Program Officer

over 3 years ago
Full time role
Washington, DC, US... more
Washington, DC, US... more

Company

Verra develops and manages standards and frameworks to vet environmental and sustainable development efforts, build their capacity and enable funding ...

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Job Description

Verra is a global leader helping to tackle the world’s most intractable environmental and social challenges. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods and protect natural resources across the private and public sectors. We support climate action and sustainable development with standards, tools and programs that credibly, transparently and robustly assess environmental and social impacts and enable funding for sustaining and scaling up projects that verifiably deliver these benefits. We work in any arena where we see a need for clear standards, a role for market-based mechanisms and an opportunity to generate significant environmental and social value.

Verra is looking for a Program Officer to help manage Verra’s programs including the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, the Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ framework (JNR), the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards and the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta).

A day with Verra’s collaborative Program Team might include...

  • Participating in meetings with the Program Team and other relevant members of the organization to determine solutions to unique issues that arise for users of the VCS, CCB, and SD VISta Programs (e.g., providing guidance for a REDD+ project facing changes to baseline rates and drivers of deforestation).
  • Supporting users of the Verra programs (i.e., project developers, auditors, and other market participants) by clarifying program rules and procedures, and suggesting solutions to resolve challenges faced.
  • Conducting quality reviews of submitted project documentation and new methodologies, and undertaking other research assignments.
  • Contributing to the evolution of Verra programs (e.g., helping to develop updates to existing rules and procedures) so they continue to be relevant and drive significant environmental impact.
  • Collaborating with other Verra teams (i.e., Innovation; REDD+; Outreach and Communications) to advance our organizational mission.

Specific functions you will be responsible for leading... 

  • Providing technical guidance and support to users of Verra’s programs, with a focus on our established certification programs (VCS, JNR, CCB, and SD VISta). Such users include project and program developers, methodology developers, validation/verification bodies, and other stakeholders.
  • Supporting the development of Verra programs by gathering and synthesizing input from key stakeholders, via participation in relevant working groups and conferences, and researching emerging markets and policies.
  • Drafting revisions to Verra program rules and procedures to help maintain the robustness, workability, and impact of those programs.
  • Playing a key role in ensuring the quality of projects requesting registration with Verra programs, including reviewing project documentation, visiting projects, and liaising and collaborating closely with project stakeholders.
  • The review of GHG accounting and assessment methodologies being developed under Verra programs.

You bring with you...

  • At least 1-2 years of relevant professional or internship experience, preferably working for a standards organization, NGO, government, project developer and/or validation and verification body.
  • A relevant university degree.
  • Understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, Sustainable Development Goals, supply-chain sustainability initiatives, and/or climate/development finance, and an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners of these arenas.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and work efficiently and effectively under deadlines.
  • Culturally aware with ability to work with stakeholders and partners from different countries and cultures.
  • Self-starter with ability to excel in a professional environment with limited supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in English is essential.

In this role, you will grow and expand your expertise by...

  • Working at the cutting edge of programs designed to drive finance towards high-impact activities that tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day.
  • Gaining exposure to challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners of activities aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving livelihoods.
  • Finding effective ways to ensure the quality of projects and credits under the Verra programs.
  • Working with a dynamic, committed and focused team of professionals.

You will know you are successful, if...

  • You are seen as a reliable and capable member of the team by your peers and manager.
  • You build an appreciation and respect for the challenges and opportunities faced by users of the Verra programs, and are able to effectively ensure the quality of activities certified under the Verra programs.
  • Verra stakeholders consistently express positive feedback regarding your ability to collaborate to find workable solutions to challenges they face.

You will join a team...

  • From diverse locations and backgrounds, including carbon market experts, ex-government representatives, auditors, and more.
  • Committed to driving finance to projects and programs that advance climate action and sustainable development.
  • That embodies the values Verra has established for itself, and which include Teamwork, Results, Integrity, Balance and Exploration.

Compensation at Verra

To help us attract and retain top talent, we pay employees competitively to the market. In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

  • Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance;
  • Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
  • Embody Verra’s values.

For this position, the salary range is USD $ $52,000 - $57,000

We will recognize employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions, but the bar for earning those rewards is high.

Salary is one component of Verra’s total compensation package which also includes:

  • Health, vision and dental care, and life insurance;
  • Verra contributions to each employee’s retirement plan;
  • Verra contributions as required by national labor laws in countries where staff are located;
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), sabbatical and other leave allowances; and
  • Funds to support professional development.

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