Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets (CGCM) is hiring a Programme Associate (Remote) £40,000 salary – Exciting opportunity / Apply by 4 March 2026!
As the world races to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet ambitious climate goals, voluntary carbon markets have emerged as a key tool for accelerating climate action. At the heart of making these markets effective, credible, and impactful is strong institutional support and analytical capability. One role that embodies both strategic insight and operational excellence is the Programme Associate with the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets (CGCM).
This blog explores what the role entails, why it matters in the broader climate landscape, and what aspiring sustainability professionals should know about this unique career opportunity.
Understanding the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets
The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets (CGCM) is a government-led initiative co-chaired by Kenya, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, with additional member states joining the effort. The Coalition’s mandate is to foster high-integrity, scalable voluntary carbon markets — spaces where companies and investors can use carbon credits with confidence that they fund real, measurable climate benefits.
The Coalition operates against the backdrop of global efforts to mobilize capital for climate solutions while ensuring robust environmental and social standards. Its success depends on two pillars: market integrity and effective engagement across governments, private sector actors, and civil society.
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The Role: Programme Associate — What It Involves
The Programme Associate role is designed to be the operational backbone of the Coalition’s strategic workstreams. It combines analytical rigor with stakeholder engagement, governance support, and reporting functions.
The position is full-time and remote-first, reflecting modern global work patterns and the Coalition’s commitment to diverse geographic representation. While flexible, preferred locations include London, Paris, and Nairobi. The role offers competitive compensation adjusted for experience.
Below are the three key functional areas of the job:
1. Analytical Insight and Strategic Tracking
One of the standout responsibilities of a Programme Associate is turning complex data and information into actionable insights. This includes collecting qualitative and quantitative data related to the Coalition’s strategic priorities, then synthesizing it into structured notes and briefs for senior leadership and member governments.
The role acts as a translator between data and decision-makers: spotting trends in policy developments, identifying strategic opportunities, and maintaining trackers that measure progress. These insights guide both planning and engagement execution.
2. Country Engagement and Stakeholder Support
The Programme Associate also plays a key role in preparing engagement materials for the Coalition’s work with governments and partners, including:
- Tailored briefing packs for specific countries
- Stakeholder mapping to understand relationships and priorities
- Synthesis of bilateral discussions with clear follow-up actions
Maintaining engagement tracking ensures commitments are logged, responsibilities are followed through, and opportunities for collaboration are surfaced. This ensures consistency in how the Coalition interacts with member governments and stakeholders.
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3. Supporting Governance and Programme Management
Operational support is a critical backbone for the Coalition’s governance function. Responsibilities include:
- Keeping action logs and decision trackers up to date
- Preparing and following up on internal Secretariat meetings
- Drafting briefings and background papers
- Ensuring accurate documentation and institutional memory
Far from being “paper-pushing,” this role ensures that administrative and strategic threads of the Coalition’s work are seamlessly connected and accessible.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
The ideal Programme Associate combines analytical capability, communication skills, and operational savvy, including:
- Experience in programme or project management in policy, consulting, or related fields
- Comfort with structured data, trackers, and analytical tools
- Strong written communication with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results under deadlines
- A collaborative and adaptable working style
This role is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals passionate about climate policy, market mechanisms, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Why This Role Matters
The Programme Associate position is more than a job — it’s a gateway into the heart of international climate action. Voluntary carbon markets play a meaningful role in mobilizing funds for decarbonization and sustainability efforts. Strong, credible institutions like the Coalition — and the professionals who support them — ensure these markets operate with integrity, transparency, and real impact.
For aspiring sustainability professionals, this role offers hands-on exposure to international policy ecosystems, strategic programme delivery, and cross-sector relationships that shape future career opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Programme Associate role at CGCM represents an exciting intersection of analytical work, programme coordination, and climate governance. It’s a reminder that climate action isn’t just about science or activism — it’s also about building systems, tracking progress, and ensuring all voices are heard in crafting equitable, effective solutions.
For those passionate about sustainability and ready to contribute to high-integrity carbon markets, this is a role that offers both growth and meaningful impact.
