Technical Project Developer (Enablement and MRV/VVB)

Background about SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization working with leaders in government, the private sector and civil society to drive further, faster action toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, and the Paris Agreement, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate warming to well below 2° Celsius (and striving for 1.5° Celsius).  

Achieving these goals will require a radical rethink of the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. SEforALL is at the heart of this foundational shift to ensure no one is left behind. Drawing on data and evidence, we identify a critical path to success in achieving SDG7.  

The 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the Sustainable Energy for All initiative in 2011. Now an independent organization, we maintain close links with the UN, including through a relationship agreement, partnerships with UN agencies and with SEforALL's CEO acting as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative (SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. These roles include advising the UN Secretary General and his staff on issues relating to sustainable energy and the implementation of SDG7 and supporting the coordination of sustainable energy issues in the United Nations system. 

The ambitions of SDG7 are extraordinary. Aiming to achieve them in the context of the Paris Agreement on climate change involves transformation at a scale never undertaken before. Swift action must be taken by leaders in governments, private sector companies, institutions, financiers, development banks, unions, communities, entrepreneurs and civil society. As we enter the final decade to achieve SDG7, SEforALL has strategically chosen to strengthen global agenda-setting while expanding its activities to an engagement model that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, partnerships with high-impact countries and implementation on the ground. SEforALL's current three-year business plan outlines “results offers” that scope out our planned interventions and demonstrate to our funding partners the impact of their support.

Context and Objective of Assignment

The Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) is a continent-wide effort launched at COP27 that aims to build the foundations for a thriving carbon market ecosystem in Africa by 2030. To do so, a number of challenges must be overcome, including fragmented projects and carbon-generating assets, limited and fragmented developers on the ground, and a complex and uncertain regulatory landscape. Meanwhile, intermediation and demand are being held back by concerns about the integrity of some carbon credits and the fair distribution of value. To build vibrant and robust carbon markets in Africa, ACMI targets 4 core objectives:

• Grow African carbon credits retirements ~19-fold from ~16 MtCO2e retired in 2020 to ~300 MtCO2e per annum by 2030 and up to 1.5-2.5 GtCO2e by 2050
• Create or support 30 million jobs by 2030 and more than 100 million jobs by 2050 through carbon projects development, execution, certification, and monitoring
• Raise the quality and integrity of African credits to mobilize up to US$6 billion per annum by 2030 and more than US$100 billion per annum by 2050
• Ensure equitable and transparent distribution of carbon credit revenue, with a significant portion of revenue going to local communities

Collectively, this will support the emergence of Africa as a dynamic hub of innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, significantly contributing to global climate efforts while empowering local communities. The aim is to ensure accessible carbon market participation for diverse stakeholders, including local communities and small enterprises, fostering sustainable and comprehensive economic growth.

To drive Africa’s Market potential, ACMI is looking to work with African Governments, key regulators and ecosystem stakeholders in developing and implementing Carbon Market Activation Plans (CMAP). The purpose of the CMAP is to identify strategies that will enable countries in Africa to effectively finance their climate goals and development by building the foundations and catalysts for a thriving Carbon Market ecosystem. As such, the ACMI CMAP’s aim to:

• Create an export industry that has the potential to contribute to all sectors of the economy.
• Make African countries investor-friendly destinations for carbon market investments. These have been hampered, in some instances, by counterproductive policies and jurisdictional frameworks.
• Support the government in catalyzing an efficient carbon market (Voluntary, Article 6 & Compliance) with high integrity and quality (and, as a result, high price).
• Amplify the role of the government in streamlining processes and creating transparency across the value chain with a proof of concept exhibited via successful pilot projects.
• Ensure that local communities benefit significantly from the development of this industry with clear benefit-sharing and revenue allocation frameworks.

Purpose/Objective of the Role

The objective of the Technical Project Developer (Enablement and MRV/VVB) would be to facilitate the successful implementation of carbon market initiatives across Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana. By providing technical expertise in project development, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), this role empowers project developers, stakeholders, and policymakers to navigate the complexities of carbon market mechanisms, enhance project viability, and ensure transparency and accountability in emissions reductions. Through capacity-building activities, knowledge sharing, and best practice dissemination, the Technical Project Developer (Enablement and MRV/VVB) role strengthens local capacities, fosters innovation, and accelerates progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement targets. By leveraging expertise in project management, carbon accounting, and verification standards, this role drives impactful change, fosters collaboration, and catalyzes sustainable development outcomes in Africa's emerging carbon markets.

