Subject Matter Expert (SME), Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use

Job Purpose and Background

The Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative is looking for a Subject Matter Expert, AFOLU to support the Sector Standards Team’s work on the agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) sectors.

As the SME, AFOLU, the position will focus in particular on supporting the development of the future AFOLU sector standards and implementation of the current SBTi FLAG guidance.

This position will report to the AFOLU Lead.

This role plays an important part in achieving:

The forest, land, and agriculture (FLAG) sector is one of the most affected by the impacts of climate change. But it is also a significant source of emissions. It represents 22% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - the largest emitting sector after energy. The role is pivotal in the development of SBTi’s sector-specific standards for this sector, as well as keeping SBTi’s existing resources and criteria up to date and providing guidance on these to other teams.

You are a great fit for this role if you: are a forestry, agriculture, and land use sector and decarbonization expert, with the interest and flexibility to also work on other sectors, and are motivated to use science-based targets to make a real difference in decarbonizing these sectors. You have technical expertise in the land sector and GHG accounting, and skills in managing multiple stakeholders.

About the SBTi:

The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction 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:

• Provides subject matter expertise to inform the development of SBTi’s technical outputs, in particular for the AFOLU sectors, such as standards, guidance, explanatory documents, tools, etc.
• Collaborates with senior team members to draft, review, and finalize major outputs of the Technical Department in line with SBTi’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitors emerging trends, research, and policies relevant to the organization's work to maintain cutting-edge expertise.
• Prepares technical material, e.g. presentations, webinars, and workshops to disseminate key findings and/or gather further input from internal and external stakeholders and delivers this material independently and/or in collaboration with the Lead
• Peer review of draft standards on other sectors or areas, produced by colleagues in the Technical Department
• Contributes to cross-departmental collaboration to maximize the impact and applicability of their work.
• Acts as day-to-day contact of external technical partners
• Supports other ad-hoc technical activities as required by the organization.
• Role models respectful behavior, open communication, and integrity as vital pillars of SBTi’s culture.

Essential skills and experience needed:

• 7+ years of professional experience in the relevant field, demonstrating solid knowledge in AFOLU sectors, standard-setting, GHG accounting, science-based target-setting, and decarbonization of the corporate sector.
• Strong track record of delivering assigned responsibilities on time and to high standards.
• Experience in standard writing, research, and data analysis, with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in relevant tools and software required for the role to be successful.
• Solid technical/specialist knowledge of the AFOLU sector.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge and willingness to work in other sectors

Important information before you apply:

• This is a full-time role based in London (preferred)
• 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.
• This role holds a maximum 6-month probationary period, depending on country legislation.
• Interested candidates should be legally allowed to work in the specified countries and already be visa holders. The SBTi cannot sponsor working visas.

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.
• 30 days of time off, plus your country's bank holidays.
• Salary Range:

UK: 45k to 65k pounds per year (gross)

Competitive NGO salary range offered if outside the UK.

To apply, please complete our application form

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 based on race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.