Policy Lead, Forest Carbon Markets at UNOPS: A Global Climate Leadership Opportunity|Deadline 19 May 2026
As global attention intensifies around climate action, forest conservation, and sustainable development, international organizations are increasingly seeking experts capable of shaping high-impact environmental policy initiatives. One of the most significant remote opportunities currently available is the Policy Lead, Forest Carbon Markets position with UNOPS under the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP).
This home-based role offers experienced professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to international forest governance, REDD+ implementation, and climate finance coordination while collaborating with governments, development partners, and global institutions.
About UNOPS and the FCLP
UNOPS works globally to help partners implement sustainable development, climate action, peacebuilding, and humanitarian initiatives. Operating in more than 130 countries, the organization supports governments, UN agencies, and international institutions through project management and operational services.
The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) was launched during COP27 to accelerate efforts aimed at halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030. The partnership includes 39 member countries representing more than 35% of the world’s forests and approximately 60% of global GDP.
FCLP focuses on:
- Forest conservation and restoration
- Climate mitigation strategies
- Sustainable land use
- Rural transformation
- International climate collaboration
- High-integrity forest carbon markets
The initiative is supported by a Secretariat managed under the oversight of UNOPS.
Overview of the Policy Lead Role
The Policy Lead, Forest Carbon Markets will coordinate and strengthen FCLP’s collective action related to forest carbon markets and REDD+ initiatives. The position operates under the supervision of the Deputy Director – Policy and involves extensive collaboration with governments, NGOs, technical experts, and civil society organizations.
This remote consultancy is particularly suited to professionals with expertise in:
- Climate policy
- Environmental governance
- REDD+ implementation
- Carbon market regulation
- Land-use governance
- International climate negotiations
- Sustainable development policy
The consultant will help facilitate policy alignment and support collaborative action among FCLP member countries.
Key Responsibilities of the Position
The role combines strategic policy leadership, international coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Strategic and Policy Leadership
The selected candidate will provide technical guidance and policy expertise to support FCLP member countries and their forest carbon market ambitions.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting policy development related to forest carbon markets
- Drafting technical reports and high-level briefing documents
- Providing analysis on international climate and forest governance
- Assisting with annual workplan development and implementation
- Supporting policy coherence across member initiatives
This aspect of the role requires deep knowledge of climate policy frameworks and jurisdictional REDD+ systems.
Coordination and Programme Delivery
The consultant will coordinate member engagement and facilitate collaboration across various FCLP workstreams.
Core coordination duties include:
- Organizing meetings and stakeholder consultations
- Monitoring workplan implementation
- Tracking collective actions and progress
- Supporting internal alignment across FCLP functions
- Ensuring effective communication among members and partners
Strong organizational and diplomatic skills are essential for managing this complex international coordination environment.
Partnerships and Inclusive Engagement
The Policy Lead will support collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, philanthropic institutions, and technical partners.
Key partnership responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the J-REDD+ Coalition
- Maintaining stakeholder relationships
- Supporting equitable participation among member countries
- Facilitating cross-sector collaboration
- Promoting inclusive climate governance approaches
This role requires a strong understanding of multilateral engagement and coalition-building.
Focus on Forest Carbon Markets and REDD+
A major focus of the consultancy involves advancing high-integrity forest carbon markets and jurisdictional REDD+ programmes.
The successful candidate should demonstrate expertise in areas such as:
- Results-based climate finance
- Carbon rights and benefit-sharing
- Environmental law and governance
- Land tenure systems
- Public-private partnerships
- Climate finance implementation
- Forest conservation policy
Professionals with experience working in tropical forest countries will be particularly valuable to the initiative.
Required Qualifications and Experience
UNOPS seeks candidates with both technical expertise and strong international collaboration skills.
Key qualifications include:
- Advanced university degree in environment, policy, law, economics, or related fields
- Minimum five years of relevant professional experience
- Experience working on climate change or REDD+ initiatives
- Strong understanding of forest carbon markets
- Excellent policy drafting and analytical abilities
- Experience engaging with government institutions
- Strong stakeholder diplomacy and communication skills
- Experience supporting events such as UNFCCC COPs or Climate Weeks
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required, while French language skills are considered an advantage.
Why This Opportunity Is Important
The Policy Lead position represents a unique opportunity for climate and environmental professionals seeking to contribute to global forest governance and sustainable development efforts.
Global Climate Impact
The role supports one of the most important international partnerships focused on ending deforestation and accelerating climate action.
High-Level International Collaboration
The consultant will work with:
- Government ministers
- International organizations
- Climate negotiators
- Civil society leaders
- Technical and financial partners
This provides significant exposure to global climate diplomacy and policy processes.
Remote and Flexible Working Environment
As a home-based consultancy, the role offers professionals the flexibility to contribute globally while working remotely.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Ethical Standards
UNOPS is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusive recruitment practices. The organization encourages applications from women, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
UNOPS also maintains strict standards regarding ethics, safeguarding, and professional conduct, including zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, or discrimination.
Application Information
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the closing date of 19 May 2026.
Applications can be completed through the official UNOPS recruitment portal:
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Final Thoughts
The Policy Lead, Forest Carbon Markets role at UNOPS offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced environmental policy professionals to influence global climate and forest governance initiatives.
With responsibilities spanning REDD+ coordination, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and international climate collaboration, this consultancy combines strategic leadership with meaningful environmental impact. For professionals passionate about climate finance, sustainable land use, and global forest conservation, this position represents a highly influential and rewarding career opportunity.
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