WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL
TECHNICAL OFFICER – BLUE CARBON DEVELOPER
Background:
At Wetlands International, we are dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands so that these unique habitats are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide. We work to conserve and restore diverse wetland systems in all parts of the world, including mangroves, peatlands, and freshwater wetlands. To make a global difference Wetlands International seeks to inspire and mobilise society to act and to influence levers of change.
Healthy coastal wetlands store vast amounts of ‘blue carbon’, but they can become a source of emissions upon their degradation. In general, wetlands contain a greater concentration of life than anywhere else and they sustain essential ecosystem services such as food, freshwater supply, erosion, and flood control, all vital in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation. This makes protecting and restoring our wetlands a number one global priority. But we need the public and private funding to do it, now. Blue carbon finance is emerging as a key mechanism in the short term.
The Wetlands carbon programme aims to unlock carbon finance for wetlands while ensuring socio-environmental integrity, see our publication. Our portfolio of landscape carbon projects, combined with knowledge and advocacy initiatives is rapidly growing. The work is collaborative, done in and through strategic public and private partnerships and with cutting-edge networks.
In developing our wetland carbon work we build on and expand our existing track record. Wetlands International has contributed to establishing the science and knowledge base (the 2013 IPCCC supplement on wetlands, Verra methodologies). Further, we are a founder of Global Mangrove Watch that is widely used by blue carbon project developers and coastal zone managers. We are a trusted advisor of governments and support countries doing wetland inventories and in taking up wetlands in their Nationally Determined Contributions. Lastly, we deliver real impact on the ground, together with local communities and authorities. We contributed to one of the largest REDD+ projects in Indonesia and won the UNFCCC momentum for change award for addressing peatland fires.
Description:
Purpose of role
The role of a Blue Carbon Developer is to provide support and build the capacity of the team comprising colleagues from various offices within our network. The Blue Carbon Developer has the scientific knowledge about blue carbon cycling, conservation, and restoration and is able to translate it into measurable carbon impact. The Developer is responsible for applying and shaping carbon standards, ensuring compliance with the necessary criteria and requirements.
Working collaboratively with the team, the Developer will conduct assessments to identify potential sites suitable for the protection and restoration of blue carbon stores. These assessments take into account factors such as biodiversity enhancement and community resilience. Throughout the project lifecycle, the Developer will guide the feasibility, design, implementation, and monitoring of landscape-scale peatland carbon projects, prioritising holistic approaches. Attention is given to maintaining high-quality project execution, managing risks effectively, and capitalising on opportunities for success.
The Developer’s expertise will be leveraged to develop sustainable, long-term carbon finance mechanisms that support the preservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems. This work contributes directly to climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and the resilience of communities.
As an integral part of the team, the Developer will collaborate closely with colleagues, sharing expertise, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Together, the team strives to unlock carbon finance and achieve positive environmental and social outcomes.
Primary responsibilities
- Identifying suitable landscape-scale coastal wetlands sites for conservation and restoration to maximise blue carbon sequestration potential, while promoting biodiversity and community resilience.
- Developing project ideas and comprehensive business cases aligned with our global strategy for blue carbon projects, ensuring adherence to the highest carbon standards and methodologies, in close collaboration with our network offices and following an inclusive approach.
- Conducting carbon accounting assessments and calculating carbon footprints for projects and associated value chains.
- Collaborating with international teams, network offices, and external experts to translate the latest scientific knowledge into policy recommendations and best practices, influencing standards and sectors.
- Building the capacity of, and supporting, the global Wetlands International network and their local partners to initiate, develop, implement, and monitor holistic landscape-scale carbon projects.
- Ensuring high quality and risk management of our blue carbon proposals and projects by supporting and monitoring adherence to the best carbon methodologies and standards, while also ensuring implementation of best practices and innovations in coastal conservation and restoration through working with our global technical experts and knowledge partners.
- Supporting project management, including coordination, financial administration, and team planning.
- Representing Wetlands International at various international settings and fostering collaboration with external stakeholders and networks.
Comparing and disclosing best practices for blue carbon project development to influence standards, sectors, and actors, in close collaboration with our regional offices.
Requirements:
Profile
The ideal candidate for this position should have prior experience working in a project-driven organisation. They should be able to comprehend and create database structures that effectively support the organisation’s needs. The candidate should also excel at collaborating within a team, adeptly connecting project requirements with the appropriate team members. Coordinating and reporting on project plans should be among their core competencies. In addition, the candidate should have experience in general administrative and logistical management. Demonstrating a keen interest in international conservation and sustainable development is also essential for this role.
Skills and experience
- At least 3 – 5 years of professional experience in carbon accounting, preferably with a focus on mangroves and/or other coastal wetlands, and familiarity with carbon standards such as Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard.
- Strong understanding of the technical, policy, socio-economic, and practical aspects of blue carbon project development, implementation, and monitoring.
- Proficiency in translating complex scientific information on carbon emission and sequestration into practical guidance and recommendations.
- Experience with nature-based solutions and blue carbon concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across cultures and with diverse stakeholders.
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken; knowledge of additional languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Dutch) is a plus.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly.
Core competencies
- Analyses complex relationships.
- Makes decisions by interpreting rules.
- Surpasses established expectations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across cultures and with diverse stakeholders.
- Ensures team member input.
- Promotes the organisation’s values and ethics.
Comments:
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link above.
Please contact Ruth Gardner at the email below for any queries you may have. An applicant’s pack is also available upon request at the same email.
The deadline for application is 10th September 2023
Interviews will take place remotely.
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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Contact person: Ruth Gardner
Preferred method of response: Web
Apply link: Link to Apply
Email: ruth@darylupsall.com
More info: Link to PDF File
Closing date: 10/09/2023
