Lead or Senior Program Officer, Jurisdictional REDD+ Development

The Opportunity.

Verra is a global leader helping to tackle the world’s most intractable environmental and social challenges. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods and protect natural resources across the private and public sectors. We support climate action and sustainable development with standards, tools, and programs that credibly, transparently, and robustly assess environmental and social impacts and enable funding for sustaining and scaling up projects that verifiably deliver these benefits. The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program provides methodologies that support carbon projects, including REDD+. The VCS Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) Framework is the world’s first accounting and verification framework for jurisdictional REDD+ programs and nested projects, and has been approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM).

Having recently registered the first JNR program, with more programs currently being developed and reviewed, Verra is looking for a specialist to support the continued growth of JNR, providing oversight to the JNR framework and engaging countries and other stakeholders in capacity building efforts.

The Role.

• Identify ways to improve VCS Program REDD+ and JNR requirements and methodologies, including engaging external stakeholders and internal technical teams
• Implement updates and improvements in collaboration with VCS Program Development staff and with input from Verra’s Project Management Department (PMD) and expert consultants
• Support the maintenance and updates to Verra’s consolidated REDD methodology, VM0048, and ensure alignment between VM0048 and the JNR Framework
• Collaborate with Verra’s Communications and Engagement Team to support Verra’s forest carbon outreach and communications strategy, including developing and implementing capacity building sessions, conducting outreach to governments, and engaging investors
• Guide stakeholders on Verra’s methodologies and technical requirements for JNR programs
• Support PMD on technical issues related to REDD+ and JNR as necessary

Our Team.

• We are committed to driving finance at scale to projects and programs that advance climate action and sustainable development through high-quality standards and programs.

What we’d like to see.

• In-depth understanding of jurisdictional and project REDD+
• Technical knowledge of, and experience working with, environmental and social standards, ideally including knowledge of VCS, the JNR Framework, and Verra’s REDD+ methodologies especially VM0048. Preference will be given to candidates who have developed and/or used REDD+ methodologies.
• Familiarity with climate change mitigation; GHG accounting; forest reference level development; MRV design; forest carbon methodologies, standards, and crediting programs; and REDD+ processes/initiatives (e.g., UNFCCC, Forest Carbon Partnership Facility)
• Degree in environmental science, environmental studies, forestry, or other applicable study area; advanced degree is advantageous.
• At least five years of professional experience in the climate field, ideally working in climate change mitigation and/or carbon markets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience collaborating with, communicating technical information to, and receiving input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Physical Demands.

• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.
• Access to reliable Wi-fi with a distraction-free workspace.

Working at Verra.

• Verra is a global leader helping to tackle the world’s most intractable environmental and social challenges. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods, and protect natural resources across the private and public sectors.
• We’ve created a culture of flexibility + autonomy. You’ll be able to work with remote teams from diverse countries and industries. Wherever possible, we aim to find mutually agreeable solutions for international hiring.
• The final compensation offered will be contingent upon role, level, and location. Our Talent team can share the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
• Verra provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. As such, 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.