Company Overview

Verra is a global leader helping to tackle the world's most intractable environmental and social challenges. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods and protect natural resources across the private and public sectors. We support climate action and sustainable development with standards, tools and programs that credibly, transparently and robustly assess environmental and social impacts and enable funding for sustaining and scaling up projects that verifiably deliver these benefits.

Verra manages a portfolio of standards including the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the world's leading carbon crediting program with more than 2000 registered projects in 80 countries; the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta); Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards; and the Plastic Waste Reduction Program.

Job Title

Senior Program Officer, Auditing and Accreditation

Remote Location

Remote - Worldwide (with significant overlap with US business hours)

Job Overview

Verra is seeking a Senior Program Officer to support the oversight of Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) and strengthen their capacity to conduct audits effectively and consistently under Verra programs. This role is within the Auditing and Accreditation team in Verra's Program Management Department and focuses on supporting VVB application reviews, performance observation audits, and ongoing monitoring activities.

Job Responsibilities

Monitor notifications of upcoming VVB validation and verification audits to identify opportunities for Verra to perform performance observation audits
Plan, coordinate, and conduct performance observation audits, including liaising with Verra staff, VVBs, and project proponents, and managing communications and travel logistics
Document performance observation audit findings and support follow-up activities
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries received through Verra's Auditing and Accreditation inbox, providing professional, timely, and consistent responses
Review documentation submitted by applicant VVBs to assess completeness and alignment with Verra's auditing and accreditation requirements
Review and maintain up-to-date information on VVBs across Verra systems
Maintain and analyze VVB performance data including project reviews, quality control reviews, nonconformity reports, and other tracking tools used to support VVB oversight and training opportunities
Work closely with colleagues across Verra's Program Management and other internal teams to ensure coordinated oversight of VVB performance and consistent application of Verra program rules
Support the development, maintenance, and consistent application of standard operating procedures related to Verra's Auditing and Accreditation processes
Contribute to the development and maintenance of VVB performance scorecards

Requirements

8+ years of relevant professional experience with at least 3 years working with VVBs or accreditation bodies, ideally doing GHG project certification or sustainable development project certification
A relevant university degree; an advanced degree would be advantageous
Demonstrated experience in climate change mitigation, carbon crediting programs/standards, sustainability science, and/or the Sustainable Development Goals
Strong understanding of the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating, and reporting to determine a quality system's adequacy and deficiencies
Knowledge of Verra's standards, ISO 17029, ISO 14065, ISO 14064, ISO 14066, and social auditing accreditation standards
Strong attention to detail and the ability to focus accurately and efficiently on one or multiple tasks
Demonstrated ownership of projects/initiatives from planning to completion
Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and work efficiently and effectively under deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Cultural awareness with the ability to work with stakeholders and partners from different countries and cultures
Fluency in English is essential; preference will be given to candidates with fluency in additional UN languages
Enthusiasm for and the ability to travel internationally (up to 50% of the time), conducting audits in sometimes remote and difficult conditions

Benefits

Competitive salary based on market location, knowledge, skills, and experience
Medical, vision, and dental care, and life insurance
Verra contributions to each employee's retirement plan/pension scheme with employee and employer contributions
Paid leave comprising 22-30 days vacation, 7 days of annual sick leave, holidays, and sabbatical after five years of service
Work with remote teams from diverse countries and industries
Flexible culture with autonomy
Opportunity to grow expertise through supporting performance observation audits and working collaboratively with VVBs

How to Apply

Please send us a Cover Letter (not to exceed one page) and your Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages). Verra is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our work. We actively celebrate belonging among our team members' different abilities, sexual orientations, ethnicity, faith, and gender.

Verra provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We conduct our recruitment and hiring without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact humanresources@verra.org to request accommodation.