Senior Consultant for Carbon Markets and Nature-based Solutions

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, collaborates closely with the 33 countries in the region. Its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP's mission is to promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it focuses on various environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The organization aims to foster international cooperation and support countries in implementing their environmental commitments, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Senior Consultant for Carbon Markets and Nature-based Solutions will be responsible for advising the Climate Ambition and Transparency Team to achieve key objectives related to carbon markets and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This position involves enhancing the understanding of carbon markets and their functioning, particularly in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. The consultant will work closely with stakeholders to meet institutional, technical, and operational requirements for establishing or participating in carbon markets. The role also emphasizes promoting knowledge exchange among countries in the region, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges related to carbon market mechanisms. The consultant will provide technical inputs for regulatory frameworks, strengthen national and regional capacities, and facilitate informed decision-making to support sustainable development goals related to climate change mitigation. The position requires a strategic approach to capacity building and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of carbon market initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a range of specific tasks under the direct supervision of UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive reviews of deliverables prepared by consulting firms under the GCF Readiness Project, ensuring compliance with quality standards and timelines, and providing substantive technical inputs as needed. The consultant will also provide strategic advice and capacity-building assistance to national focal points, promoting understanding and ownership of developed documents. Collaboration with the Capacity Building in Carbon Markets and Article 6 Readiness Project Coordinator is essential for engaging with related projects and initiatives, identifying synergies, and designing agendas for regional workshops. The consultant will be responsible for producing actionable recommendations, summarizing technical meetings, and creating policy briefs that highlight lessons learned and provide insights for operationalizing Article 6 cooperative approaches.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, economics, finance, administration, political science, international relations, law, or related fields. A Master’s degree in relevant disciplines is desirable. Professional experience of at least seven years in climate change projects, environmental sciences, environmental economics, climate policy, or related fields is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of specific experience in carbon markets and Article 6, as well as experience working with public institutions or international cooperation organizations. Strong skills in using standard applications (MS Office) are desirable, along with integrity, initiative, and the ability to work independently under pressure. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to innovate by combining various methodological approaches are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental sciences, economics, finance, administration, political science, international relations, law, or related studies. A Master’s degree in similar disciplines is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental and climate-related issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in areas related to climate change projects, environmental sciences, environmental economics, climate policy, or economic research. Specifically, candidates must have at least two years of experience focused on carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Experience working with or advising public institutions, climate change or carbon markets project development, or international cooperation organizations is also desirable, indicating a well-rounded background in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with stakeholders in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Fluency in English is desirable, as it may facilitate collaboration with international partners and enhance the consultant's ability to engage in broader discussions related to climate change and carbon markets.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of seven months. The consultant will work under the supervision of UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that applicants are not solicited for personal financial information.