TCP Seeking to Fill Board Vacancy

The Charcoal Project is a 10-year old US-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that facilitates the adoption of clean burning technologies, sustainable fuel alternatives, and policies for communities that depend on wood and charcoal as their primary source of fuel in the global south. 

Our work is presently focused on sub-Saharan Africa where we work directly with communities, entrepreneurs, research and policy-making institutions. 

Overwhelmingly, the production of traditional charcoal in the developing world requires cutting down trees and converting it to charcoal using inefficient methods that result in greenhouse gas emissions. More than 80 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa depends on wood or wood charcoal, and a significant amount of charcoal is exported to industrialized nations where it is mostly used for recreational cooking purposes. It is estimated that fuelwood and charcoal production may account for 2 – 7 percent of global emissions, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for one third of those emissions. Experts agree that charcoal consumption is scheduled to increase in Africa in the coming decades, a trend that could exacerbate droughts, floods, and other localized impacts from climate change. Yet despite the role that  wood and charcoal play in supplying the majority of sub-Saharan Africa’s energy, the issue is not being addressed at a national, regional, or international level in ways that are making any significant difference. 

The most recent IPCC report urges a “transitioning to renewable energy (in sub-Saharan Africa as a way to) reduce reliance on wood fuel and charcoal, especially in urban areas, with co-benefits including reduced deforestation, desertification, fire risk and improved indoor air quality, local development and agricultural yield (Shukla et al., 2019).”

In order to accelerate this transition to renewable energy, The Charcoal Project (TCP) is in the process of identifying and recruiting Board members who can help significantly propel the organization’s impact in this decade. TCP is especially interested in candidates with social impact investment, strategic communications, monitoring and evaluation, or social entrepreneurial skills. Board members must also contribute to the organization’s annual fundraising goals, either through direct support or by creating and/or leading fundraising opportunities. Please note that this is a volunteer position without monetary compensation.

Joining TCP’s Board is a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of tens of millions of people living in energy poverty while also mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and the Climate Crisis.

Expressions of interest in the Board position can be submitted to info@charcoalproject.org Please submit your CVs or relevant qualifications along with a cover letter. 

Thank you,

Board of Directors

The Charcoal Project