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General Information

Position Title
Senior Technical Officer – Carbon Markets, Article 6 and Climate Change Mitigation (Home based Retainer) - Pretoria, South Africa
Job Category
Partnerships
Duty Station(s)
Home based
Seniority Level
Mid Level
ICS Level
ICS 09
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer
Contract Level
LICA 9
Posting Start Date
15-Jun-2026
Posting End Date
29-Jun-2026
Duration
Twelve (12) months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds

Job Highlight

The position offers exposure to high-level policy discussions, collaboration with government and international partners, and professional development in carbon finance and climate change mitigation. The incumbent will support the development of a robust domestic carbon market framework, with focus on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and climate change mitigation.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

Job Specific Context

As part of its institutional support to the South Africa Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the NDC Partnership mobilizes support for key priorities for implementation of South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). These areas include: implementation of the Climate Change Act; international leadership in climate action; development of a Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy, carbon pricing policy and operationalization of a carbon market framework. Under the last priority area, South Africa requires support for development of a robust domestic carbon market framework, including potential domestic emissions trading, a fully functional domestic registry capable of supporting both Article 6.2 and 6.4 transactions, and comprehensive stakeholder capacity building.


As part of its support to South Africa, the NDC Partnership will contract a Senior Technical Advisor to support the development of a robust domestic carbon market framework, with focus on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and climate change mitigation. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the DFFE team and other consultants to play a key role as part of the DFFE Technical Task Team on Carbon Markets. The Senior Technical Advisor will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will work in close collaboration with the Chief Director: Climate Change Mitigation and Specialist Monitoring Services, the Partnership’s focal point in DFFE and related technical teams in DFFE. He/she will make technical contributions in the specific areas related to carbon pricing, carbon markets and carbon finance, as outlined below. 


  • This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds. 

  • This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software. 

  • As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of South Africa or have a valid residence permit in South Africa. 

  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role Purpose

Under the guidance of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and in close collaboration with the DFFE Climate Change and Air Quality Branch, the Senior Technical Advisor will provide support to: 

  • Operationalisation of the Article 6 framework (including 6.2 and 6.4)
  • Integration and enhancement of the Domestic Registry to support Article 6.2 and 6.4
  • Analysis and review of domestic carbon pricing policy and implementation post 2030
  • Article 6 awareness raising and capacity building for stakeholders
  • Support for the implementation of the Article 6 framework
  • Scoping of a domestic Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) – including carbon pricing policy, ETS design, legal/institutional assessment, market design (cap, allocation, offsets), international benchmarking (EU Study Tour)
  • Scoping Report on CBAM – including Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, verification systems comparison (EU vs SA), desktop research, trade and climate policy interface, and MRV alignment and gap analysis
  • Coordination, where relevant, with National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), and other platforms on carbon market readiness.



Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Support the Operationalisation of the Article 6 Framework (6.2 and 6.4)

South Africa is committed to participating in voluntary cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, through measures that maintain environmental integrity of crediting emission reductions. This includes both Article 6.2 (cooperative approaches involving ITMOs) and Article 6.4 (a centralised mechanism for mitigation activities). 

Activities include: 

  • Assist/Support in the research and compilation of information for the development of regulations, institutional arrangements, and authorization procedures for the transfer of ITMOs and Article 6.4 Emission Reductions (A6.4ERs)
  • Assist in drafting guidance on corresponding adjustments
  • Support the designation of a national Article 6 authority
  • Assist in the development of a legal and procedural framework for international carbon cooperation


2. Support the Integration and Enhancement of the Domestic Registry for Article 6.2 and 6.4

South Africa currently has a Domestic Registry that caters for Article 6.4 activities. The Senior Technical Advisor will provide support on the technical and policy support required to expand the registry's functionality to also accommodate Article 6.2 cooperative approaches. 

Activities include:

  • Assist in the assessment of registry requirements, support the integration of ITMO tracking and authorization features, and ensure the registry is interoperable with international registry systems 
  • Review registry specifications, supporting user acceptance testing, developing registry operational procedures, and 
  • Ensure the registry can issue, transfer, cancel, and retire both Article 6.4 and Article 6.2 units in compliance with Paris Agreement rules.


3. Conduct Analysis on the Effects of Introducing an ETS

As South Africa considers its long-term carbon pricing trajectory, understanding the implications of different policy scenarios is critical. 

