Low-carbon cement and concrete in Africa

Application deadline: 18/02/2026

ECOS is undertaking a project aimed at promoting uptake of low-carbon construction materials through standards and green public procurement with a key focus on cement and concrete. The implementation of this project is anchored on collaboration and creating synergies with national partners and stakeholders in the target countries – Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

Project objectives

1. Promote a robust standards framework for construction materials on cement and concrete. A main focus is on promoting the uptake of performance-based standards as well as ensuring a much better fit between existing standards and locally available materials (e.g. clays, biomass ashes, mining waste) both within and beyond Portland cement-based systems
2. The work focuses on mapping and analysing existing initiatives and local best practices, developing robust and actionable policy recommendations, and raising awareness among relevant institutions and key stakeholders, in close cooperation with local partners.

Expert profile

Environmentally ambitious policies and standards are needed to ensure that the construction boom in Africa will serve as a key driver for the uptake of green cement and concrete technologies, compatible with a climate neutral future. We are looking for experts to help us secure an ambitious and effective decarbonisation pathway for the future cement and concrete value chain. 

Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate in-depth technical and scientific knowledge on one or more of the following areas: 

• Technologies and processes for the production and supply of cement and concrete and/or substituting materials, such as bio-based materials.
• Circularity of cement and concrete, including fostering use of secondary raw materials tailored to the local context and industries.
• Cement and concrete material innovations (e.g., new recipes for low-carbon cement).
• International, regional and national buildings codes and standards concerning the production of cement and/or the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure using concrete and/or alternative materials.
• National and/or regional policies relevant to the development of national/regional standards on construction materials.
• National and/or regional policies in relation to the green public procurement of construction materials (e.g. addressing GHG emissions reduction or circularity) including their interaction with whole-life carbon requirements).
• Design-related methods relevant to regional construction materials and procurement practices (e.g. material efficiency, material substitution, design for disassembly, adaptability).

Depending on the applications and expertise of the candidates, ECOS might consider hiring more than one expert to ensure a proper balance of expertise between the different subjects (e.g. policies vs. standards); or an adequate representation across the different target countries (i.e. Kenya, Ghana, South Africa).  

Depending on the project implementation and expertise, the scope of the assignment for the nominated experts could include:

• Conduct critical analysis of technical reports, policy papers, and existing legislation related to the standards at national, regional or continental levels, building codes and public procurement.
• Draft technical papers supporting the implementation of the project’s objectives, in cooperation with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager(s) and potentially help with their dissemination (e.g. presentations)
• Participate in technical meetings of relevant regional (e.g. ARSO) and national standardisation bodies to represent ECOS position.  
• Participate in relevant policy meetings and stakeholder platforms to represent ECOS position in relation to Green Public Procurement
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS (Senior) Programme Manager. 
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed. 

In line with the ECOS internal policies we seek to collaborate with experts that are independent from commercial interests. Therefore, we urge all interested expert(s) to flag any potential conflicts of interests when applying.

ECOS offers:

Depending on the specific assignments, we foresee:

• A daily fee for preparation of meetings, participation and reporting, as well as other relevant tasks; 
• If relevant a fee in the form of a lump sum for a specified deliverable (e.g. research and report);
• Reimbursement of travel costs in line with ECOS travel policy and project requirements;
• Per diem to cover accommodation and subsistence costs. 

Please send your CV and cover letter indicating relevant areas of expertise according to the above, outlining your motivation, and demonstrating your suitability to support and represent ECOS to marxine.waite@ecostandard.org before 18 February 2026 at 00:01 (CET). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.