Subject Matter Expert, FLAG Pathways in London

The Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative is looking for a Subject Matter Expert, FLAG Pathways, to support the Technical Department’s work to strengthen and update its Forestry, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) standard. A key output of this work will be the development and update of long-term, commodity-specific emission pathways for the FLAG sectors, covering major agricultural and forestry activities. These pathways will reflect the latest scientific evidence on mitigation potential, regional and farming-system differences, and practical implementation costs. This position will report to the Research Lead (Pathways & Methods).

This role plays an important part in achieving the following:

• The FLAG sector is one of the most affected by the impacts of climate change. But it is also a significant source of emissions, representing 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 resources for this sector through developing emissions pathways for the sector.

You are a great fit for this role if you have a research background in the forestry, agriculture, and land use sector with a specialisation in emissions scenarios, and are motivated to use science-based targets to make a real difference in decarbonising these sectors. You combine strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to synthesise modelling outputs from multiple sources (e.g., IPCC scenario, FAO, biophysical land models) into actionable insights.

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 technical development and update of FLAG emission pathways, ensuring consistency with the SBTi target setting framework underpinning the cross-sector and the sector specific Standards and alignment with the latest scientific evidence on land sector mitigation potential, costs, and feasibility.
• Integrate data and modelling insights from leading global frameworks and empirical sources to inform and validate FLAG pathways.
• Collaborate with senior team members to draft, review, and finalise major outputs of the Technical Department in line with SBTi’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor emerging trends, research, and policies relevant to the organisation's work to maintain cutting-edge expertise.
• Prepare technical material, e.g. presentations, webinars, and workshops to disseminate key findings and/or gather further input from internal and external stakeholders and deliver this material independently and/or in collaboration with the Lead.
• Peer review draft standards on other sectors or areas, produced by colleagues in the Technical Department.
• Contribute to cross-departmental collaboration to maximise the impact and applicability of their work.
• Act as day-to-day contact of external technical partners.
• Support other ad-hoc technical activities as required by the organisation.
• Role model respectful behaviour, 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 FLAG sectors, standard-setting, GHG accounting, science-based target-setting, and decarbonisation of the corporate sector.
• A research background with a particular focus on emissions scenarios and land-sector mitigation modelling, including experience with agricultural and forestry systems and their role in net-zero transitions.
• 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 synthesise 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.
• Knowledge and willingness to work in other sectors.
• Familiarity with sustainability or certification frameworks for major land-based commodities, including agricultural, animal-based, and forestry (timber, pulp, paper) sectors, is desirable.
• Ability to interpret and apply Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) analyses to inform land-sector mitigation pathways and cost assumptions.

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 public holidays.