Call for experts – Carbon removals and carbon credits

ECOS is an international NGO with a network of members and experts advocating for environmentally-friendly technical standards, policies and laws. With 20 years of experience, ECOS represents over 50 national and European members, including the European Environmental Bureau, Friends of the Earth Europe, Transport & Environment and WWF. ECOS is a partner organisation of the standardisation organisations CEN and CENELEC, a member of ETSI and a liaison organisation to IEC & ISO.

GHG emissions are reaching an all-time high globally. In the EU, high expectation and emphasis have been placed on carbon removals as part of mitigation strategies. On the one hand, on industrial removals which still only exist at very low scale, and on the other, on nature-based solutions which may not provide enough certainty of permanence and may have detrimental effects on biodiversity. In addition, carbon storage in products such as construction materials (timber, concrete) and biochar are also considered. This context requires robust carbon removal certification methodologies and governance to ensure carbon removals are conducted in a reliable and responsible manner, in addition to preventing the risks of greenwashing, harm to the environment and mitigation deterrence, particularly from carbon offsets.

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

• Carbon removal certification methodologies (including one or more among the following: nature-based, carbon farming, industrial removals, carbon stored in products)
• Climate mitigation governance, UNFCCC mechanisms and processes.
• Carbon credits and offset mechanisms
• Accounting and reporting of GHG emissions

The nominated experts will:

• Participate in technical meetings (possibly of ISO and CEN) to promote ECOS position;
• Prepare technical input through official comments and contribution to ECOS position papers and publications
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager and Programme Officer;
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed.

ECOS offers:

• A daily fee for preparation of meetings, participation and reporting, as well as other relevant tasks;
• Reimbursement of travel costs;
• 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 Thea Lyngseth (thea.lyngseth@ecostandard.org). Candidates are invited to apply as soon as possible as applications will be assessed by the secretariat on a rolling basis, applying ECOS procurement policy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.