AFOLU Lead - Science-Based Targets initiative
 
Location: Mexico, USA (East Coast), and the UK.
 
Job Purpose and Background:
The Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Technical Lead leads the work from a technical perspective to help develop technical resources, guidance and tools to drive the adoption of climate targets in line with the ambition required to limit warming to 1.5°C with a special focus on the forestry, land and agriculture sectors.

Core responsibilities are to lead the technical work to develop guidance to inform 1.5 C-aligned targets in the AFOLU, managing approx.

1-3 analysts and technical experts
 
This role plays an important part in achieving an expansion in SBTi’s sector-specific resources to cover key sectors.
 
You are a great fit for this role if you have recognised technical expertise in AFOLU decarbonisation and are motivated to use science-based targets to make a real difference in decarbonizing these sectors.

You have a clear vision for how science-based targets can incentivise this sector to decarbonise, multiple years of experience working with stakeholders from the sector, as well as strong technical expertise.
 
About the SBTi:
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science.

It is focused on accelerating companies worldwide to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.

The SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.
For more information, please visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org
 
Key responsibilities include:
Develop standards, tools and technical resources to facilitate the adoption of corporate 1.5°C-aligned climate targets at the sector level.
Lead the SBTi’s AFOLU work from a technical viewpoint, including managing one or more staff.
Work with Head of Sector Standards Team, CTO, and internal and external stakeholders to develop a strategic vision and future priorities for effecting change in the AFOLU sector and other key sectors through corporate target-setting.
Conduct research to identify suitable scenarios, decarbonization roadmaps and mitigation pathways to develop science-based target setting resources for the AFOLU, industrial and/or energy sectors
Follow-up of existing Forestry, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance from a technical point of view, including periodic review and revision of materials as needed
Project coordination and stakeholder management for sector-specific resources to be developed in line with the SBTi’s Standard Operating Procedure for Standard Development, including coordination and outreach as part of the SBTi consultative process
Support with other ad-hoc research and technical activities as required by the Science Based Targets initiative
Represent the SBTi in conferences, stakeholder workshops, and webinars as needed.
Peer review of draft standards on other sectors or areas, produced by colleagues in the Technical Department
 
Essential skills and experience needed:
7 - 10 years of professional experience, with significant parts of this in a technical role addressing climate change, sustainability, environmental engineering, and/or sustainable development.
Advanced Understanding of Climate Strategies: Expert-level understanding of mitigation pathways, climate scenarios, and decarbonization roadmaps, especially those focused on the AFOLU sector.
Project Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated project management excellence, with a focus on delivering high-impact sustainability projects via a multi-stakeholder process.

Comfortable leading projects in an international and multicultural remote work environment.
Demonstrated ability to integrate these strategies into comprehensive, sector-specific solutions to drive corporate climate alignment.
A proven track record of working on industry standards and practices following best practices for standard development.
Technical Insight into AFOLU Sectors: Exceptional knowledge of AFOLU sectors, including the issues surrounding climate mitigation challenges and opportunities for key actors in the sector.
Leadership and Autonomy: Highly proactive and self-directed, with the ability to identify opportunities for collaboration and alignment with other technical initiatives.
Comfortable leading projects in an international and multicultural remote work environment.
Exceptional Communication Skills: Fluent in English, with outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Ability to convey complex sustainability concepts to a diverse audience, including non-specialists, to foster understanding and action.
 
This is a full-time role based in Mexico, USA, or the UK.

The salary for this role will depend on location and experience level.

This role is a fixed-term contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension.
Interested candidates should be legally allowed to work in the countries specified.

The SBTi cannot sponsor any working visas.
 
To apply:
Please respond to this advertisement or send your CV and cover letter to Kris Kobi, a Director of Sustainability and Energy at kris@climate17.com
 
What we offer:
Working in one of the most successful and fastest-growing initiatives driving climate action;
Exciting and challenging tasks in a dynamic, international, innovative, and highly motivated team;
Training and development;
Attractive holiday package.
 
SBTi is an equal opportunity employer - committed to building an inclusive workplace and diverse staff, where all can thrive.

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.