Fellow - Science Based Targets

POSITION SUMMARY

Conservation International (CI) helps societies sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the benefit of humanity. To help advance this mission, CI is appointing a Fellow to drive CI’s technical engagement with the Science-based Targets Network (SBTN).

CI’s Technical Fellowship program hosts conservation fellows who work to create dynamic and unconventional approaches to address existing barriers to sustainability and contribute to a shift in how nature is valued. These fellowships provide unparalleled opportunities for intensive focus and achievement at the intersection of climate, conservation, business and technology. The program engages emerging talent to provide fresh thinking and extensive leadership to CI's work around the world. By strategically combining their skills and knowledge, the fellows are able to expand the breadth of their skills, gain valuable experience in their fields, and find innovative solutions together with CI program staff and local partners.

The aim of the SBTN is to give direction and create incentives for key actors across the world to operate within planetary boundaries. With over 550 companies already pursuing science-based targets to reduce GHG emissions in line with the level of reductions necessary to limit the risk of catastrophic climate change, through the related Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) the SBTN is now extending this science-based target approach to land, oceans, freshwater and biodiversity.

As a core partner of the SBTN, CI is seeking an exceptionally qualified SBT Fellow to manage and coordinate our engagement with the SBTN, with a particular focus on the “Land Hub”. Driven by an overall need to maximize the impact of the SBTN and of CI’s engagement with the Initiative, s/he will coordinate our overall approach to the SBTN, engaging with other “hubs” (e.g., biodiversity and freshwater) and the broader SBTN “network hub”, and help to set CI’s overall strategic engagement. The SBT Fellow will support the technical development of the targets within the Land Hub, and corporate engagement around those targets and the broader SBTN. The position will build on recent CI-led research developing a global platform to monitor land degradation (Trends.Earth) under the aegis of the UNCCD, as well as our longstanding engagement and experience working with multiple corporate partners in the land sector (focusing on e.g. coffee, palm oil, oil and gas).

The SBT Fellow will therefore have significant experience in and knowledge of land-use and land-cover change assessment, demonstrated knowledge of climate change and ecosystem service science, and the ability and desire to work in a highly collaborative organization focused on innovation and impact. Situated in the Moore Center for Science, the SBT Fellow will have the capacity to work seamlessly with colleagues across multiple divisions within CI and with the broader SBTN. Ideally, the SBT Fellow will have experience working with or in the private sector.

This is a 12 month fixed term position located in our Arlington, VA office.

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage CI’s engagement in the SBTN, including coordinating alignment across relevant CI Divisions (i.e. Science, Business, Field, Finance, Communications).

Lead CI’s engagement on the Land Hub and overall strategic coordination with the other issue Hubs and Network Hub.

Translate CI’s core areas of expertise in sustainable land management and key tools (e.g. Trends.Earth) into actionable recommendations for the structure and methodologies being developed to underpin the Land Hub’s work, capitalizing on key synergies with the Biodiversity, Freshwater and Climate Hubs.

Work in close collaboration with CI’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business (CELB) to engage CI corporate partners to better understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the SBTN approach.

Lead engagement with other external SBTN partners, including academics and civil society organizations.

Support development of core messaging and communications around the SBTN and CI’s engagement.

Support development of a fundraising strategy to support CI’s SBTN engagement and its key strategic partners.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position will be based at Conservation International in Arlington, VA with options for flexible work schedules and/or telecommunicating.

Domestic and foreign travel up to 20% may be required.

12-month fixed term position with possibility of extension.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Masters in a relevant environmental science, or MBA with appropriate environmental knowledge and experience.

Demonstrated knowledge of corporate decision-making processes around issues of sustainability.

Demonstrated ability to work within teams and across sectors and/or cultural contexts.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English).

Demonstrated ability to communicate messages authoritatively and clearly to a wide range of audiences.

Ability to synthesize large amounts of information, analyze complex strategic and scientific issues, and make recommendations to stakeholders within and outside CI.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

PhD in a relevant environmental science.

1-3 years of experience in the private sector or relevant context.

To apply please submit your resume and cover letter.

 

CI Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms.

Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.

Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.

Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.

Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.

Teamwork: We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled