Microcredential Developer; Short

Microcredential Developer - Nature-Based Coastal Restoration & Blue Carbon

📍 Remote | Contract until April 30, 2026

Ottawa Education Group creates workforce development programs that bridge the gap between skilled professionals and career opportunities in Canada. We're developing and deploying specialized training for the emerging blue economy sector.

We're seeking an expert in coastal restoration and carbon markets to develop a practical microcredential course:
Nature-Based Coastal Restoration and Blue Carbon Project Development
.

This program will train professionals to design, implement, and finance high‑integrity blue carbon and coastal resilience projects that deliver measurable climate, biodiversity, and community outcomes.

Module 1:
Coastal Ecosystems & Climate Resilience

• Mangroves, seagrass, and salt marsh ecology
• Ecosystem services and coastal protection
• Climate adaptation and nature‑based solutions

Module 2:
Mangrove Restoration Science & Practice

• Site selection and hydrological assessment
• Restoration techniques and best practices
• Community engagement and social considerations
• Risk factors and adaptive management

Module 3:
Blue Carbon Accounting & MRV

• Carbon stock assessment methodologies
• Baseline establishment and additionality
• Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems
• Permanence and leakage considerations

Module 4:
Carbon Standards & Markets

• Verra VCS, Gold Standard, and other registries
• Article 6 and international mechanisms
• Market dynamics and pricing
• Integrity issues and best practices

Module 5:
Project Finance & Community Models

• Revenue models and financial structuring
• Benefit‑sharing mechanisms
• Community‑based governance models
• Scaling and replication strategies

• One‑page career overview profiling blue carbon and restoration roles, responsibilities, and daily tasks for positions in conservation and mangrove restoration and nature‑based solutions and coastal resilience (informs VR program development)
• 5 detailed training modules with learning objectives and practical exercises
• Branded facilitator and participant guides
• Evaluation tools (pre/post skill assessments, engagement surveys, feedback forms)
• Digital assets (slide decks, case study materials, exercise templates, instructional videos)
• Customizable modules for diverse coastal regions

N.B. Deliverables will undergo review stages

Required:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in restoration ecology, marine biology, environmental science, or related field
• 5+ years experience in coastal/marine restoration or conservation projects
• Deep knowledge of blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, salt marshes)
• Understanding of carbon markets, MRV systems, and verification standards
• Experience with project development or environmental finance

Preferred:

• Direct involvement in blue carbon or nature‑based solution projects
• Familiarity with Verra, Gold Standard, or other carbon registries
• Experience with community‑based natural resource management
• Training development or educational content creation experience
• Published work on coastal restoration or blue carbon
• International project experience, particularly in coastal communities

• 💰 Compensation: $5,000
• 📅 Duration:
  Contract start immediately, completion by April 30, 2026
• 📍
  
  Location:
  
  Fully remote
• 🎯 Payment:
  Upon approval of completed deliverables

Your expertise will build critical capacity in Canada's blue economy workforce. This training will enable environmental professionals to develop credible climate mitigation projects while protecting coastal communities and ecosystems. The microcredential will support career advancement and create new opportunities in the growing nature‑based solutions sector.

Contact:
Dan Carpenter, Director, Employer Services at dcarpentercation