Sector Lead in London

The Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative is looking for a Sector Lead (paternity leave cover; 6-month contract with possibility of extension) to support the Sector Standards Team’s work to develop standards for the energy, industry and transport sectors.

As a Sector Lead, the position will focus in particular on leading the development of the Automotive Sector Standard and future transport-sector work, as well as other sectors according to the needs of the organisation. This position will report to the Head of Sector Standards.

This role plays an important part in achieving the development of SBTi’s sector-specific standards for the automotive sector, as well as leading other projects as the need arises.

You are a great fit for this role if you:

• are a climate targets expert, ideally with specialised knowledge of the transport sectors, but the interest and flexibility to also work on other sectors,
• are motivated to use science-based targets to make a real difference in decarbonizing these sectors,
• have in-depth experience in GHG accounting; specific expertise in cross-sector climate topics such as bioenergy, scope 3, commodity certificates etc. will also be valued,
• have great stakeholder and project management skills; you are able to translate technically complex material into standards that companies can follow,
• have experience leading a small team; and you take pride in delivering projects on time under challenging deadlines.

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.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the SBTi’s work for the transport sectors, including managing 1-2 associates or subject matter experts.
• Development of standards, tools and technical resources to facilitate the adoption of 1.5°C-aligned targets in the automotive sector.
• Work with Research Team on projects to develop pathways for relevant sectors.
• Project coordination and stakeholder management for sector-specific resources to be developed in line with the SBTi SOP.
• Research to identify suitable scenarios, decarbonization roadmaps and mitigation pathways to develop science-based target setting resources for industrial and/or energy sectors.
• Support with other ad-hoc research and technical activities as required by the Science Based Targets initiative.
• Coordinate and support outreach to stakeholders as part of the SBTi consultative processes on technical projects.
• 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:

• 10+ years professional experience, with a background in climate change, sustainability, environmental engineering, and/or sustainable development.
• Solid technical/specialist knowledge of at least one high-emitting 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.
• Good command of mitigation pathways, climate scenarios and decarbonization roadmaps.
• Good knowledge of corporate GHGs accounting and science-based target setting.
• Excellent knowledge of industrial or energy sectors and their interaction with the financial sector.
• 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.
• Professional, effective and flexible team player, with proven ability to work with high-level representatives from the business, investors and civil society.
• Proven people management and project management skills.
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and able to work independently in an international and multi-cultural remote work environment.

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 6 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 public holidays.