Carbon Markets Support Officer

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

This assignment is part of UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative, which supports countries in enhancing and implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. In South Africa, the UN Volunteer will be embedded within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), working closely with the NDC focal point and national stakeholders to advance the country’s engagement in carbon markets. The Carbon Markets Support Officer will contribute to the development of frameworks and strategies that enable South Africa to participate effectively in the compliance carbon markets, including those under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The role supports the country’s climate ambitions by facilitating access to carbon finance, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening institutional capacity.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the NDC focal point and the Carbon Markets Specialist or his designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

• Support the development and implementation of national strategies for carbon markets,
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and capacity-building workshops,
• Assist in drafting policy documents, guidelines, and technical reports,
• Monitor and evaluate carbon market activities and provide recommendations,
• Coordinate with international partners and donors on carbon finance initiatives,
• Promote knowledge sharing and contribute to UNDP’s climate portfolio,
• Support the National NDC focal point.

Results/expected outputs:
• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP, DFFE as the National partner and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Strengthened national capacity to engage in carbon markets,
• Drafted and validated policy and technical documents,
• Increased stakeholder awareness and participation,
• Documented lessons learned and best practices,
• AGD perspective integrated into all activities,
• Final report on volunteerism contributions and impact