Science Manager – Nature-based Solutions (80-100%)

As a Science Manager in Climeworks Solutions, your mission is to ensure that Climeworks’ offering in nature-based solutions (NBS) remains aligned with our high-quality standards for carbon dioxide removal. Specifically focused on, but not limited to, Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR), Improved Forest Management (IFM), and Mangroves, your work will center on market screening, priority project identification and vetting, and due diligence of prospective partners. You will be accountable for forming and defending Climeworks Solutions’ independent scientific view on the quality, risks, and suitability of NBS projects. You are responsible for the continuous refinement and effective application of our assessment criteria for nature-based projects and will work closely with members of the sourcing team to align our strategic approach to nature credits, from supplier engagement through to partnerships and product positioning. This role provides a unique opportunity to define and continuously shape Climeworks Solutions’ nature offering and the broader removal market.

• Quality assessment framework development: You enhance and tailor Climeworks Quality Assessment Frameworks to nature-based pathways, building on latest published methodologies and evolving standards in the market.

• Supplier assessment & monitoring: You engage with suppliers of interest and build trusting relationships. You perform rating assessments and benchmark projects. You also monitor projects and evaluate changes in quality or delivery concerns over time.

• Project due diligence: You perform deep technical, scientific and commercial due diligence on critical projects, covering dimensions such as additionality, measurability, carbon accounting, co-benefits, reversal risk, and operational and delivery-related risk. This entails the analysis of multiple data sources and recommendations from findings.

   

• Pathway segmentation: You help classify and segment projects into sub-pathways and archetypes as the CDR industry evolves, building a strong perspective on the foundations of quality for each.

• Market intelligence & prioritization: In collaboration with Sourcing, you map the project universe across key geographies for  relevant pathways. You form a perspective on  best-in-class projects  and build a recommendation (e.g., robust methodology, attractive prices, strong reputation or delivery track record, etc.).

• Contracting support: You will support the sourcing team in formulating contracts with vetted suppliers, focusing on negotiating key quality-based amendments and conditions.

• Partnership development: You help build strategic partnerships with key ecosystem players, such as rating agencies, registries, NGOs, and other  thought leaders and market shapers.

• Pathway-specific strategy: You collaborate with key internal counterparts in Science, Sourcing and the broader Commercial unit to shape the strategy for each nature-based pathway, considering market trends, quality benchmarks, demand drivers, availability and other critical factors.

• Sales support: You support customer conversations, pitches, and requests for proposals by advising on project selection and answering project-specific questions.

• Knowledge sharing: You educate internal stakeholders on scientific developments, emerging methodologies, and market evolution across nature-based pathways.