Head of Nature-based Science

Role Overview

• Own and continuously evolve goodcarbon’s Nature Analytics Framework — our 160-datapoint quality assessment system
• across all NbS project types and geographies
• Define and enforce the due diligence standards and quality thresholds applied to client portfolios and project sourcing decisions
• Build and maintain intelligence on emerging methodologies, verification standards, monitoring technologies, and regulatory developments in the NbS market
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team of NbS scientists and analysts
• Establish and manage relationships with scientific advisors, academic institutions, and goodcarbon’s Technical Advisory Board
• Apply the Nature Analytics Framework to assess and monitor NbS projects within client portfolios, providing clear, actionable quality signals
• Collaborate with the go-to-market team to translate scientific insights into compelling client narratives and purchasing decisions
• Act as goodcarbon’s primary scientific voice externally — publications, conference speaking, media, and policy forums
• Build goodcarbon’s profile as a scientific authority in NbS quality and integrity

Requirements

• Master’s degree (required) or PhD (preferred) in environmental science, ecology, forestry, biology, or a closely related discipline from a leading university
• 8–12 years of relevant experience, with a substantial portion in the voluntary carbon market and a track record of operating at senior or leadership level
• Deep hands-on expertise in NbS methodologies (e.g. REDD+, ARR, IFM, blue carbon, soil carbon, grassland restoration) and major verification standards (Verra VCS, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo, ICVCM)
• Strong command of MRV principles, monitoring technologies (satellite, LiDAR, field protocols), and the scientific basis for carbon permanence, additionality, and leakage
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine) — sufficient to direct and critically evaluate your team’s geospatial work
• Comfortable with carbon accounting models and quantitative analysis; proficiency in data analysis tools (R, Python, or equivalent) is a plus
• Familiarity with biodiversity assessment frameworks (TNFD, GBFF, high biodiversity value assessments) and emerging biodiversity credit standards
• Demonstrated experience building, managing, and developing teams of technical experts
• Exceptional communication skills — able to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and influence at the executive and client level
• Entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, results-oriented, comfortable making decisions in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities
• Existing network of experts in the NbS and wider carbon market ecosystem is a significant plus
• Fluency in English is essential; German is a plus

Tech Stack

• Python
• Remote Sensing

Benefits

• Purpose-driven work at the frontier of climate and nature — with real, measurable impact on the ground
• Executive team membership in a fast-growing company with genuine scientific differentiation
• Competitive compensation package including base salary and performance-based incentives
• Flexible hours and a remote-friendly environment, with a centrally located office in the heart of Berlin
• A close-knit, interdisciplinary team where your voice shapes company direction
• Access to goodcarbon’s global network of partners, science advisors, and project developers