Subject Matter Expert, Value Chains

The Value Chains Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides technical expertise on supply chains, scope 3 emissions, and value chain decarbonisation to support the development, finalisation, and implementation of the Corporate Net‑Zero Standard (CNZS), focusing on the updated scope 3 framework. The role will contribute to drafting and refining scope 3 criteria and methods, digesting public consultation feedback, supporting the collection and analysis of expert and pilot company insights, and developing implementation guidance. The role will also support interoperability of the CNZS scope 3 criteria with SBTi sector standards and help to enable consistency with other global standards where relevant. The SME collaborates across the Technical Department and with external experts to ensure that SBTi’s outputs are scientifically robust, practical for companies, and aligned with organisational and global climate goals.

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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Technical expertise on scope 3 and value chains: Contribute to the development and refinement of the CNZS scope 3 methods, criteria, metrics, and intervention guardrails to ensure clarity, ambition and feasibility.
• Support CNZS development: Analyse and synthesize data from public consultations, integrate insights into revised CNZS criteria and support technical documentation and conclusions reporting.
• Engagement with external experts: Support preparation of technical materials, evidence briefs and surveys for Expert Working Group/pilot discussions, synthesize feedback and support integration of insights into the evolving scope 3 framework.
• Implementation guidance and resources: Support drafting of guidance documents, tools, templates, training and FAQs to drive scope 3 target setting and delivery.
• Interoperability with other standards: Monitor developments in relevant standards (e.g. GHG Protocol AMI TWG, AIM Platform, VCI etc), provide technical input into external consultations to help enable coherence across standards where possible.
• Alignment between SBTi standards: Play a key role in ensuring consistency across SBTi standards, including sector‑specific standards such as FLAG, by contributing to the technical development and alignment of harmonized guidance.
• Collaboration and internal culture: Work across SBTi teams to ensure technical consistency and high‑quality outputs, and promote SBTi values of respect, collaboration and open communication.

The postholder may be required to carry out additional duties or adapt to evolving responsibilities, beyond those outlined in this job description, in line with organisational needs and changing business priorities.

Required Skills and Experience:

We encourage applications from candidates who meet most, but not necessarily all, of the listed requirements.

• 7+ years’ experience in a relevant field, in particular, climate‑related supply chain work or within a sustainability certification scheme (e.g., Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, RSPO, FSC, MSC, UTZ).
• Strong understanding of standards and frameworks relevant to value chain decarbonisation (e.g., GHG Protocol, SBTi guidance, sectoral standards, certification systems).
• Demonstrated experience with: Chain of custody, traceability and certification systems, and/or Scope 3 accounting, including GHG Protocol Scope 3.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical audiences.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Sector‑specific expertise, such as FLAG, agriculture/forestry commodities, or major global industry value chains.
• Experience with standard setting and/or target implementation and delivery, including corporate decarbonisation planning or executing value chain interventions.
• Up‑to‑date on the latest developments in relevant value chain decarbonization frameworks (AIM Platform, Value Change Initiative, GHG Protocol work on Scope 3 and Actions & Market Instruments).
• Familiarity with market‑based approaches, including energy and commodity environmental attribute certificates and chain of custody systems.
• Experience conducting or supporting user research, including interviews, surveys, or pilot testing.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, including Excel and data analysis proficiency.
• Experience engaging in technical working groups or standards development processes.

Key Competencies:

• Accountability: Takes ownership of the tasks and key outputs they are responsible for.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures technical accuracy and quality in all outputs.
• Collaboration: Works effectively within cross‑functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions.
• Decision‑Making: Makes timely, informed decisions within their remit, balancing project priorities and risks.
• Innovation: Takes active part in creative thinking and problem‑solving to enable continuous improvement and maximise impact.
• Resilience: Maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure, adapting to challenges and setbacks with determination, while safeguarding mental well‑being and managing stress effectively.

This is a full‑time role based in London, UK. 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.
• Competitive NGO salary range.
• 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.

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.