Activities include: 

  • Assist in the research and compilation of data for a targeted policy analysis to assess the potential effects of transitioning from the current carbon tax in favor of an Emissions Trading System (ETS) or hybrid approach.
  • Examine economic, environmental, and administrative implications, including impacts on regulated entities, mitigation outcomes, government revenue, and compatibility with international carbon markets.
  • Assist in the assessment of the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and associated governance requirements for introducing an ETS in South Africa.
  • Assist in the production of a scenario-based report that informs DFFE's policy decisions on the future of carbon pricing in South Africa.


4. Article 6 Awareness Raising and Capacity Building

Successful participation in Article 6 requires a broad range of stakeholders—including government departments, private sector entities, civil society, and project developers—to understand the rules, opportunities, and risks. The aim is to build a knowledgeable and ready community of stakeholders capable of engaging with international carbon markets.  

Activities include: 

  • Assist in the development of training materials, and produce guidance documents on topics such as authorization procedures, corresponding adjustments, reporting under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and participation in Article 6.2 and 6.4 activities
  • Assist in the design and delivery of an Article 6 awareness and capacity-building program, including organization and facilitation of corresponding workshops and webinars. 


5. Support the Implementation of the Article 6 Framework

While developing the carbon market, DFFE seeks to also develop practical measures for the day to day implementation of the Article 6 framework once established. 

Activities include: 

  • Assist in the review of 6 project proposals, assessing authorization requests
  • Coordinate with the designated national authority for Article 6.4, and preparing submissions to the UNFCCC
  • Support DFFE preparation for Article 6 negotiations and engagements with the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, ensuring the country's interests are represented and that domestic frameworks remain aligned with evolving international rules.


6. Scoping of a Domestic Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

South Africa currently operates a carbon tax as its primary carbon pricing instrument. As the country advances its climate ambition under the NDC, exploring the feasibility, design options, and transition pathways for a domestic Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a strategic priority. Activities include: 

Assist in the conduct of a comprehensive scoping study to assess the viability and design parameters for a domestic ETS. 

The incumbent will:

  • Examine international best practices, conduct a legal and institutional assessment, and develop options for market design elements including the emissions cap, allowance allocation (free allocation, auctioning, benchmarking), offset mechanisms, market stability measures, and compliance and enforcement frameworks. 
  • Conduct research on the international benchmarking component of the EU-ETS, which may include an EU Study Tour or equivalent desktop research on the EU ETS 
  • Analyse the interface between a potential future ETS and the existing carbon tax, including transition scenarios. 
  • Assist in the development of a detailed scoping report with actionable recommendations for DFFE & DEE.


7. Scoping Report on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has significant implications for South Africa's trade-exposed industries and the broader interface between climate policy and international trade. 

Activities include: 

  • Assist in the conduct of desktop research on the EU CBAM regulation, including its sectoral coverage, carbon pricing equivalence rules, and reporting obligations
  • Conduct a comparative analysis of verification systems between the EU and South Africa, identifying gaps in Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) alignment. 
  • Assist in the assessment of the potential impacts on South African exports, explore policy responses, and provide recommendations for MRV enhancements to position South Africa for CBAM compliance.
  • Assist in the preparation of a comprehensive scoping report on CBAM and its relevance to South Africa, that also addresses the broader trade and climate policy interface, including implications for South Africa's carbon pricing framework and international competitiveness



Skills

Climate Change, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mobilization, Effective communication
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, accounting, sustainable development finance, environmental economics, climate finance, international relations, and other related disciplines with 4 years of relevant experience.


Desired

  • A master's degree with 2 years of relevant experience in a related field will be an added advantage.


Experience Requirements

Required

  • At least 4 years of general working experience in climate finance, with at least 3 years of carbon market experience, including on compliance or voluntary carbon markets. 
  • Experience with analytical research on policy, carbon mitigation and monitoring systems, and implications for policy and regulatory frameworks.
  • Strong knowledge of South Africa’s climate policies, institutional frameworks, and financing mechanisms.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with government, private sector, and international partners.


Desired

  • A specialized training or certification in Climate Finance, Green Growth, Disaster Financing or related field will be an added advantage.
  • Specific experience in climate finance and carbon markets in South Africa is preferred. Experience with Article 6 is an added advantage.
  • Knowledge of the EU-ETS and CBAM frameworks are preferred.
  • Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders.


Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
  • We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
  • UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.