Application Guide
How to Apply for Vice President, Environmental Resources Trust (ERT)
at Winrock International
🏢 About Winrock International
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that blends innovative environmental solutions with social and agricultural development, operating globally to tackle climate change and poverty. Its Environmental Resources Trust (ERT) manages high-integrity carbon crediting programs like the American Carbon Registry (ACR) and Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), making it a leader in shaping market-based climate solutions. Working here offers the chance to influence global carbon market rules while advancing sustainable development.
About This Role
As VP of ERT, you will lead strategic planning and business development to ensure financial sustainability and mission impact, while driving policy advocacy for high-integrity carbon markets. You'll represent Winrock in high-stakes forums, shape international carbon accounting standards, and oversee the growth of ACR and ART programs. This role is impactful because it directly influences the integrity and effectiveness of carbon markets that channel finance to climate mitigation projects worldwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual meeting with the ACR team to review a new methodology proposal, followed by a call with a government official in Latin America about ART crediting. Afternoon could involve preparing for a panel at a climate conference, then reviewing a policy brief on ICVCM criteria. You'll also spend time on strategic planning, budget oversight, and mentoring your leadership team, all while monitoring global carbon market news.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Winrock International Is Looking For
- A seasoned leader with 14+ years in senior management roles specifically in climate policy and carbon markets, preferably with experience in both nonprofit and private sectors.
- Deep technical expertise in GHG accounting, UNFCCC processes, CORSIA, ICVCM, and other carbon market frameworks, with a proven track record of shaping policy.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, build coalitions among diverse stakeholders (governments, NGOs, industry), and manage a high-performing team.
- Excellent communicator and thought leader, comfortable as a public spokesperson and adept at translating technical issues for policy and business audiences.
📝 Tips for Applying to Winrock International
Tailor your resume to highlight specific leadership roles in carbon market policy development, such as influencing UNFCCC decisions or CORSIA rules, with quantifiable outcomes.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with ACR or ART programs, or similar high-integrity crediting mechanisms, to show you understand Winrock's unique value.
Demonstrate your ability to balance mission and financial sustainability by providing examples of strategic plans that grew revenue while maintaining program integrity.
Showcase your network and relationships with key players in carbon markets (e.g., ICVCM, VCMI, governments) to prove you can hit the ground running in policy advocacy.
Prepare a brief vision statement for ERT's next 3-5 years, addressing challenges like market fragmentation, integrity concerns, and technological innovation, and include it as an attachment or in the cover letter.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your senior leadership experience in carbon markets and climate policy, with specific examples of shaping rules or standards.', "Highlight your familiarity with Winrock's crediting programs (ACR, ART) and how your expertise can advance their integrity and market adoption.", 'Demonstrate your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and navigate political dynamics, citing examples from international forums.', "Express passion for high-integrity climate solutions and how your values align with Winrock's mission of sustainable development."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the latest ACR and ART program documents, including methodologies, recent project approvals, and any public feedback on their integrity.
- → Study Winrock's annual reports and strategic plans to understand its organizational priorities and how ERT fits into the broader mission.
- → Analyze recent developments in carbon market governance, such as ICVCM's CCP labels and CORSIA's phase two, to identify opportunities and threats for ERT.
- → Read about Winrock's key competitors (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard) and how ERT differentiates itself in the market.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid focusing only on technical carbon accounting without demonstrating leadership and strategic vision for the entire ERT business.
- Don't overlook the 'remote' nature of the role; emphasize your experience managing distributed teams and working across time zones.
- Never submit a generic application; ensure every part of your resume and cover letter directly references Winrock, ACR, ART, and specific carbon market policies.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Winrock International!