Invitation to join Gold Standard’s Methodology Expert Working Groups
SUMMARY
The Gold Standard is seeking subject matter experts for the formation of Methodology Expert Group (MEGs) to make a meaningful impact on the methodology review and approval process. As a subject matter expert, you will have the opportunity to shape and refine Gold Standard methodologies, thus improving their robustness and quality. Your guidance will be vital in reviewing and approving methodology submissions and setting methodology standards and guidelines. Your insights will provide invaluable assistance to the Gold Standard Secretariat and its Technical Advisory Committees on methodological-related matters.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following working groups.
- MEG - Energy (MEG-ENE)
- MEG - Forestry & Blue Carbon (MEG-FOR)
- MEG - Agriculture (MEG-AGR)
- MEG - Digital MRV (MEG-DMRV)
- MEG - Impact reporting (MEG-IR)
Please Refer to the general Terms of References (ToR) for the Methodology Expert Groups.
Scope of MEGS
The scope for each MEG includes, but is not limited to, methodologies designed and developed for the purposes listed below.
MEG – Energy (MEG-ENE)
- Energy Production: renewable energy projects, the phase-out of traditional fossil fuel power plants, and energy storage solutions.
- Energy Usage: how energy is consumed in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Energy Efficiency: the implementation of efficient technologies or practices to reduce overall energy consumption.
- Waste Management: the treatment and management of waste, including waste-to-energy projects which convert waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel.
- Transportation: the development and implementation of clean energy solutions and efficient transport systems.
MEG – Forestry & Blue Carbon (MEG-FOR)
- Forest Management: conservation, sustainable management practices, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
- Reforestation and Afforestation: (re)establishment of forest covers in areas where forests have been destroyed or did not exist previously.
- Revegetation: (re)establishment of vegetation that does not meet forest definition.
- Agroforestry: land-use management by combining trees and/or shrubs with crops and/or livestock.
- Forest restoration: measures to restore degraded forests and improve their ecological health and productivity.
- Blue Carbon: carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems.
MEG – Agriculture (MEG-AGR)
- Crop Management: sustainable practices for crop cultivation, including the efficient use of water and fertilisers.
- Livestock Management: sustainable livestock rearing practices, including efficient feed and waste management.
- Soil Management: practices to maintain or enhance soil health and fertility, including organic farming and agroecological practices.
- Agricultural Waste Management: efficient management and utilisation of agricultural waste, including waste-to-energy projects.
- Carbon Sequestration: agriculture-based projects focused on capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, including agroforestry and soil carbon sequestration practices.
MEG – Digital MRV (MEG-DMRV)
- Digital Methodology Development: formulation, development, and improvement of digital methodologies.
- Data Management: development and promotion of secure, efficient, and reliable data management systems for collecting, storing, and processing data related to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) accounting or other environmental impact metrics.
- Integration with Existing Methodologies: incorporating digital tools and technologies into existing methodologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Digitisation of Reporting and Verification: developing methodologies for digital reporting and verification processes to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of reported data and results.
- Capacity Building: training and facilitating users and stakeholders to adopt and adapt to digital methodologies and tools in their projects.
- Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): application of remote sensing and geographical information systems for monitoring and verification.
MEG – Impact Reporting (MEG-IR)
- Adapting GHG methodologies for precise quantification, monitoring, and reporting of emissions and emission reductions at both the portfolio and company level, integrating existing project-based methodologies where possible.
- Directing the implementation of impact quantification methodologies across a variety of projects to ensure consistency and reliability in the measurement of environmental impacts.
- Developing best practice guidelines to facilitate the adoption of project-based methodologies for reporting GHG emissions and emission reductions. This involves using a simplified methodology when no product or asset will be issued.
- Incorporating globally recognised standards and protocols such as the GHG Protocol to enhance the credibility and transparency of the impact reporting process.
- Streamlining the verification process to ensure that reported data accurately reflects the environmental performance of projects or companies, even when simplified approaches are used.
- Requirements for competence
Understanding and knowledge
- Familiarity with the GS4GG procedures and modalities, especially with the methodology development processes. This includes understanding the specific standards and guidelines related to the GS4GG project.
- Recognised experience or knowledge relevant to the GS4GG project activity cycle, including understanding the project cycle stages from planning and design to implementation and monitoring.
- Familiarity with Article 6.4 principles, requirements and concepts such as additionally, baseline, leakage, permanence and other related matters.
Professional experience
- Minimum of 8 years of experience working on methodological issues related to project-based mechanisms. Ideal experience includes work on GHG accounting projects, emissions reduction, or climate change mitigation strategies relevant to the Methodology Working group's scope.
Technical competence
- Demonstrable technical/scientific expertise. This could be shown through peer-reviewed publications, ideally in the context of GHG accounting or related fields. Expertise should be in at least one of the following areas:
- Development of baseline and monitoring methodologies for GHG accounting or related projects.
- Implementation of project activities, including project design documents development, validation, monitoring, verification, and certification.
Communication skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English, including the ability to clearly and understandably communicate complex technical information.
Drafting and analytical skills
- Excellent drafting skills are required, with a proven ability to create clear and concise documents. Also, strong operational and analytical skills are required, including the ability to analyse complex data and make informed decisions.
- Ability to function effectively as a team member, contributing to group tasks and discussions.
Educational background
- Possession of an advanced university degree in a relevant field. This could include economics, energy, environmental studies, natural sciences, engineering, or any disciplines related to GHG accounting and climate change.
Deadline
The application deadline is 17/05/2024.
Application submission
- Review the expertise areas of each MEG and identify up to two MEGs that match your skills and interests.
- Submit a CV and a cover letter demonstrating your expertise and competence for each of the selected MEGs. The covering letter should highlight your experiences, skills, and qualifications relevant to the specified MEGs' scope. Note that you do not need to have expertise in all the listed areas for each MEG.
- Please submit your application(s) via the following link: BambooHR
Selection process
- Initial screening of applications
- Scheduling a call with the Secretariat for further discussion on the candidate's qualifications
- Secretariat makes a recommendation based on the discussion
- Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) makes the final decision on the appointment
- For further details on the process and modalities, please refer to the Terms of References (ToR) for the Methodology Expert Groups.