Pathways and Methods Lead

Job Purpose and Background:

The Pathways and Methods Lead is responsible for the scientific foundations of the SBTi target-setting framework. The role leads the development and evolution of SBTi cross-sector and sector-specific pathways, metrics, and target-setting methods, ensuring they are scientifically robust, internally coherent, and aligned with the latest scientific evidence.

A key purpose of the role is to assess and recognise third-party pathways developed by external organisations, including research institutions and industry bodies. This includes evaluating the coherence, robustness, and transparency of underlying assumptions and methodological choices, and their alignment with the SBTi target-setting framework.

This position will report to the Head of Research and Methods Development.

This role plays an important part in achieving: This role plays an important part in strengthening the scientific credibility, coherence, and usability of the SBTi target-setting framework. By leading the development and governance of pathways, metrics, and target-setting methods across sectors, the role supports the consistent translation of climate science and modelling evidence into technical outputs that underpin sector standards and corporate target-setting. The role is also central to enabling the appropriate use of third-party pathways, supporting methodological integrity while allowing SBTi to draw on the best available external science.

You are a great fit for this role if you: You are a strong technical leader with a research background in climate science, energy system modelling or related fields, and are motivated to apply scientific evidence to real-world target-setting and decarbonisation challenges. You combine deep analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to synthesise modelling outputs from multiple sources, including bottom-up sectoral models, top-down global scenarios, and empirical data, into clear, decision-ready technical guidance. You are comfortable exercising scientific judgement, engaging with expert communities, and working collaboratively across teams to ensure complex analytical work can be consistently integrated into structured frameworks.

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.

For more information, please visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the development, review, and update of cross-sector and sector-specific pathways, metrics, and target-setting methods.
• Establish and apply processes for the assessment and recognition of third-party pathways.
• Exercise technical decision-making authority on cross-cutting methodological questions.
• Review and quality-assure pathway-related outputs prior to integration into the standards architecture.
• Coordinate with sector standards teams to support timely delivery.
• Maintain engagement with the scientific community.
• Lead and coordinate pathway and methods experts.
• Contribute technical input to consultations and expert reviews.
• Supports other ad-hoc technical activities as required by the organization.
• Role models respectful behavior, open communication, and integrity as vital pillars of SBTi’s culture.

Essential skills and experience needed:

• 10+ years of professional experience in in climate and energy system analysis, emissions pathways, or scenario-based modelling, including experience producing or interpreting policy-relevant transition scenarios and decarbonisation pathways

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in land-use, AFOLU, or non-energy sector pathways.
• Experience with standards or methodologies related to climate targets.
• Experience in international or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Familiarity with sustainability or certification frameworks in high-emitting sectors.

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.

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: 55k to 68k pounds per year (gross); Competitive NGO salary range offered if outside the UK

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.