Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Senior Specialist: Carbon Tax and Emissions Trading Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated Senior Specialist to join their team in Pretoria. This is a crucial fixed-term, three-year position focused on the implementation and administration of carbon tax and emissions trading systems in South Africa.

This role offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1,317,384, reflecting the specialised nature and significant responsibilities involved in managing key environmental policy and compliance frameworks. The successful candidate will play a vital role in coordinating with various stakeholders, including SARS, to ensure robust greenhouse gas reporting and carbon tax compliance.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• A Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in Chemical Engineering, Natural or Environmental Sciences, or a relevant qualification recognised by SAQA.
• Five (5) years of experience in the relevant field.
• Knowledge of environmental and development issues (globally, regionally, and locally).
• A good understanding of emissions estimation methodologies for industrial processes.
• Ability to conduct research.
• Knowledge of independent verification processes.
• Competency in Programme and Project Management.
• Knowledge of carbon tax legislation and GHG reporting.
• Skills in data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of corporate GHG reporting frameworks, including GHG Protocol, Corporate Accounting and reporting standards, and GRI Standards.
• Good analytical and mathematical competency.
• Knowledge of Climate Change mitigation issues, including legal and policy frameworks, economics, technical aspects of low-carbon development, and carbon finance.
• Ability to gather and analyse information.
• Experience in modelling and coordination.
• Good communication (written and spoken), analytical, organisational, and report writing skills.
• Competency in Information Management.
• Demonstrated sense of responsibility and loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

The successful Senior Specialist will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the implementation and administration of the Carbon Tax.
• Coordinating with SARS for carbon tax verification processes.
• Collaborating with SARS to ensure the Carbon Tax-Carbon Budget compliance accounting system operates efficiently and errors are avoided.
• Facilitating workshops and consultations to improve reporting quality and compliance.
• Representing the department in intergovernmental and technical forums on GHG reporting and carbon tax.
• Managing and implementing data validation and verification procedures.
• Overseeing reviews of GHG emissions reports submitted by regulated entities.
• Validating data accuracy against prescribed methodologies under the Climate Change Act and Carbon Tax Act.
• Identifying discrepancies and initiating corrective actions with data providers.
• Preparing verification reports for internal use and for SARS to support carbon tax liability assessments.
• Preparing an annual report on the state of carbon tax/trading emissions accounting, including recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Implementing Quality Assurance and Quality Control measures within data systems.
• Designing and implementing robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols for emissions data.
• Conducting periodic audits of data systems and reporting processes.
• Training internal teams and external stakeholders on QA/QC standards.
• Developing Emission Methodologies.
• Guiding the development, refinement, and implementation of emissions reporting methodologies, tools, and sector-specific approaches for regulated activities.
• Providing technical guidance and clarification to industry on emissions estimation methods, data quality requirements, and reporting obligations.