Head of Market Development

Head of Market Development Lead global recognition and adoption of high‑integrity carbon markets, shaping policy, securing market access, and translating regulatory change into real‑world impact. We usually respond within a month 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 not we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and this role is only open to candidate that 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 Our department Growth Role Market Development Locations United Kingdom, South East Asia Remote status Fully Remote Employment type Full-time About Gold Standard Gold Standard is a not-for-profit organization that helps companies understand the role they should play in creating a net-zero, sustainable nature future and provides tangible ways for them to contribute. This includes investments in their value chains, carbon credits, and other mechanisms for high-integrity climate action that delivers real impact for people and nature. The Gold Standard Foundation was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs as a best practice standard to ensure projects that reduced carbon emissions under the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) also delivered sustainable development benefits. Today, our standard, ‘Gold Standard for the Global Goals’, allows climate and development initiatives within carbon markets, corporate supply chains, and sustainable finance to manage, measure and maximise their impacts toward the Net Zero ambition of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Founded in 2003 Co-workers 80+