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

Join to apply for the Subject Matter Expert, AFOLU role at Science Based Targets initiative. The Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative is looking for an expert 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 on the development of future AFOLU sector standards and the implementation of the current SBTi FLAG guidance. This role reports 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 and a significant source of emissions, representing 22% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – the largest emitting sector after energy. The role is pivotal in developing SBTi’s sector‑specific standards for this sector and keeping SBTi’s existing resources and criteria up to date, providing guidance to other teams.

You are a great fit if you are a forestry, agriculture, and land use sector expert with a strong background in decarbonization, technical expertise in the land sector and GHG accounting, and skills in managing multiple stakeholders. Your interest and flexibility to work across other sectors and motivation to use science‑based targets to make a real difference are also essential.

About the SBTi:

The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science, focused on accelerating companies worldwide to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net‑zero before 2050. It defines and promotes best practices in science‑based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves company targets.

For more information, visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide subject‑matter expertise to inform the development of SBTi’s technical outputs for the AFOLU sectors, such as standards, guidance, explanatory documents, tools, etc.
• Collaborate with senior team members to draft, review, and finalize major outputs of the Technical Department in line with SBTi’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor emerging trends, research, and policies relevant to the organization’s work to maintain cutting‑edge expertise.
• Prepare technical materials (presentations, webinars, workshops) to disseminate key findings, gather further input from stakeholders, and deliver this material independently 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 maximize the impact and applicability of the work.
• Act as day‑to‑day contact for external technical partners.
• Support other ad‑hoc technical activities as required.
• 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 AFOLU sectors, standard‑setting, GHG accounting, science‑based target‑setting, and decarbonisation 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 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.
• Solid technical/specialist knowledge of the AFOLU sector.
• Knowledge and willingness to work in other sectors.

Important information before you apply:

• Full‑time role based in London (preferred).
• Salary will depend on location and experience level.
• Fixed‑term contract for 12 months with possible extension.
• Maximum 6‑month probationary period, depending on country legislation.
• Candidates must be legally allowed to work in the specified countries and be existing visa holders; no visa sponsorship available.

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.