Environmental, Social and Governance Safeguards Short-Term Consultant

Posted July 5th, 2011 - Position Open Until Filled

ClearSky Climate Solutions, LLC (ClearSky) is seeking specialized short-term consultants to engage in Environmental, Social and Governance Safeguard screening activities.  The required screening will be for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving and protecting forests from being cut.  The REDD projects will be implemented in the tropical forests of developing countries to deliver certified carbon credits to the international voluntary carbon market.

ClearSky is a climate-consulting firm, which specializes in:

• Forest-based carbon offset project development,
• Carbon offset educational outreach,
• Greenhouse gas accounting, and
• Carbon offset sales and brokerage.
• Please see www.clearskyclimatesolutions.com

Primary Consultant Responsibilities:

• Conducting preliminary (pre-investment) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) safeguard screening for international REDD projects.  This work will include:
• International and domestic travel.
• Conducting desk audits and site visits of international REDD projects.
• Conducting project proponent and stakeholder meetings to explain and present safeguard process and protocol.
• Analyzing project documents, carrying out project interviews, and site observations to assess compliance with ESG safeguards and protocols.
• Producing and editing ESG reporting documents and programmatic informational materials.
• Presenting, explaining, and justifying reports at senior staff meetings and directly with clients.

• Participating in a collaborative team to review and revise ESG safeguard standards and protocols.  Potentially assisting in the development of ESG screening tools – based upon the comprehensive review of existing standards.

• Attending/presenting/representing ClearSky at workshops, conferences, and media events.
  

Qualifications:

REQUIRED

• Master’s degree or higher in an applicable field.
• 5-years of experience working with ESG safeguards, assessments, or systems – for clients involved in complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating numerous participants and overseeing the successful completion of tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
• Substantial international community development experience.
• Excellent written and editorial skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to be culturally sensitive.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly energetic, organized, focused, reliable, hard-working.
• Mature, with an ability to deal with difficult clients calmly and professionally, without drama.
• Analytical, clear thinker who can translate complex problems for clients in a clear and objective manner.
• Basic understanding of climate change and carbon offset markets and standards.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Windows and Office Software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
• Highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of the application and use of World Bank’s International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards.
• Knowledge, or previous experience with carbon certification standards for REDD, especially VCS and CCB.
• Tropical social forestry experience or experience working on large scale natural resource management activities.
• Climate consulting experience.
• Fluency in a foreign language.

How to Apply:
Send cover letter, CV, consulting daily rate and contact information for three references to: 
Molly White, molly@clearskyclimatesolutions.com

Location:
ClearSky is located at 415 N. Higgins Ave, Suite 11 in Missoula, Montana, USA.  Selected consultant will be expected to work remotely, but have regular (daily) communications with the ClearSky office.

Compensation:

• Please submit a justified consulting daily rate with cover letter and CV. 
• A USAID Employee Biographical Datasheet or other form of salary justification will be accepted.