Unit of competency details

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TP Version 

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AHC10v6

Initial release

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop knowledge about the Carbon Farming Initiative

1.1 Information on the CFI is researched and maintained

1.2 Knowledge of climate change science and markets as it relates to carbon farming is developed

1.3 The distinction between carbon farming advice and advice about carbon credits that requires holding a financial services license is understood

2. Provide information to land managers

2.1 Information compliant with carbon farming legislation is interpreted and presented to land managers

2.2 Appropriate interpersonal skills are used to facilitate the exchange of information

2.3 Work practices reflect sensitivity to land managers’ requirements, specific needs and cultural, family and individual differences

2.4 Stakeholder feedback is sought and evaluated

3. Respond to land managers’ enquiries

3.1 Enquirers’ needs are identified, analysed and clarified

3.2 Response is comprehensive, clear and delivered in the most appropriate form and within the agreed timeframe

3.3 Enquiries outside area of responsibility and knowledge are identified and assistance is sought or the enquiry is referred on to a relevant party

4. Maintain a professional relationship with land managers

4.1 Stakeholder requests and concerns are responded to positively, appropriately and consistently

4.2 Confidentiality and discretion is maintained

4.3 Discussions with land managers are handled in a professional manner

4.4 Formal and informal networks at local, regional and state levels are established and maintained

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills

• communication skills to:

• liase with others and share information about the CFI
• use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences
• determine and respond to client requests for information
• provide presentations to individuals and groups on the CFI

• language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

• read and interpret CFI documentation and legislation
• analyse information on CFI to ensure currency, accuracy and appropriateness to client needs

• interpersonal skills to:

• establish rapport with clients
• relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities
• positively interact with clients, other stakeholders, including regulatory personnel and technical experts
• establish networks with relevant technical experts

• organising and time-management skills to:

• sequence tasks
• meet timelines
• arrange meetings and visits to properties

Required knowledge

• climate change science overview

• the impacts of increased carbon emissions on climate
• basic mitigation and adaptation principles

• the carbon cycle and the land sector

• the carbon cycle
• the role of the land sector in the carbon cycle and Australia’s emissions profile
• the role of different land sector industries and regions within the land sector’s emissions profile
• the role of carbon as it relates to agricultural productivity

• carbon pricing and markets and the domestic and international policy and legal framework overview

• the Australian Carbon Pricing Mechanism and link with the CFI
• voluntary markets and the National Carbon Offset Standard
• the Securing a Clean Energy Future Plan, including the land sector measures
• the Kyoto protocol and emerging post-Kyoto framework and Australia’s obligations - overview

• CFI and the requirements of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 and regulations relating to:

• CFI scope, eligible activities and the types of carbon credits generated (Kyoto and non-Kyoto Australian Carbon Credit Units)
• crediting periods
• CFI offset integrity standards

• additionality, the positive list and the common practice test
• permanence and risk of reversal buffer, Carbon Maintenance Obligations
• accounting for leakage
• accounting for variability
• conservative
• international consistency and peer-reviewed

• managing negative impacts

• negative list
• compliance with relevant laws, natural resource management plans

• co-benefits
• methodology requirements, methodology development and approval, including the role of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee
• the role of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER)
• project proponent requirements

• become a Recognised Offsets Entity
• creating and using an Australian National Register of Emissions Units account

• project requirements

• applying for an Eligible Offsets Project
• implementing the project in accordance with the applicable approved offsets methodology
• writing and submitting offsets reports and arrange audit reports
• applying for a certificate of entitlement and receive credits
• closing a project
• varying a project
• withdrawing a project from the CFI
• relinquishing carbon credits

• scheme oversight, institutions and governance

• the Carbon Farming Initiative handbook
• guidelines for submitting methodologies
• approved methodologies for carbon sequestration and emissions avoidance - overview of approach and requirements
• role of different service providers under the CFI, including advisors, project developers, project aggregators, CFI auditors and carbon brokers
• circumstances when a financial services license is required to provide advice about carbon farming credits
• carbon farming project initiation

• project feasibility analysis
• project application and approval process
• design, planning and implementation processes

• profiles of key stakeholder groups
• responsibilities under consumer law, workplace health and safety, privacy legislation, codes of conduct
• professional ethics
• cultural protocols and perspectives of land managers from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

Evidence of the ability to:

• Provide accurate and contemporary knowledge of the CFI
• Research and maintain information on the CFI
• Provide information and respond to land managers and others enquirers

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be undertaken in the context of the Carbon Farming Initiative.

Assessment resources must be developed to determine the candidates' depth and breadth of knowledge of the CFI as well as their ability to provide accurate and up to date information to others in a professional manner.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observing processes and procedures in workplaces
• oral or written questioning on required knowledge and skills
• evaluating workplace documents and samples of work
• simulated projects, scenarios or case studies
• obtaining and validating third party references and reports

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment with other units relevant to the job role is recommended. The unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

An approved offset methodology includes:

a methodology for which a determination has been made under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.

Carbon service provider includes:

a person who provides advice about participation in or develops or manages a project under the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative.