Emergent is a global non-profit that mobilizes public and private finance to conserve and restore the world’s forests to combat the climate crisis. We act as a catalyst between forest governments and participants of the LEAF Coalition—a groundbreaking public-private partnership committed to halting tropical deforestation by 2030. By uniting private sector buyers, donor governments, forest governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and civil society, LEAF aims to raise and deploy the finance needed to tackle deforestation by making tropical forests worth more alive than dead.
Emergent purchases high-integrity carbon credits from national and subnational jurisdictions generated through their REDD+ programs and verified under the ART TREES standard. These credits are sold to LEAF Coalition participants – donor governments and corporate buyers – who are committed to achieving ambitious climate and nature goals.
The Role
Emergent is looking for a REDD+ Advisor for Nepal (Consultant) to guide and advise on a host of items to ensure REDD+ readiness in this country over the coming year.
The Consultant will develop a benefit sharing plan, guide the MRV process, select a Financial Intermediary, assist the Ministry of Forests and Environment and REDD-IC in preparing for transactions, and coordinate technical assistance. Our ideal candidate is fluent with REDD+ activities in Nepal; they have a range of relevant experience engaging government officials, civil society, and IPLC groups, and are passionate about conservation.
The consultant will be based at the REDD-IC office in Babar Mahal, Kathmandu. The consultant will report directly to the Chief of REDD-IC and submit monthly progress reports to Emergent. This is a full-time engagement (7 hours/day, 20 days/month). He/she will in close collaboration with the Under Secretary responsible for the LEAF Program and the National Representative of Emergent in Nepal.
Key Responsibilities
- Benefit Sharing Plan Development: Support the REDD Implementation Center (REDD-IC) in finalizing the Benefit Sharing Plan for jurisdictional activities.
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV): Collaborate with the MRV technical team to ensure the timely production of the first TREES Monitoring Report.
- Validation and Verification Process: Assist REDD-IC in appointing and contracting a Validation and Verification Body (VVB) and oversee the execution of the validation and verification process.
- Financial Intermediary Selection: Support REDD-IC in selecting and appointing a Financial Intermediary (FI), including: Supporting the assessment of potential FIs by Emergent by facilitating information requests to FI candidates; and facilitating communication and supporting negotiations of the funding agreement.
- Article 6 Readiness and Transactions: Assist the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and REDD-IC in preparing for transactions under Article 6, specifically by: collaborating with the Technical Assistance (TA) providers to assess and communicate Article 6 readiness requirements and gaps for correspondingly adjusted credits; and following up with the TA providers to develop and implement a roadmap to ensure all requirements are met before credit issuance.
- Technical Assistance (TA) Coordination for ER Credit Transaction: Support REDD-IC in coordinating TA activities for the emissions reduction credit transaction by:
- Maintaining an updated mapping of TA actors and activities supporting LEAF and TREES processes in Nepal.
- Identifying capacity gaps at national, provincial, and district levels across LEAF and TREES processes.
- Facilitating coordination among TA partners to ensure alignment with REDD-IC’s objectives.
- Monitoring TA timelines to ensure timely implementation.
- Collaborating with TA providers to address identified capacity gaps.
- Organizing regular coordination meetings with TA partners and Emergent.
- Other responsibilities
- Provide regular updates on progress to REDD-IC, EDF, and Emergent through meetings and reports.
- Perform additional tasks as requested by the REDD-IC Chief, particularly those related to the LEAF Program.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree or PhD in forestry, natural resource management, climate change, or a related field.
- 10–15 years of experience in REDD+ program implementation, carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and/or climate finance in Nepal and/or internationally.
- Proven track record of working with senior government officials and navigating Nepal’s political and regulatory landscape.
- Strong expertise in REDD+ concepts, policies, and best practices, including social and environmental safeguards, carbon standards, and carbon market mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience in REDD+ program implementation or related forest protection and restoration initiatives.
- Excellent project management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate complex initiatives.
- Exceptional analytical and writing skills in English.
Other Requirements:
- Based in Babar Mahal, Nepal
- Self-starter with flexibility and adaptability to work in fast-paced environments.
- Willingness to travel (up to 20%).
- Passion for tackling climate change and advancing sustainability.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your resume and a one-page cover letter detailing why you are a strong fit for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If your application is unsuccessful, we will not retain your personal data.
Equal Opportunities
Emergent is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and consultants. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Studies show men apply when they meet 60% of the qualifications, while women apply only if they meet 100%. If you meet most of our criteria and are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply.