Carbon Accountant & Decarbonisation Specialist

AltGen South Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainability consultancy in Cape Town seeks a Carbon Accounting & Decarbonisation Specialist to deliver complex sustainability projects across sectors. The ideal candidate will engage in carbon footprinting, develop decarbonisation strategies, and ensure high-quality client deliverables.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in carbon accounting and sustainability consultancy.
• Hands-on experience in Scope 1-3 carbon footprinting.
• Advanced data handling and modelling skills required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct corporate carbon footprinting and GHG accounting.
• Develop and validate Science-Based Targets and decarbonisation strategies.
• Lead client relationships and manage multiple projects.

Skills

Carbon Accounting

Data Analysis

Client Relationship Management

Sustainability Consulting

Project Management

Tools

Ecoinvent

Exiobase

Excel

Carbon Accounting Platforms

Job description

Role

AltGen is looking for a talented Carbon Accounting & Decarbonisation Specialist for a boutique sustainability consultancy based in Cape Town. The role will focus on delivering complex sustainability projects across multiple sectors. If you are someone who enjoys diving into data, shaping strategy and building client relationships, this role is for you!

Responsibilities

Carbon Accounting & Data Modelling

• Conduct corporate carbon footprinting (Scope 1-3) and product-level carbon assessments (PCFs)
• Carry out GHG accounting in alignment with international standards (e.g. GHG Protocol, ISO 14067)
• Use databases such as BEIS, Ecoinvent and EXIOBASE to support detailed and defensible emissions modelling
• Perform complex data analysis and maintain quality assurance across models and outputs
• Develop clear, compelling presentations of data trends and reduction opportunities

Strategic Advisory & Decarbonisation

• Develop and validate Science-Based Targets (SBTs), including both near-term and net-zero targets
• Design decarbonisation roadmaps, model emissions reduction pathways, and assess abatement potential
• Translate analysis into actionable insights that inform client strategies and investment decisions

Project & Relationship Management

• Lead client relationships, ensuring smooth delivery, transparent communication, and value-added outcomes
• Scope and manage multiple projects concurrently, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables
• Prepare high-quality written outputs such as technical reports, executive summaries, and slide decks
• Contribute to internal process improvement, learning initiatives, and service development

Requirements:

• 2-3 years of experience in carbon accounting
• 2-3 years in sustainability consultancy
• Hand on in both corporate (Scope1-3) and product -level carbon footprinting
• Proficient in Ecoinvent and Exiobase databases for footprint and LCA work
• Understanding of and experience with Science-Based Targets , including guiding clients through SBTi submission and validation
• Ability to create decarbonisation strategies, models scenarios and build marginal abatement cost curves
• Advanced data handling and modelling skills (Excel or equivalent), including QA/QC processes
• Expereince in advising client on carbon accounting platforms (eg Normative, Spherics, Greenly, Persefoni)
• Familiarity with wider sustainability frameworks such as CDP, EcoVadis, GRI, ISO 14064