Main Duties and Tasks of the Role

• Technical Project Development:
  • Lead the technical aspects of project development activities related to carbon market projects in Rwanda, Nigeria and Ghana, including project identification, design, and implementation.
  • Collaborate with project partners, stakeholders, and experts to assess project feasibility, identify technical requirements, and develop project plans and methodologies.
  • Conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, and risk analyses to evaluate project viability, potential environmental impacts, and alignment with regulatory requirements and international standards.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) / Validation and Verification Body (VVB) Enablement:
  • Design, implement, and oversee monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for carbon market projects in Rwanda, Nigeria and Ghana, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and removals.
  • Provide technical guidance and capacity-building support to project developers, implementing partners, and validation and verification bodies (VVBs) to enhance their understanding of MRV requirements, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to establish and maintain MRV frameworks, data management systems, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the integrity, transparency, and credibility of carbon credits generated by projects.
  • Facilitate the accreditation, training, and certification of VVBs, auditors, and technical experts to conduct independent verification and validation activities in accordance with international standards and accreditation requirements.
  • Providing advisory support on MRV infrastructure and systems to government’s, in addition to providing expert guidance on integration and learning.
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:
  • Provide technical assistance and training to project developers and relevant government agencies to enhance their capacity in project identification, design, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Develop and deliver training materials, workshops, and webinars on technical topics related to carbon market development, MRV systems, and climate finance mechanisms.
  • Foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and peer learning among stakeholders through communities of practice, working groups, and technical forums focused on carbon markets and climate change mitigation.
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management:
  • Establish and implement quality assurance processes, standards, and protocols to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of technical data, methodologies, and reporting procedures across carbon market projects.
  • Conduct periodic reviews, audits, and assessments of project documentation, MRV systems, and verification reports to identify potential risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies, contingency plans, and mitigation measures to address technical challenges, compliance issues, and stakeholder concerns in carbon market projects.

Specific Competencies for the Role

• A Master's degree in environmental science, engineering, climate change, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in technical project development, carbon market management, MRV systems, or related fields.
• Strong technical expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, emission reduction methodologies, and carbon offset project development, with a solid understanding of international standards and guidelines (e.g., IPCC, ISO 14064, VCS, CDM).
• Experience in designing, implementing, and managing monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for carbon market projects, preferably in developing country contexts.
• Familiarity with climate finance mechanisms, carbon pricing instruments, and regulatory frameworks related to carbon markets, emissions trading, and climate change mitigation.
• Proven track record of providing technical assistance, capacity building, and training to diverse stakeholders, including project developers, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts and data into actionable insights, reports, and presentations.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools and platforms for data analysis, GIS mapping, and project management (e.g., Excel, ArcGIS, Salesforce).
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or other UN languages is desirable.

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in technical project development, carbon market management, MRV systems, and climate finance mechanisms, with the ability to apply specialized expertise to address complex challenges and opportunities.
• Capacity Building and Training: Facilitates learning, skill development, and knowledge transfer among stakeholders through effective training programs, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management: Implements robust quality assurance processes, standards, and protocols to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of technical data, methodologies, and reporting procedures, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks and vulnerabilities.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Builds productive relationships, trust, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including project partners, government agencies, donors, and technical experts, fostering inclusive dialogue, consensus-building, and shared ownership of project outcomes.
• Communication and Advocacy: Communicates technical concepts, findings, and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences through clear, concise, and persuasive written and oral communication, advocating for best practices, standards, and policies that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Analyzes complex issues, evaluates alternative solutions, and makes sound decisions based on data-driven evidence, critical thinking, and strategic foresight, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and agility in response to changing circumstances and stakeholder needs.

Our Values - please refer to our core values as defined here: https://www.seforall.org/who-we-are/staff/our-values.

Salary information: The successful candidate will be offered an all-in daily rate determined depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, and applying the principle of internal equity. SEforALL will provide compensation to the selected candidate, with the payments being untaxed. It is the responsibility of the staff member to ensure that they meet any applicable national or local tax requirements.

Additional Considerations

• SEforALL offers exciting high-impact assignments, a collegial and creative work environment, and the opportunity for committed professionals to thrive and grow within flat hierarchies and in the pursuit of an inspiring mission. 
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only short-listed candidates for interviews will be notified.  
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  
• SEforALL reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post. 
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We will only disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by a court´s or administrative authority´s decision. In such a case, we will inform you as soon as possible of such an order so that you can take legal action against it if necessary. Please email to careers@seforall.org if you require updates to your information in accordance with Art. 5 lit. d of the GDPR