REDD+ Coordinator

~ The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the associated VCS Program were launched in November 2007 and are now well established among the leading global greenhouse gas (GHG) standards and programs in the voluntary carbon market. ~

Our primary objective is to bring standardization, transparency and credibility to the voluntary carbon market. Increasingly, we are generating lessons and providing inputs for compliance regimes emerging worldwide and broader results-based compensation mechanisms.

Position Overview

The VCS is looking for REDD+ Coordinator to advance a number of emerging VCS Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) pilot activities. While this is initially a limited time (one year) engagement, we would be seeking to make this a permanent position at the VCS if outside funding can be secured.

Responsibilities

The REDD+ Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating JNR pilot programs globally. Principal tasks and responsibilities will include, at a minimum, the following:

• Manage outreach and collaboration with governments, NGOs and local partners in potential pilot jurisdictions at the national or subnational scales, particularly in Africa and Asia. 
• Coordinate the development of pilot activities, including providing technical and programmatic guidance to host governments, coordination of meetings and workshops, development of work plans, tracking progress, and reporting on grant objectives.
• Support donor and foundation proposal development to fund pilot activities.
• Contribute to development of VCS program documentation and new and revised templates and tools for JNR, including development of fact sheets, case studies and presentations, guidance and updates to the JNR standard, as needed. 
• Support JNR program validation and verification processes, including management of JNR expert panels
• Coordinate annual JNR South-South exchange & learning workshop and VCS involvement in external workshops and events, and represent VCS, including delivering presentations, at relevant events in the regions
• Track developments in other JNR/REDD+ relevant standards, frameworks and research initiatives and develop recommendations as appropriate.
• Respond to inquiries from governments, NGOs, the private-sector and other stakeholders on jurisdictional REDD+ programs and nested projects.
• Assist with other REDD+ VCS work as needed.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of REDD+ voluntary and regulated carbon markets, and the implementation of REDD+ programs and/or projects, with a minimum of two years' work experience in the field.
• Demonstrated project management ability.
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating workshops and events.
• Experience working with governments would be considered an asset.
• Experience managing and reporting on major grants from governmental donors (eg, USAID, NORAD, DFID, GIZ) would be considered an asset.
• Fluency in English, proficiency in French or another language relevant to the Africa or SE Asia regions would also be considered an asset.
• Experience and expertise applying carbon standards and protocols would be considered an asset.
• Masters' degree in a relevant field would be considered an asset.

Professional Qualities:

• Sharp analytical mind, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task on issues of substance.
• Ability to work independently and on own initiative.
• Professional approach and demeanor.
• Good organizational, communication, interpersonal and team skills.
• Willingness to undertake extensive international travel, including to Asia, Africa and Latin America. 

Compensation:
A competitive salary is available and other terms and conditions will be discussed during the application process.  

To Apply

Please use the email address below to send your application materials. In order to streamline the application process, applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).
• Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages).
• A short writing sample (300-500 words) ‘outlining the key challenges associated with successfully implementing REDD+ at the national and subnational scales.

Note: All documents must be submitted by March 30, 2014.