Managing Consultant, Policy & Strategy, Africa

South Pole seeks a Managing Consultant for Policy & Strategy in Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This mid-level role involves managing consulting assignments related to climate policy and carbon markets, focusing on public and private sector clients. Responsibilities include proposal development, project management, stakeholder engagement, and creating high-quality reports. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of experience in climate-related fields.
South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Job summary:

We seek a dynamic and knowledgeable Managing Consultant to join our team in Africa. This mid-level position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful work in climate policy and carbon markets, on internal advisory assignments as well as consultancy proposals and mandates while advancing South Pole’s mission of enabling climate action.

As a key member of our Policy & Strategy (P&S) team, you will focus on areas such as carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, CORSIA and broader climate policy initiatives in Africa. The successful candidate will help shape strategies and advisory work both for public and private sector clients, supporting them in achieving their climate goals through innovative and effective solutions. The Consultant will ensure the timely delivery of high-quality advisory assignments to international, regional and local South Pole clients on carbon market developments, climate policy and Article 6, among others.

The Consultant will also collaborate with teams in the Certificates business line on market developments relating to Article 6, compliance markets and carbon regulations more broadly, and support with engaging both public and private sector stakeholders to advance the development of carbon assets.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

In this role you will:
• Manage consulting assignments from the screening, proposal stage and throughout their entire project cycle: initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and implementation of advisory assignments for the corporate and public sector on climate policy topics such as carbon market instruments, CORSIA, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, among others.
• Ensure highly efficient and high-quality implementation of internal South Pole assignments.
• Contribute to the development of South Pole’s thought leadership activities, services, products, marketing materials and offerings.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and develop knowledge tools on carbon markets, in particular compliance markets and Article 6 to strengthen South Pole’s carbon project sourcing and development.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to advance the development of carbon assets
• Prepare high-quality reports, policy briefs, and presentations for diverse clients and internal/external stakeholders.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in climate policy, carbon markets, and related areas at the domestic, regional, and global levels to deliver cutting-edge advice and strategies in key markets.

Requirements:

Essential -

To succeed in this position, you must have:
• A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Climate Policy, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate projects, climate policy, carbon markets, or related areas.
• Understanding of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and its implications for NDC ambition and carbon markets.
• Experience with compliance and/or voluntary carbon markets
• Proven ability to analyze complex climate policies and develop practical, strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis and policy evaluation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as Google Suite applications.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English, in addition, (excellent oral and written skills in French would be highly preferred )
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment.
• Excellent writing skills, with proven expertise in creating and reviewing high-quality written documents (proposals and deliverables);

Desirable -
• A demonstrated commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.
• Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with clients and stakeholders, as well as with internally.
• Demonstrable organizational and project management skills.
• Experience in developing carbon assets
• Experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-geography context.
• Mastery of French, in addition to English will be highly preferred.

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation.

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make; South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.