(Senior) Specialist, Carbon Projects Risk

South Pole is a global climate solutions company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a climate-smart society. Since 2006, we've turned climate action into real-world impact — developing and financing emission-reduction projects, advising organizations on their path to net zero, and building one of the world's largest portfolios of carbon and renewable energy projects.

From our roots as an ETH Zurich spin-off to teams across the globe, we work with Fortune 500 companies, governments, foundations and NGOs to tackle the climate challenge from every angle: carbon finance, renewable energy, sustainable land use, climate strategy and beyond.

Join us and help build a more sustainable future — one project, one partnership, one climate solution at a time.

Job summary

The (Senior) Specialist, Carbon Projects Risk supports three core workstreams of South Pole’s second-line risk function: first-level risk assessments of carbon projects, first-level KYC screening of project partners, and the continuous improvement of processes and tools to optimize team efficiency and deliverables. Reporting to the Director, Risk, this role will collaborate closely with the wider Risk team and stakeholders across the company.

This role requires strong analytical capabilities and prior experience conducting risk assessments, ideally within carbon markets, climate, or sustainability sectors. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to synthesize complex data and information into clear, actionable insights.

What you'll do

• Risk Assessment: Conduct first-level integrity risk assessments of carbon projects against our internal standards using dedicated assessment tools. Identify and evaluate the project risks to enable the second-level assessment team to make informed decisions and strategic recommendations.

• KYC Screening: Perform first-level KYC screenings of carbon project partners and other third parties to ensure compliance with our risk thresholds.

• Reporting: Draft client-facing integrity summaries, ensuring high-quality and consistent documentation of findings.

• Stakeholder Management: Lead the interface between the Risk function and the Portfolio team, managing the pipeline of incoming requests and providing first-level support for standard inquiries.

• Process & Tool Optimization: Support the enhancement, standardization and rollout of integrity assessment and KYC-related processes and tools. Proactively propose new solutions to optimize team efficiency and deliverables.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams, rating agencies, verification bodies, and other stakeholders to gather relevant insights for integrity risk assessments.

• Documentation: Maintain accurate documentation and records of integrity risk assessments, findings, and recommendations.

• Ad-Hoc Support: Execute additional tasks including data compilation, analysis, slide-deck preparation or others related duties.

What we're looking for

• A bachelor's degree. While a background in environmental science, sustainability, climate change, or a related field is a bonus, we welcome candidates from any academic background who possess a strong analytical mindset.

• 2-5 years of professional experience. Excellent analytical capabilities with a proven ability to synthesise data and information into actionable insights. Experience in conducting risk assessments, preferably in the context of environmental projects or sustainability initiatives, is a bonus.

• A highly diligent approach with a strong attention to detail, which is necessary for maintaining accurate documentation and conducting thorough integrity risk assessments.

• A proactive, structured and independent work ethic. You are naturally curious and eager to learn.

• Proficiency with spreadsheets and comfortable with data analysis.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for drafting reports, collaborating with stakeholders, and presenting findings and recommendations.

• Fluency in English (other languages are a bonus).

Nice to have:

• Experience working with carbon projects, environmental auditing, risk assessment, or a related field.

• Familiarity with international carbon markets, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability standards.

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 and 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.