Carbon Market Specialists

FAO; Roma; In loco; EUR 40.000 - 80.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An established international organization seeks qualified Specialists to support climate actions in agriculture through expertise in carbon finance and policy analysis. This role involves analyzing carbon finance flows, developing project proposals, and supporting engagement in international climate negotiations. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to sustainable agrifood systems while addressing challenges related to climate change and biodiversity. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background and relevant experience in climate finance, making a significant impact in the field.

Competenze

• Relevant experience of 1 to over 10 years depending on the level.
• Full proficiency in English is required.

Mansioni

• Analyze carbon finance flows to agriculture and food systems.
• Support policy and legal framework adaptations.
• Develop project proposals and capacity-building products.

Conoscenze

Carbon finance analysis

Policy analysis

Project development

MRV standards

Climate change issues

Formazione

University degree in Economics

University degree in Climate Policy

University degree in Environmental Engineering

Descrizione del lavoro

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems—aiming for better production, nutrition, environment, and quality of life, leaving no one behind.

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) ensures that countries and stakeholders respond effectively to challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It provides cross-organizational coordination on these issues and acts as the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the UNFCCC and CBD.

Additionally, the Office assists FAO Members in addressing interconnected challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, including facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (e.g., GEF and GCF). OCB also hosts programs like GIAHS, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, and the FAO work on environmental safeguards.

The Climate Change Team (CCT) within OCB offers technical assistance, normative guidance, and tools to enhance FAO members' capacity to address climate change impacts in agriculture, forestry, and land use, aligned with FAO’s climate strategy and action plan.

Reporting Lines

The Specialists will report to the Senior Natural Resources Officer in the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB).

Technical Focus

The Specialists will support the Climate Change division of OCB, aligning with the organizational principles of “Better Environment” and “Better Life,” linked to respective Programme Priority Areas (PPAs). They will bring expertise in domestic and international carbon finance, voluntary carbon markets, and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to support climate actions in the agriculture sector globally.

This call aims to identify qualified Specialists with experience in carbon finance, market approaches under Article 6, project development, and MRV for carbon markets. Candidates may be engaged for up to 11 months, with possible extensions based on performance and organizational needs.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Depending on their competencies, candidates will perform functions including:

1. Carbon finance – analysis, policy, and regulatory framework
2. Assessing carbon finance flows to agriculture and food systems
3. Analyzing projects to inform country engagement and policy development
4. Reviewing evolving standards and methodologies
5. Evaluating the potential of voluntary carbon markets
6. Supporting FAO’s engagement in Article 6 negotiations
7. Preparing analyses and guidance materials for countries
8. Supporting policy and legal framework adaptations
9. Developing project proposals and capacity-building products
10. Identifying project opportunities and entry points for carbon finance
11. Monitoring activities related to carbon markets

Additional responsibilities include project design, feasibility assessments, financial analysis, and support for MRV standards and methodologies, tailored to the needs of developing countries and specific sectors.

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Economics, Finance, Climate Policy, Law, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Forest Sciences, Remote Sensing, or related fields
• Relevant experience ranging from 1 to over 10 years depending on the level (PSA or COF, B or A)
• Full proficiency in English

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge of climate finance architecture, especially carbon finance
• Experience in climate change issues, project development, and policy analysis
• Understanding of UNFCCC negotiations and climate policies
• Familiarity with market mechanisms like CDM and Article 6
• Knowledge of the UN system

Selection Criteria

• Intermediate knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is an asset

Application Details

• Posting Date: 24 April 2025
• Closing Date: 23 May 2025, 12:59 AM
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Duration: Up to 11 months
• Type: Non-staff, Consultant/PSA

FAO encourages diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. Qualified women, nationals of underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. All candidates will undergo background checks and confidentiality is assured.