Zero Deforestation Certification & Incentives Expert - Colombia
We are searching for an experienced Zero Deforestation Certification & Incentives Expert - Colombia at our Colombia facility.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme aims to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to partner countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate goals while supporting poverty alleviation. Within the Climate Policy sector, UK PACT Colombia aims to support the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) in defining Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for deforestation-free supply chains; establishing certification criteria that operationalise environmental commitments within existing national quality schemes to support the adoption of sustainable practices by companies and producers.
UK PACT Colombia is seeking a qualified Zero Deforestation Certification & Incentives Expert to be contracted for a short-term to develop a robust, feasible, and inclusive framework for the Environmental Seal that integrates zero deforestation criteria for the livestock category, and a clear governance mechanism for implementation, validation, adoption, and positioning in international markets following guidelines such as the United Kingdom Forest Risk Commodities (UK FRC) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), enabling commodities complying with zero deforestation regulations to access markets with added value. The consultancy also aims to develop a proposal for incentives for livestock producers obtaining the Environmental Seal.
This short-term assignment will be based in Colombia, ideally in Bogotá, for specific services to be delivered by a fixed term beginning as soon as possible, likely from late February until 31 March 2026 (pending contracting and availability).
The expert will work closely with MinAmbiente to do the following:
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme aims to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to partner countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate goals while supporting poverty alleviation. Within the Climate Policy sector, UK PACT Colombia aims to support the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) in defining Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for deforestation-free supply chains; establishing certification criteria that operationalise environmental commitments within existing national quality schemes to support the adoption of sustainable practices by companies and producers.
UK PACT Colombia is seeking a qualified Zero Deforestation Certification & Incentives Expert to be contracted for a short-term to develop a robust, feasible, and inclusive framework for the Environmental Seal that integrates zero deforestation criteria for the livestock category, and a clear governance mechanism for implementation, validation, adoption, and positioning in international markets following guidelines such as the United Kingdom Forest Risk Commodities (UK FRC) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), enabling commodities complying with zero deforestation regulations to access markets with added value. The consultancy also aims to develop a proposal for incentives for livestock producers obtaining the Environmental Seal.
This short-term assignment will be based in Colombia, ideally in Bogotá, for specific services to be delivered by a fixed term beginning as soon as possible, likely from late February until 31 March 2026 (pending contracting and availability).
The expert will work closely with MinAmbiente to do the following:
- Draft a proposal of revised criteria and verification indicators compatible with small and medium livestock producers and aligned with the MRV methodology, based on a technical and legal diagnosis of the Colombian Environmental Seal for sustainable cattle and buffalo livestock and an analysis of its alignment with national commitments to zero deforestation and relevant international regulations. The document must include a proposal of revised criteria and verification indicators compatible with small and medium agricultural producers, as well as technical inputs for the public consultation process (technical sheets, methodology and format for systematizing comments).
- Design a governance and institutional strengthening plan to ensure effective adoption and transparency of the zero deforestation criteria to be included in the Colombian Green Seal for sustainable cattle and buffalo livestock.
- Develop a proposal for a portfolio of potential financial and non-financial incentives for producers obtaining the Environmental Seal and a tiered incentive mechanism whereby higher levels of compliance with the Seal translate into greater benefits for Seal holders. Facilitate a workshop with relevant stakeholders for socialization and feedback on the incentives to ensure effective adoption and international positioning.
- Revision of potential international markets for Colombian zero-deforestation livestock products that could recognise or align with the Colombian green seal.
- The expert deployment will need to ensure that workshop/event venues, stakeholder engagement sessions, and communication and information content are accessible, inclusive and respectful of gender, race, ethnic and disability backgrounds. Taking responsibility for integrating these considerations is part of the service expected.
- Senior-level professional experience in environmental certification, sustainability standards, or regulatory frameworks.
- An advanced degree in Environmental Law, Environmental Management, or related fields would be desirable.
- Demonstrated experience with ICONTEC, ISO standards, or sustainability seals. Also desirable to include knowledge of international environmental recognition standards (EUDR; Rainforest Alliance, ISO 14024, etc.) related to sustainable livestock and cattle ranching.
- A strong understanding of Colombia’s public institutions is essential. Proven ability to design and adapt certification criteria for small and medium agricultural producers.
- Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder governance processes.
- Strong coordination and facilitation skills with government, private sector, and civil society actors to include experience with workshop/event coordination.
- Prior experience with public consultation processes is desired.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish. An intermediate level of English is required for reporting purpose
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.