Head of Nature-based Science

About goodcarbon

goodcarbon empowers leading organizations to confidently achieve their net-zero goals through high-integrity Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). We offer a comprehensive service encompassing advisory, technology, and exclusive project access to integrate carbon credits from NbS into companies’ carbon reduction and removal strategies. Established in Berlin in 2021, and backed by prominent investors, we serve distinguished clients including Deutsche Telekom, Bertelsmann, SAP, Miele, and Melitta. As co-founders of the European Biodiversity Coalition, we champion collective action for nature.

Role Overview

As the Head of Nature-based Science, a key member of the executive team, you will oversee the quality assurance for goodcarbon’s offerings. This leadership position blends environmental science expertise with portfolio management and thought leadership. You will direct a team of scientists, define the standards that constitute excellence in NbS, and ensure these rigorously guide every client portfolio and sourcing decision. Collaboration with our go-to-market, sourcing, and advisory functions is essential, along with representing goodcarbon externally to clients, policy groups, and the broader voluntary carbon market.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously develop and manage the Nature Analytics Framework, a 160-metric quality evaluation system covering diverse NbS project types and regions.
• Set and implement due diligence standards and quality thresholds for client portfolios and project sourcing choices.
• Stay abreast and build knowledge on emerging methodologies, verification standards, monitoring technologies, and regulations affecting the NbS market (including Article 6, ICVCM, TNFD, biodiversity credit frameworks).
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a skilled team of NbS scientists and analysts.
• Establish strategic collaborations with scientific advisors, academia, and the Technical Advisory Board.
• Cultivate a team culture emphasizing rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Apply scientific frameworks to assess and monitor NbS projects in client portfolios, delivering actionable quality insights.
• Partner with the commercial team to translate scientific findings into compelling narratives that inform client decisions.
• Lead innovation efforts for developing new credit types like biodiversity, blue carbon, and soil carbon.
• Serve as goodcarbon’s principal scientific spokesperson at conferences, in publications, media, and policy venues.
• Enhance goodcarbon’s reputation as an authority on NbS quality and integrity.
• Collaborate with content marketing to provide evidence-based insights on NbS science and market trends.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree (required) or PhD (preferred) in environmental science, ecology, forestry, biology, or similar disciplines from a reputable university.
• Eight to twelve years of pertinent experience, including significant voluntary carbon market involvement and senior leadership roles.
• In-depth practical knowledge of NbS methodologies such as REDD+, ARR, IFM, blue carbon, soil carbon, and grassland restoration; familiarity with key verification standards including Verra VCS, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo, and ICVCM.
• Strong understanding of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, monitoring technologies (e.g., satellite imagery, LiDAR, field protocols), and scientific principles concerning carbon permanence, additionality, and leakage.
• Proficiency with GIS and remote sensing platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine) adequate to supervise and critically assess geospatial analyses.
• Comfortable with carbon accounting models and quantitative data analysis; skills in R, Python, or similar tools are advantageous.
• Knowledgeable in biodiversity assessment frameworks (TNFD, GBFF, high biodiversity value assessments) and emerging biodiversity credit standards.
• Proven leadership capabilities including team-building and development of technical experts.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate complex science clearly and influence senior executives and clients.
• Entrepreneurial approach, proactive attitude, and ability to operate decisively in dynamic, ambiguous environments.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving aptitude.
• An established network within the NbS and carbon market community is highly valuable.
• Fluent English communication; German language skills are a plus.

Perks and Benefits

• Meaningful work at the frontier of climate and nature, making tangible on-the-ground impact.
• Membership on the executive leadership team within a fast-growing company distinguished by scientific excellence.
• Competitive remuneration consisting of a base salary plus performance incentives.
• Flexible working hours and support for remote work, with a centrally located Berlin office.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment where your contributions influence company direction.
• Access to a global network of partners, scientific advisors, and project developers.

About goodcarbon’s Mission

goodcarbon strives to redirect global capital towards ecosystem conservation and restoration. We support companies in fulfilling net-zero and nature-positive commitments through premium carbon credits while aiding NbS project developers worldwide in securing funding. Our philosophy embraces collective effort among companies, project owners, investors, and individuals to unlock nature's full potential for climate solutions.