TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) Carbon Project Development Specialist to Develop the Zambia carbon strategy and pipeline portfolio

WeForest Zambia Ltd. is a fast growing Zambian charity with headquarters in Kitwe and projects across the country. The organization’s aim is to empower communities to sustainably advance and implement innovative, high standard, scalable and lasting solutions to restore landscapes as a solution to the challenge of climate change. WeForest is currently prospecting to develop carbon projects (ARR, IFM, ANR, REDD+, SALM) in Zambia and aims to accelerate this work by engaging a strong candidate.

Scope

The scope of the job description in the specific context of Zambia is to identify the feasibility and readiness for carbon projects in Zambia. The candidate will research and build on cooperation and strategic engagement to create an enabling environment for WeForest to operate in Zambia on carbon project development. A further task is to drive the sourcing and origination of potential carbon certified project opportunities for Forest Landscape restoration and REDD+ to help build WeForests new forest carbon project portfolio in Zambia.

Deliverables

• Draft a working policy paper: overview of existing carbon policies in Zambia and on relevant actors for carbon projects development; provide analysis and recommendations on implementing voluntary carbon projects, jurisdictional REDD+ and nested projects;
  • by reading key papers and publications and participation in relevant meetings and conferences;
  • Proactive networking with relevant organizations such as potential project owners, technology providers, multilateral organizations, government agencies and others;
• Recommend and test potential for carbon project development in existing forest carbon opportunity of WeForest in Chintumukulu;
• Work with the WeForest country operations and HQ to source at least 3 potential new carbon project opportunities.
• Building carbon contacts network (government, potential project partners, project proponents).

Reporting line

• Director of Policies and Science Department and Country Director in Zambia

Duration of contract

• The Employee shall be engaged for a period of 2 years with possibility of extension.

Qualifications and experience

• A Doctoral Degree in Geography or related sciences. An  MSc. in a subject related to environmental management or climate policies
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in the field of climate change
• Familiarity with the Paris Agreement and NDC process
• Familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Demonstrated successful leadership in the design and implementation of forest carbon projects
• Strong negotiation skills