Overview:
Role Summary
The Senior AFOLU Carbon Markets Specialist will advance Ricardo’s carbon market strategies, focusing on Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use (AFOLU) mitigation projects. Key responsibilities include designing results-based payments, preparing projects for certification, and ensuring alignment with market standards. This role involves project coordination, client engagement, and delivering technical insights, alongside supporting team growth through mentoring. You’ll collaborate within Ricardo’s consultancy, working with specialists in carbon markets, environmental policy, and climate finance. Ideal candidates bring commercial awareness, energy, and experience with major clients like development banks and multilateral organizations, aiding Ricardo’s growth in AFOLU and carbon market services.

• AFOLU Mitigation Strategy Development: Contribute to market ready AFOLU strategies, such as reforestation and soil carbon, ensuring biodiversity and ecosystem benefits where relevant. Support project feasibility assessments and certification processes (e.g., REDD+, Verra) to meet high standards.
• Carbon Market Instruments: Design results-based payments and carbon credit schemes, ensuring policy compliance. Assist clients with regulatory navigation to make AFOLU projects investment ready.
• Technical Coordination: Collaborate with Ricardo’s experts on essential elements like MRV, data integration, and forest carbon metrics.
• Project and Client Support: Coordinate project tasks, timelines, and budgets, while serving as a client liaison and supporting business development in AFOLU carbon markets.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or related field.
• Experience in business development or bid writing in consultancy.
• Skilled in multidisciplinary teamwork, including large projects.
• Experience with government, development banks, or multilateral organizations on AFOLU projects.
• Strong AFOLU knowledge: MRV, carbon accounting, GHG mitigation strategies, and certification standards.
• Expertise in carbon markets, including results-based payments and crediting mechanisms.

• Proven client engagement and communication skills, especially in carbon market integration projects.
• Strong project management experience with complex projects.
• Proficient in English; additional European languages (Spanish/French preferred) are a plus.
• Clear, concise report writing and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, REDD+, and land-use policy.

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