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In line with global trends and planetary needs, solutions that are advancing low carbon transitions are entering international market(s) rapidly. An essential share of such solutions is provided by the voluntary carbon offset market (VCM): a mechanism that facilitates the trade of reductions in atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations between GHG emitters and entities that voluntarily put measures in place to reduce GHG concentrations.

The VCM has developed out of Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism which was a compliance market. Although not officially regulated, the current VCM is flooded by methodologies, standards, registries, associations, etc. In spite of this, a growing concern around integrity of the VCM is emerging at fast pace. Not only is this growing concern justified by the fact that low quality carbon credits available on the VCM shall ultimately slow down low carbon transitions. But this has also generated an urgent need for provision of assurance regarding the quality of a carbon offset and the integrity of its value chain.

ERM CVS is responding to these developments through the initiative of developing a robust, comprehensive framework for the assessment of each step of the carbon offset value chain. ERM CVS is ultimately well positioned for such a project as it has been operating in the environmental due diligence space for nearly half a century and also because its employees have the skills and experience to independently and with professional skepticism assess carbon offset projects and other sources of environmental and social impacts. Such a framework requires detailed procedures and protocols, including MRV elements, in order to enable ERM CVS to deliver consistent and high quality outcomes that can ultimately reinstall the trust that the VCM needs in order to deliver on its objective. Moreover, ERM wants to “label” those credits that have generated quantifiable co-benefits in terms of environmental and social impacts.

ERM CVS is looking for a dynamic thought leader to assist with the development of this framework. Identification and/or development and implementation of a robust verification framework requires an innovative approach as well as thorough understanding of indicators and monitoring methods. The Sustainable Solutions Quality Analyst will drive the development of content to be entered into the different aspects of the framework.

The role includes working closely with a team of experts in fields such as GHG project assessors, conservation biology, ecology, and sustainability to design and implement effective and agile verification and monitoring systems. This will encompass collaboration with internal partners within the ERM Group and external partners such as governments, NGOs, CSOs and businesses to promote the integration of natural and social capital considerations into policies and practices. The role will also involve the integration of financial and economic knowledge of market mechanisms that may further improve the effectiveness of the framework.

The role shall develop along the forefront of emerging standards and international frameworks, rating agencies, MRV developments, etc. and shall include but not be limited to the following:

Contributing to the development of an industry-leading framework for the assessment of quality and integrity attributes of carbon offsets.
Advising on economic and financial mechanisms that are part of the VCM.
Assessing biodiversity and natural capital risks, impacts, and opportunities associated with the VCM and each link of the carbon offset value chain.
Stakeholder identification and engagement in the safeguarding of the framework’s performance.
Overseeing that the content of the framework’s protocols, procedures and methodologies remains up to date and aligned to global developments in the space of natural capital.
Promoting the importance of ERM CVS’ assessment methods for generating trust in the VCM.
Ultimately assisting assessors with auditing carbon offsets and carbon offset value chains deploying the framework.

As a Sustainable Solutions Quality Analyst at ERM CVS, a target of 50% billable hours is expected. Key responsibilities of the Sustainable Solutions Quality Analyst will include:

Overseeing the development of content for the ERM CVS’ carbon quality and integrity assessment framework.
Overseeing the quality of the content that makes up the elements of the framework.
Comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
Liaising with appropriate institutions and/or other stakeholders regarding cutting edge MRV developments in the space of climate, environmental, and social impact monitoring innovations and associated quantification methods and systems.
Supervising and mentoring members of a growing team on the deployment of the framework’s protocols.
Working with a team of experts to provide assurance regarding the quality and integrity of carbon offsets and other natural assets / commodities.
Mapping the VCM landscape from an economical / financial angle.

The successful candidate for this position will have a strong background in developing and implementing frameworks and other solutions that incorporate the value of natural capital into decision-making processes and a proven track record of success in building and maintaining relationships with external partners. A degree in accounting is strongly preferred.

Business acumen to understand business risks and challenges and recognize corporate opportunities.
Postgraduate qualification in Sustainable Development with a science-based background in ecology or environmental science.
15+ years’ experience.
Understanding the policy drivers for Sustainability, Conservation, and Climate Change services.
Previous experience in AFOLU carbon projects or conservation projects from a technical and financing perspective.
Proven ability to build a team with a network of senior contacts in sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, integrated land use projects, and associated finance options.
A technical understanding of methodologies used in metrics such as GIS, remote sensing, species survey and sampling methodologies, social monitoring, and impact assessment.

About ERM

ERM is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, social consulting, and sustainability-related services. We work with the world's leading organizations, delivering innovative solutions while helping them to understand and manage their sustainability challenges. To do this, we have more than 5,500 people in over 40 countries and territories working out of more than 160 offices.

For nearly 50 years, we have worked with clients worldwide and in diverse industry sectors to help them understand and manage their environmental, health, safety, risk, and social impacts. We serve vital sectors, including Oil & Gas, Mining, Power, Manufacturing, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical. All face critical sustainability challenges, and our clients in these and many other areas rely on our ability to assist them in operating more sustainably, which positively impacts our planet.

"The business of sustainability" reflects what we do to support our clients as they strive to attain their business goals. Sustainability and business are now inextricably linked. As an expert in sustainability, we play a role in helping companies achieve their objectives by understanding how this impacts wider society and the environment. We intend to contribute even more to the global dialogue on sustainability and expect our work on sustainability challenges and opportunities to deliver growth in our business. Sustainability is our business.

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