Head of Nature-based Science

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of and continually enhance goodcarbon’s Nature Analytics Framework — our 160-datapoint quality assessment system — across various NbS project types and locations.

• Define and uphold the due diligence standards and quality thresholds utilized in client portfolios and project sourcing decisions.

• Develop and maintain insights into emerging methodologies, verification standards, monitoring technologies, and regulatory changes within the NbS market.

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of NbS scientists and analysts.

• Establish and nurture relationships with scientific advisors, academic institutions, and goodcarbon’s Technical Advisory Board.

• Implement the Nature Analytics Framework to evaluate and monitor NbS projects within client portfolios, providing clear and actionable quality signals.

• Collaborate with the go-to-market team to translate scientific insights into engaging client narratives and influence purchasing decisions.

• Serve as goodcarbon’s primary scientific representative in external communications — including publications, conference presentations, media engagements, and policy discussions.

• Enhance goodcarbon’s reputation as a scientific authority on NbS quality and integrity.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Master’s degree (required) or PhD (preferred) in environmental science, ecology, forestry, biology, or a closely related field from a prestigious university.

• 8–12 years of relevant experience, with a significant portion in the voluntary carbon market and a proven record of operating at a senior or leadership level.

• In-depth practical expertise in NbS methodologies (e.g., REDD+, ARR, IFM, blue carbon, soil carbon, grassland restoration) and key verification standards (Verra VCS, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo, ICVCM).

• Strong understanding of MRV principles, monitoring technologies (satellite, LiDAR, field protocols), and the scientific foundations of carbon permanence, additionality, and leakage.

• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine) — adequate to guide and critically assess your team’s geospatial work.

• Comfortable with carbon accounting models and quantitative analysis; proficiency in data analysis tools (R, Python, or equivalent) is advantageous.

• Knowledge of biodiversity assessment frameworks (TNFD, GBFF, high biodiversity value assessments) and emerging biodiversity credit standards.

• Proven experience in building, managing, and developing teams of technical experts.

• Outstanding communication skills — capable of clearly conveying complex scientific concepts and influencing at the executive and client levels.

• An entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, results-driven, and adept at making decisions in uncertain, dynamic environments.

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.

• An existing network of experts in the NbS and broader carbon market ecosystem is a significant advantage.

• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in German is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Purpose-driven work at the forefront of climate and nature — delivering real, measurable impact on the ground.

• Membership in the executive team of a rapidly growing company with genuine scientific differentiation.

• Competitive compensation package, including a base salary and performance-based incentives.

• Flexible working hours and a remote-friendly environment, complemented by a centrally located office in the heart of Berlin.

• A close-knit, interdisciplinary team where your contributions can shape the company's direction.

• Access to goodcarbon’s global network of partners, scientific advisors, and project developers.