Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Senior Specialist: Green House Gas Reporting - Industrial Processes Product Use and Waste Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is offering a Senior Specialist position for Green House Gas Reporting, specifically focusing on Industrial Processes Product Use and Waste sectors. This is a fixed-term contract for three years, based in Pretoria.

This role is vital for South Africa's environmental efforts, involving technical leadership in compiling and enhancing Green House Gas inventories and verifying carbon tax reports. It provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation strategies at a national level.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Master’s Degree (NQF9) 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, locally).
• Good understanding and knowledge of emission and sequestration processes, as well as sources and sinks in respective sectors.
• Experience in Programme and Project Management.
• Knowledge of industrial processes and their related greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ability to conduct greenhouse gas emission reviews.
• Understanding of South Africa’s greenhouse gas emission profile and climate change mitigation.
• Extensive knowledge of climate change mitigation issues, including legal and policy frameworks, barriers, economics, and technical requirements of low carbon development.
• Ability to conduct research, gather and analyse information.
• Knowledge of atmospheric chemistry and industry process applications.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis, modelling, and coordination.
• Good communication (written and spoken), analytical, organisational, and report writing skills.
• Information Management skills.
• A strong sense of responsibility and loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of critical duties, including:

• Conducting Report Verification for Carbon Tax:
• Performing technical verification and review of company-level Green House Gas (GHG) reports to support carbon tax validation processes for Industrial Processes, Product Use (IPPU), and Waste sectors.
• Assessing the completeness, accuracy, and methodological appropriateness of emissions data submitted by regulated entities.
• Evaluating verification statements and independent assessor reports to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure alignment between reported emissions, carbon tax submissions, and national inventory data.
• Providing Technical Leadership and Inventory Management for IPPU and Waste Sectors:
• Leading the development, compilation, and enhancement of Green House Gas inventories for the IPPU and Waste sectors in accordance with IPCC guidelines and UNFCCC reporting requirements.
• Overseeing methodological selection, emission factor development, and activity data management to ensure scientific robustness.
• Supporting the allocation of carbon budgets for companies in the IPPU sector.
• Supporting the development of regulations for the management of synthetic greenhouse gases.
• Conducting Green House Gas Emissions Scenario Modelling and Analysis:
• Supporting the development and application of emissions projection models for the IPPU and Waste sectors to inform national mitigation pathways.
• Analysing baseline and alternative emissions scenarios to assess the potential impact of policies, regulations, and technological interventions.
• Collaborating with modelling teams, research institutions, and partners.