Head of Market Development

Head of Market Development

Closing Date: 1st August 2026

Location:  UK or South-East Asia (remote working)

Contract Type: 2 year fixed term contract.

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and this role is only open to candidatesthat have the legal to right to work in the stated countries / region.

As carbon markets rapidly transition across voluntary, compliance, and regulatory systems, we are looking for a Head of Market Development to shape how these markets evolve, not just how we operate within them.

This is a role for someone already recognised in carbon markets, climate policy, or sustainable finance, but who wants greater influence. You’ll work at the intersection of government, market access, and strategy, translating complex, fast-moving developments into clear direction and decisive action.

You’ll build trust at the highest levels, navigate ambiguity with confidence, and play a critical role in strengthening Gold Standard’s position as a leader in high-integrity carbon markets.

We’re not looking for someone who has done everything before. We’re looking for someone who sees where markets are going and has the credibility, judgement, and instinct to help shape what comes next.

If you’re ready to influence the future of carbon markets at system level, this is that opportunity.

ABOUT THE MARKET DEVELOPMENT TEAM

The Market Development team is responsible for ensuring that Gold Standard remains a recognised, credible, and relevant standard within the evolving global carbon market landscape. Operating at the intersection of external market dynamics and internal delivery, the team plays a critical role in translating regulatory developments, policy changes, and market shifts into actionable organisational priorities.

Functioning as a strategic bridge, the team connects developments across governments, regulatory frameworks, market intermediaries, and data infrastructure with Gold Standard’s internal systems, including standards, registry, assurance, and broader operational delivery. Through this, the team ensures that external market requirements are effectively integrated into how the organisation operates and evolves.

At its core, the team’s mandate is to secure recognition for Gold Standard within compliance and regulatory schemes, enable sustained market access for project developers, and provide the organisation with clear direction in response to increasingly complex market and policy environments.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

You will lead how and where Gold Standard competes in global carbon markets.

Market Access, Influence & Recognition

• Shape how governments and regulators define eligibility, quality, and market mechanisms

• Build and influence senior relationships across governments, multilaterals, and key market actors

Policy, Strategy & Focus

• Define Gold Standard’s positioning across Article 6, CORSIA, and emerging compliance markets

• Drive disciplined prioritisation in complex environments — focusing effort where it protects access, unlocks demand, or mitigates risk

Compliance Markets & Infrastructure

• Lead strategy across Article 6, CORSIA, and selected domestic pathways

• Enable execution: authorisation models, ITMO use cases, corresponding adjustments, and reporting frameworks

Market Growth & Demand Creation

• Unlock new demand and buyer-country engagement for high-integrity credits

• Ensure continued access to climate finance by keeping Gold Standard credible, recognised, and usable in evolving systems

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• Strong track record in carbon markets, climate policy, or regulated environments

• Experience influencing governments, regulators, or key market actors

• Proven ability to shape policy or market outcomes at senior level

Capability

• Deep understanding of market dynamics, regulation, and stakeholder ecosystems

• Translates complexity into clear strategy, priorities, and action

• Exercises sharp judgement in fast-moving, high-stakes contexts

• Credible and trusted with senior external stakeholders

Behavioural Profile

• Opportunity-driven, proactive operator

• Decisive, strategic, and disciplined in prioritisation

• Thrives in ambiguity and shifting environments

• Influences effectively without formal authority

• Balances risk awareness with pace and action

Desirable

• Article 6, CORSIA, or compliance-market implementation experience

• Strong networks across Asia, buyer/host countries, or multilaterals

• Exposure to carbon market infrastructure (registries, exchanges, ratings, etc.)

• Experience working in or with the Global South