The Carbon Specialist (Climate Operations) will be responsible for managing end-to-end processes related to carbon projects in Kenya and Rwanda. This includes overseeing research studies, ensuring regulatory compliance, preparing documentation for carbon registration, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders including internal teams, auditors, and research partners. The specialist will report to the global Climate team while collaborating with local field operations to ensure effective project execution.
The role’s overarching objective is to secure smooth and compliant management of carbon projects. By ensuring accurate monitoring and reliable data collection, the Carbon Specialist supports KOKO Networks in maintaining its carbon credit revenue streams and in navigating the evolving global carbon market landscape.
Key Responsibilities
The Carbon Specialist role is multifaceted, requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on execution. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following areas:
1. Project Cycle Management
- Designing and managing the entire registration cycle for new carbon projects, from initiation to completion.
- Collaborating with the Issuance Cycle team to oversee renewal cycles for ongoing projects, ensuring they remain compliant with current carbon market requirements.
- Assisting in planning and implementing the carbon credit issuance cycle for all active projects. This includes preparing documentation, coordinating with verification bodies, and ensuring deadlines are met.
2. Field Research Operations
- Designing and implementing baseline field studies required for compliance with international carbon methodologies.
- Working with local teams to conduct large-scale field data collection exercises. This involves training enumerators, deploying surveys, and ensuring methodological rigor in all research activities.
- Leading the execution of annual fuel consumption studies, such as Kitchen Performance Tests (KPTs), which measure the efficiency and impact of clean cooking interventions.
- Coordinating directly with independent third-party audit agencies during field verifications, ensuring smooth logistics and data availability.
3. Data Quality and Analysis
- Creating and managing specialized spreadsheets and statistical models for carbon projects in alignment with Carbon Sampling and Survey Guidelines.
- Conducting statistical analyses of collected data, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and robustness in results.
- Designing and executing quality assurance processes to identify errors, verify sampling integrity, and ensure data validity.
- Maintaining detailed records and documentation of all research activities to meet audit and regulatory requirements.
4. Reporting and Documentation
- Preparing analytical research reports based on field findings, supporting both registration and issuance cycles.
- Drafting technical documents for submission to carbon crediting bodies and international auditors.
- Documenting all methodologies, processes, and results in a systematic manner to ensure traceability and compliance.
5. Stakeholder Coordination
- Supporting the onboarding, training, and capacity building of local field teams and enumerators.
- Collaborating closely with internal teams across KOKO Networks to ensure climate projects are aligned with broader business objectives.
- Managing relationships with external partners, including NGOs, research institutions, auditors, and verification agencies.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for queries related to carbon project design and field implementation.
6. Strategic Planning and Risk Management
- Monitoring changes in carbon market regulations and standards, particularly those affecting clean cooking projects.
- Conducting regulatory risk assessments to ensure KOKO remains compliant and competitive.
- Providing recommendations to the Climate team on strategic adjustments needed to navigate evolving frameworks in global carbon markets.
Role Significance
The importance of the Carbon Specialist cannot be overstated. Carbon credits form a critical revenue stream for KOKO Networks, enabling the company to sustain and expand its clean cooking initiatives. Effective monitoring, reporting, and verification are essential not only for compliance but also for maintaining credibility in international carbon markets.
By ensuring accurate and transparent project management, the Carbon Specialist safeguards KOKO’s position as a recognized global leader in climate technology. The work undertaken by this role directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions, improving household energy systems, and supporting global climate goals.
Moreover, this position bridges the gap between on-the-ground data collection in rural households and the sophisticated requirements of carbon auditors and regulators. It combines technical expertise, statistical analysis, and stakeholder engagement into a role that is both operational and strategic.
Work Environment
The Carbon Specialist will be part of KOKO’s Climate team, which functions across geographies and time zones. The role requires frequent collaboration with field teams in Kenya and Rwanda, while also interacting with global colleagues and external auditors.
The work is fast-paced, intellectually demanding, and highly impactful. Given the cross-functional nature of the position, the Carbon Specialist will have exposure to multiple aspects of KOKO’s business, from fuel delivery systems to carbon crediting methodologies.
This position is well-suited to individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, are adept at problem-solving, and are committed to advancing sustainability in practical, measurable ways.
Application Process
KOKO Networks welcomes applications from qualified individuals who meet the requirements outlined in this job description. The organization is committed to gender and racial diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the official platform provided by KOKO Networks.
