Senior Technical Officer - Carbon Markets, Article 6 and Climate Change Mitigation (Home based Retainer) - Pretoria, South Africa

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. Within this, UNOPS Geneva manages various global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio. This role provides institutional support to South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) through the NDC Partnership, focusing on climate change mitigation and carbon market development.

Job Purpose

This Senior Technical Officer role is crucial for supporting the operationalization of South Africa's carbon market framework, with a specific focus on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and broader climate change mitigation efforts. The position will provide expert technical guidance to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and other consultants. Key contributions include enhancing the domestic registry for Article 6 transactions, analyzing carbon pricing policies, developing an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) scoping reports, and conducting vital awareness-raising and capacity-building activities for stakeholders. The role aims to ensure South Africa's robust engagement with international carbon markets and effective implementation of its climate commitments.

Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Officer will support the operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, including developing regulations, institutional arrangements, and a legal framework for international carbon cooperation. Responsibilities include enhancing the domestic registry to accommodate Article 6.2 and 6.4 transactions, ensuring interoperability and compliance with Paris Agreement rules. The role involves conducting analysis on the effects of introducing an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), examining economic, environmental, and administrative implications, and assessing Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements. Additionally, the officer will assist in developing training materials and delivering capacity-building programs on Article 6 for stakeholders. Support will also be provided for the practical implementation of the Article 6 framework, including reviewing project proposals and coordinating with national authorities. Finally, the role includes conducting scoping studies for a domestic ETS and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), analyzing impacts, and providing policy recommendations.

Work Experience

Requires at least four years of general working experience in climate finance, with a minimum of three years focused on carbon markets (compliance or voluntary). Experience in policy analysis, carbon mitigation systems, and understanding South African climate policies is essential. Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders is also required. Experience with Article 6, EU-ETS, and CBAM frameworks is preferred.

Skills

Climate Change, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mobilization, Effective Communication, Carbon Markets, Article 6, Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

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