The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is inviting applications for the role of Policy Associate, Access Strategies. This is a full-time, fixed-term position running until December 2026, with the possibility of extension.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in carbon markets, climate finance, and government policy, who are eager to contribute to strengthening high-integrity voluntary carbon markets and unlocking climate finance for vulnerable countries.
Position Overview
Organisation: Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI)
Location: Global, remote-first
(Candidates based in South Asia, Africa, or Latin America are strongly encouraged to apply)
Contract Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term until December 2026
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package
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Benefits Include:
- Generous annual leave
- Private healthcare coverage
- Employer pension contributions
- Annual wellbeing allowance
- Flexible working arrangements
Due to the global nature of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to collaborate across multiple time zones.
About VCMI
VCMI is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to ensuring that voluntary carbon markets operate with integrity and contribute meaningfully to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. VCMI works closely with governments, businesses, and civil society to strengthen carbon market governance and mobilise climate finance at scale.
About the Access Strategies Program
VCMI’s Access Strategies Program supports governments in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) to engage effectively in high-integrity carbon markets. These countries often face the greatest climate risks and significant financing gaps in delivering climate-resilient infrastructure, emissions reductions, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development.
High-integrity voluntary carbon markets can play a critical role in mobilising private finance for climate solutions that generate green jobs, protect biodiversity, and deliver measurable emissions reductions and removals.
A core focus of the Access Strategies Program is VCMI’s partnership with the Climate Vulnerable Forum – Vulnerable Twenty (CVF-V20). Through this collaboration, VCMI supports member governments to integrate carbon markets into their Climate Prosperity Plans—national investment strategies designed to transform climate risks into bankable opportunities. VCMI aims to help unlock an additional US$20 billion per year in climate finance for V20 countries.
The Role
VCMI is seeking a Policy Associate, Access Strategies to join its Carbon Market Access Strategies team. The Policy Associate will contribute to key policy, analytical, and engagement workstreams, supporting government partners and collaborating with international stakeholders across the carbon market ecosystem.
This role combines policy analysis, technical assistance delivery, and stakeholder engagement, offering exposure to global climate finance initiatives and real-world implementation.
Key Responsibilities
The Policy Associate will:
- Support policy analysis and government engagement activities under the Access Strategies Program, including work with CVF-V20 member countries and external partners
- Contribute to VCMI’s knowledge-sharing, learning, and capacity-building efforts across the carbon market ecosystem
- Support the design and delivery of technical assistance projects, trainings, and workshops to help EMDEs benefit from high-integrity carbon finance
- Monitor and analyse carbon market developments, policy trends, and regulatory updates relevant to VCMI’s priorities
- Support fundraising, grant management, and reporting activities within the Access Strategies team
- Contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge products and programme outputs
- Represent VCMI externally by supporting stakeholder convenings and participating in international conferences, workshops, and events
Candidate Profile
Essential Criteria
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge and experience in carbon markets and carbon finance, including UNFCCC mechanisms and high-integrity voluntary carbon markets
- Understanding of government policy processes, with experience working in or closely with government on climate-related issues
- Strong interest in carbon finance as a mechanism for mobilising wider climate and development finance
- Familiarity with the carbon finance technical assistance ecosystem, including multilateral development banks, donors, and regional initiatives
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills in English, including strong PowerPoint proficiency
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex policy topics clearly to diverse audiences
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, cultures, and time zones
Preferred Criteria
Additional strengths include:
- Experience working on international climate or development programmes in EMDEs
- Experience supporting international convenings and stakeholder engagement on technical policy issues
- Direct experience working with government-led carbon market initiatives
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for carbon markets, including best practices related to Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and benefit-sharing
- Experience in climate finance, grant-making, contract management, or monitoring and evaluation
- Experience working across multiple regions and cultural contexts
- Additional language skills
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A CV
- A short cover letter clearly demonstrating how they meet the selection criteria
Applications should be sent to:
📧 recruitment@vcmintegrity.org
Deadline: Friday, 13 February, by 5:00 pm (local time)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.
Email subject line:
“Access Strategies Associate – Full Name”
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first-round interview, followed by a second interview focused on cultural alignment. Additional recruitment stages may be included depending on application volume.