Standards Development Director

~ Verra supports climate action and sustainable development through the development and management of standards, tools and programs that credibly, transparently and robustly assess environmental and social impacts, and drive funding for sustaining and scaling up these benefits. As a mission-driven, non-profit (NGO) organization, Verra works in any arena where we see a need for clear standards, a role for market-driven mechanisms and an opportunity to achieve environmental and social good. ~

Verra currently manages a number of global standards frameworks designed to drive finance towards activities that mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development, including the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program and its Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ framework (JNR), the Verra California Offset Project Registry (OPR), and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards.

Verra is also developing new standards frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) to enable project developers to demonstrate the sustainable development benefits of their projects, and the Landscape Standard to promote and measure sustainability outcomes across landscapes. Finally, Verra is one of the implementing partners of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), which helps countries assess the impacts of their climate actions and supports greater transparency, effectiveness, trust and ambition in climate policies worldwide.

Position Overview

Verra seeks a Standards Development Director, a newly created position, to oversee the development of new standards and support the evolution of existing Verra frameworks to maximize their contributions to climate, environmental and social outcomes. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the creation, and ideally management, of environmental and/or social standards, especially those related to market-based mechanisms and private investment and action.

Responsibilities

The Standards Development Director will be a thought leader and proven implementer and will be responsible for overseeing the development of new Verra standards and supporting the evolution of existing Verra frameworks, including the VCS Program, Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, and Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta). In particular, the Standards Development Director will:

• Create and manage robust work plans to develop new standards that meet clear market needs and generate significant environmental and/or social value;
• Serve as a bridge between standards conceptualization, implementation and management by identifying the most appropriate point at which to hand off processes to the responsible Verra teams while ensuring a smooth transition;
• Oversee advisory group, public comment and piloting processes to ensure that new standards are guided by key stakeholder input and appropriately field tested and refined before release;
• Manage the work of Verra staff responsible for developing the frameworks, while helping draft standards content as needed;
• Supporting VCS Program staff in responding to identified opportunities with rules revisions, procedural changes and/or new products;
• Identify capacity and expertise needs and establish strategies for filling potential gaps internally, or through partners and/or external consultants;
• Engage other standards setters to explore potential partnerships; and
• Identify and pursue opportunities for harmonizing and linking different Verra standards to capture synergies, promote consistency in quality and facilitate combined use.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who excel at strategic thinking, project and team management, and delivering robust and practical standards products. You should have:

• A global mindset and track record of innovation and leadership in developing, and ideally managing, environmental and/or social standards that serve international markets, preferably including land-based frameworks;
• Extensive experience working with best-practice standards development processes, including ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice;
• Established relationships with other leading standards setters, technical experts and practitioners;
• Experience engaging and understanding the needs of key standards user groups, including project developers, funders, investors and corporate actors;
• A strong track record of effectively managing teams and complex projects, and helping bridge diverse programs;
• At least 10 years of work experience; and
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.

Compensation: Compensation depends on experience and is highly competitive. Verra offers a very attractive benefits package, including 22-30 days of paid time off plus holidays, retirement contributions, access to flexible savings accounts, and a choice of top-tier health plans. Eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., US citizen or holding current work authorization) is preferred. US work visas will not be sponsored, but remote work may be possible for the right hire.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload the following documents to Rachel Wallach:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page); and
• Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages).

~ Verra provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We conduct our recruitment and hiring without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. ~