Carbon Policy Officer at BURN

About the role

• BURN seeks a Carbon Policy Officer to support our carbon market activities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This will analyse policy developments in our current and expansion markets and support our applications to buyers in the Global North.  
• This role could suit someone from an environmental policy background, someone with experience in the carbon markets, or anyone with exceptional grant writing skills who is keen to learn about carbon.  
• We are looking for someone interested in working in a dynamic, challenging environment, for a company that recognizes and rewards creativity and initiative. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Article 6 carbon project development: 

• Support the development of documentation for new Article 6 carbon projects. 
• Prepare detailed applications to both African governments and buyer governments in the Global North. 
• Prepare Letters of Authorization for carbon trading under Article 6. 
• Support the preparation of Letters of Intent (LoIs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that align with our organization's goals and comply with relevant carbon policy regulations. 

Global Carbon Policy Analysis: 

• Stay up to date with the latest developments and changes in carbon policies globally. 
• Conduct in-depth research to become an expert in various aspects of carbon policy, including emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory frameworks. 
• Monitor and track Article 6 UNFCCC negotiations, providing timely updates and analysis to the internal team. 
• Stay informed about changes in carbon market regulations and ensure our organization is positioned to adapt and comply. 
• Select, summarize and present key policy developments to management. 
• Maintain a database of global policy developments. 
• Support the writing and publishing of white papers that showcase our thought leadership in carbon policy. 

Carbon Regulation Development: 

• Support the formulation and submission of comprehensive responses to government consultations on carbon market regulation. 
• Review any documentation coming from stakeholder engagements to support analysis and feedback tracking and response. 
• Coordinate with internal teams to gather necessary data and insights to inform well-rounded and impactful responses. 

Government Relationship Support: 

• Support building relationships with government officials and relevant stakeholders to promote our organization's interests in the field of carbon policy. 
• Follow up with government agencies on feedback and recommendations on carbon policy matters. 

Skills and Experience

Exceptional written communication skills 

• It is essential that you can write persuasive and detailed application forms at a speed that is appropriate for a high-level government audience. 
• Grant writing experience is desirable. 

Exceptional research and analysis skills 

• Demonstrated ability to digest large volumes of information, select the key points, grasp the “so what,” and present it clearly to management. 
• Ability to read, understand and summarize legal documents. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct diverse analytical work. 
• Experience of (or willingness to learn) the technicalities of carbon. 

About you 

• Strategic thinker. 
• Highly motivated, energetic self-starter who takes ownership and works independently. 
• Process-orientated with strong time-management skills. 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. 
• A passion for BURN’s mission. 
• Master's degree in social sciences, politics, economics, public policy, or law from an excellent university 
• 5 years experience in a similar role within a fast-paced and multi-cultural environment 

Desirable: 

French language skills 

Legal Skills: 

• A strong legal background with a degree in Law, specializing in environmental law or related fields. 
• Proven experience in interpreting and navigating complex legal frameworks related to carbon policies. 

Government relations experience: 

• In-depth understanding of (African) government structures at local, national, and international levels. 
• Familiarity with the legislative processes and decision-making mechanisms related to environmental and carbon policy. 

Carbon Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) about carbon markets, emissions trading systems, and international agreements related to climate change. 
• Proven experience working with carbon-related regulations and a keen awareness of emerging trends in the field. 

Public Speaking Skills: 

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills to effectively communicate complex carbon policy issues to diverse audiences. 
• Ability to represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and government-related events.