Competence.
The consultant/Consulting firm should demonstrate the following:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling basic ethical standards.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Ability to work in close collaboration with AECF staff, prioritize and meet strict deadlines.
Demonstrates capacity to plan, organize, and execute effectively.
Builds strong relationships with internal and external clients.
Demonstrated ability to function in a team environment and to deal with a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
Excellent written communication and presentation/public speaking skills focus on results, ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment.

Qualifications and experience.
Education
The Consultant/Lead consultantshould have the following qualifications:

At least a master’s degree in environmental Auditing, Carbon Finance, Climate Change Mitigation, Carbon Accounting, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering or another related discipline.

Experience
The consultant/consulting firm should have the following experience:

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in carbon finance, carbon projects design, and knowledge of the nexus of carbon finance and experience in compliance (CDM) and voluntary carbon markets (e.g. Gold standard/verra). Understanding of the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions and UNFCCC carbon markets guidelines is an added advantage.
Experience in carbon accounting, and development of GHG inventories in the Energy and Agriculture IPCC sectors.
Familiarity with international development issues, including an understanding of technical and regulatory matters in the areas of climate change, Article 6.2, 6.4 and sustainable development.
Demonstrated experience with the development of carbon finance projects in developing countries with at three similar projects conducted in the past.
Experience in undertaking Capacity Gap and Needs Assessment for carbon market readiness in developing countries. Experience working with SMEs is an added advantage.
Understanding of monitoring, reporting and verification requirements
Proven knowledge of the development of carbon markets-related guidance manuals.