Policy Manager - Carbon Markets

About the Opportunity We are working with a growing climate technology company focused on reducing agricultural methane emissions through sustainable rice farming practices. The business is expanding across Southeast Asia and is looking to appoint a Head of Policy to lead its regional carbon market access and regulatory strategy. This role will focus on securing host-country authorisations for carbon credit projects, navigating Article 6 frameworks and establishing pathways into international compliance markets, including Singapore, Japan and CORSIA. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, country teams and commercial stakeholders to support market entry across Southeast Asia. Key Responsibilities Develop and support carbon market entry strategies across Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Lead the process of securing Letters of Authorization (LoAs) from host-country governments for carbon credit projects. Build and maintain relationships with government ministries, national climate authorities, regulators and other relevant stakeholders. Navigate Article 6 requirements, including corresponding adjustments, NDC alignment and host-country approval processes. Assess regulatory developments and compliance market opportunities across Singapore, Japan and international aviation markets (CORSIA). Support the company's access to Singapore's international carbon credit framework, Japan's JCM and GX-ETS. Monitor developments in carbon credit methodologies, regulatory frameworks and international carbon standards. Represent the business at regional policy forums, government meetings and international climate events. Work closely with commercial, technical and operational teams to ensure projects meet regulatory and compliance requirements. Develop partnerships with relevant industry organisations, development institutions and local advisors to support regional expansion. Essential Requirements 5–7+ years of experience in carbon markets, climate policy, environmental governance, carbon project development or a related field. Significant professional experience working across Southeast Asia, particularly in one or more of Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand or Cambodia. Strong understanding of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, including Article 6.2, Article 6.4, ITMOs, corresponding adjustments and host-country authorisations. Practical knowledge of Letters of Authorization (LoAs), including government approval processes, regulatory requirements and relevant decision-makers. Understanding of international compliance carbon markets, particularly CORSIA, Singapore's carbon tax and international carbon credit framework, and Japan's JCM and GX-ETS, or a demonstrated ability to develop this expertise quickly. Experience engaging with government bodies, environment ministries, climate authorities or other regulatory stakeholders. Ability to interpret complex carbon market regulations and translate them into practical commercial and market entry strategies. Strong stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills. Fluent English, with the ability to work effectively across different Southeast Asian business and government environments. Preferred Experience Direct involvement in securing an LoA or equivalent host-country authorisation, ideally within Southeast Asia. Existing relationships with government ministries, Designated National Authorities (DNAs) or climate policy institutions in the region. Background in a carbon project developer, climate policy consultancy, development bank or international organisation. Experience with organisations such as GGGI, GIZ, IGES or similar institutions supporting Article 6 implementation and national carbon market frameworks. Knowledge of agricultural carbon projects, methane reduction or Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) rice farming methodologies. Familiarity with carbon standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, Isometric or JCM. Experience working in a startup or rapidly growing business. Proficiency in a Southeast Asian language or Japanese. Experience in Southeast Asian host-country carbon markets is particularly important. If interested, please apply or reach out directly to d.durham@brightsmithgroup.com