Result of Service

The consultant will work closely with UNEP FI and GFANZ regional networks to support activities that strengthen the role of carbon markets as a credible climate finance tool in Africa. The consultant will also help to design and execute a workplan and strategy for the GFANZ Africa Network, building on the Central GFANZ Secretariat’s carbon market priorities.

Work Location

Working remotely / Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 34 years UNEP FI has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP FI needs a consultant to support the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) Africa workstream with technical expertise on carbon markets. The consultant will work closely with UNEP FI and GFANZ regional networks to support activities that strengthen the role of carbon markets as a credible climate finance tool in Africa. The consultant will also help to design and execute a workplan and strategy for the GFANZ Africa Network, building on the Central GFANZ Secretariat’s carbon market priorities. Objectives: Under the supervision of the GFANZ Team, and in coordination with UNEP FI climate teams, the consultant will:

Provide technical expertise on carbon markets in Africa
Support development of GFANZ Africa carbon market strategy and outputs
Engage stakeholders including financial institutions, project developers, and policymakers
In collaboration with the Central GFANZ and Climate Data Steering Committee Secretariats, help to pilot the Common Carbon Credit Data Model in African countries Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following tasks:
Engage with the Central GFANZ Secretariat to translate its strategic priorities on carbon markets into meaningful engagements and work products for African stakeholders
Drive the development and execution of a workplan and near-term strategy for the GFANZ Africa network’s engagements on carbon markets ○ This strategy should include a meaningful way to engage financial institutions on supporting high-integrity, cross-border carbon markets in Africa ○ It should also include an engagement plan with existing stakeholders and initiatives working on scaling markets in Africa, carving out a clear value add for GFANZ’s involvement – these include, but are not limited to, AfDB’s Carbon Support Facility, the Carbon Knowledge Hub (a South Africa B20 Legacy Initiative) and the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative
Assist the Climate Data Steering Committee, a GFANZ sister organisation, to advance the piloting of the Common Carbon Credit Data Model (delivered as part of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group during South Africa’s Presidency in 2025) in African countries
Targeted engagements with financial institutions in Africa to identify and address major barriers to scaling finance for high-integrity carbon projects in Africa – where applicable, the consultant will be asked to lead on the drafting of short reports, briefing notes or publications on this question
Collaborate with Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC) to identify critical capacity gaps in African carbon markets (eg: auditing capacity) and make available capacity building resources to address these The consultant will report to: Overall supervisor: The Head of UNEP FI. Direct Supervisor: The Climate Lead, UNEP FI Close Coordination: GFANZ secretariat and partner institutions.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree in international development studies, climate change, climate finance, environmental engineering and management, finance, climate technologies and economics, environmental economics, climate policy, or related field is required. A bachelor’s degree could be taken in lieu of master’s degree provided the selected candidate has 7 years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: At least five (5) year’s of working experience in carbon markets policy and/or project development and transactions, climate, or green finance with financial institutions, private sector developers, investors, or public sector entities is required.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English is required. Good working knowledge of French, Portuguese or other African languages is desirable.

Additional Information

Skills & experience: Essential:

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record of managing senior stakeholders in the public, private and NGO sector
Experience planning and running events or convenings for senior stakeholders
Demonstrated experience of designing internal workplans and strategies, and executing these effectively
Proven track record of successful delivery of complex projects in the African continent
Strong working knowledge of international carbon markets, associated governance frameworks, including the Paris Agreement (Article 6), ICVCM and CORSIA
Understanding of Africa-specific challenges and key stakeholders related to carbon markets and green finance Desirable:
Deep technical expertise on different carbon market segments (Article 6, CORSIA, voluntary carbon markets, domestic carbon pricing schemes)
Experience in developing carbon projects, delivering capacity building in the carbon markets space, or conducting due diligence on carbon projects
Experience working in a multilateral development or financing institution
Fluency or working proficiency in French or Portuguese

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - GFANZ Africa Carbon Markets Expert