Scope of Work (SOW) for Carbon Inventory and Financing
Consultant
Project Title: Environmental Study of Coloured Gemstones in Kenya
Location: Taita Taveta County, Kenya
Client: Pact Kenya in partnership with GIA
Duration: May 2025 – November 2025
1. Background
Pact Kenya, in collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is
conducting a study to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in artisanal and
small-scale mining (ASM) operations in Kenya’s Taita Taveta County. The study
aims to establish a scientific baseline for emissions, which will inform
sustainability strategies and, potentially, carbon credit opportunities
for ASM gemstone mining.
To support this initiative, Pact seeks a Carbon Inventory Consultant to
assess and measure GHG emissions from ASM gemstone mining, make highly
practical recommendations for emissions-avoidance and emissions-reduction
activities, and explore the viability or applicability of carbon credit
mechanisms for emission reductions and financing
opportunities.
2. Objectives
The consultant will:
1. Work with Pact to engage the Ministry of Mining to design site selection criteria for potential sites for the
study and then to identify and engage potential sites.
2. Conduct a carbon inventory of ASM gemstone sites in Taita Taveta County in the selected sites from the mine to the point of export from Kenya.
3. Explain the feasibility and ultimate viability of carbon credit mechanisms applicable to ASM mining operations and the conditions under which they could be successful with the right scale or types of support (public, private sector, or nonprofit). Identify pathways for carbon markets if these have potential for viability.
4. Provide recommendations for emission reduction or avoidance strategies for artisanal, semi-mechanized, and fully mechanized mines to reach ‘net zero’ GHG emissions.
5. Organize a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop to collect insights from additional stakeholders.
6. Write final report and stakeholder presentation.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
Task 1: Identification of Study Sites
Work with Pact to engage the Ministry of Mining to design site
selection criteria for potential sites for the study and then to identify
and engage potential sites
· Develop and design selection criteria for
selecting the sites.
· Guide in the selection of sites in
partnership with Pact and the Ministry.
· Validate and confirm existence of the
sites and their key details and relevance for the study.
· Support Pact in communicating with sites
about the study.
Task 2: Carbon Inventory and Baseline Assessment
· Conduct field assessments at selected ASM gemstone mining sites (5-10 sites).
· Measure emissions under Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and
Scope 3 (other indirect emissions).
· Categorize emissions by level of mechanization (non-mechanized, semi-mechanized, fully mechanized).
· Utilize international standards (e.g., GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, ICMM GHG Accounting Framework) for emissions calculations.
Task 3: Carbon Credit Feasibility Analysis
· Evaluate the potential for ASM miners to participate in existing or near-term carbon markets. Explain the feasibility and ultimate viability of carbon credit mechanisms applied to the Taita Taveta ASM context. Discuss if and how one or more carbon credit or finance system could be realistically successful with the right scale or types of supports (public, private sector, or nonprofit). Identify pathways for carbon markets if these have potential for viability. Recommendations should be made with realism in mind, be highly practical and tactical, and suggest specific partners or stakeholders for success, where possible.
· Identify the relevant carbon credit methodologies and certification standards (e.g., Gold Standard, Verra, Clean
Development Mechanism) active or coming soon to Kenya and which Pact should prioritize for consideration.
· Assess opportunities for “carbon insetting” and green investment initiatives within ASM gemstone supply
chains and identify clear pathways.
Task 4: Emission Reduction Recommendations
· Develop a list of 5-10 practical strategies for reducing GHG emissions in ASM mining.
· Rank recommendations based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability impact.
· Provide guidance on energy transition options (e.g., solar-powered equipment, improved fuel efficiency).
Task 5: Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
· Conduct a study findings workshop and presentations relevant stakeholders (miners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.)
· Develop training materials on carbon
credit mechanisms and emission reduction practices.
Task 5: Final Report and Recommendations
· Submit a comprehensive report with findings, methodology, and carbon credit opportunities.
· Prepare a PowerPoint summary for stakeholder dissemination.
4.Deliverables
1. Inception Report – Work plan and methodology (Two (2)- Weeks).
2. Carbon Inventory Field study – GHG emissions assessment (Two (2)- Weeks).
3. Carbon Inventory Report – GHG emissions assessment (Two (2)- Weeks).
4. Carbon Credit Feasibility Report – Analysis of market opportunities (Three (3) Weeks).
5. Emission Reduction Strategy Report – Actionable recommendations (Two Weeks).
6. Final Report & Stakeholder Presentation – Summary of findings (One (1 ) Week ).
5. Required Qualifications
· Advanced degree in environmental science, carbon finance, or related field
· Experience in carbon accounting, emissions reporting, and sustainability in mining or related industries.
· Familiarity with carbon credit markets and certification processes.
· Ability to work in field conditions and engage with local communities.
· Understanding and consideration of existing legal requirements.
6. Timeline and Reporting
The consultant will work from May 2025 to September 2025 and report to the
Principal Investigator at Pact Kenya.
7. Budget
The budget for this assignment is included within the project funding allocated by
GIA
8.How to apply
Please submit the following documents as PDF files (documents in other formats will not be
accepted) with the subject line “Carbon Inventory Consultant Study- Kenya enjunge@pactworld.org no later than 2nd May 2025, 23:59 pm EAT:
A resumé indicating all relevant experience (max. 2 pages)
Contacts of at least two professional referees.
A cover letter, including a brief description of the proposed research methodology (technical proposal max. 1
page)
Comprehensive breakdown of costs (financial proposal), including professional fees and all other relevant costs,
including travel expenses.
A writing sample of the document of similar research value (e.g. a feasibility study, an evaluation report).
