Sr. Specialist, Sustainability Services (Regenerative Agriculture and Climate)

Position Title: Sr. Specialist, Sustainability Services (Regenerative Agriculture and Climate)

Location: Remote, US

Department: Sustainability Services/Environment and Climate

This role will be fully remote, however, preference will be given for applicants residing in: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr. Specialist will work collaboratively with clients in the food, land, and agriculture (FLAG) sector to provide technical advisory on GHG measurement and monitoring, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and regenerative agriculture in global agricultural supply chains. The individual in this role will closely track the status and direction of key standards like the GHG Protocol and SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard to support Winrock’s engagement with these standards and to advise clients. You will work with some of the most influential private sector, philanthropic and governmental actors in the world. Past and current Winrock clients include Nestle, McCormick, and the Kinetic Coalition. The Senior Technical Specialist interacts with clients, conducts qualitative technical analyses, performs quantitative problem-solving, supports new business and collects and analyzes quantitative data. Candidates who not only have technical and project management skills but also have experience in people management are especially encouraged to apply.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects on GHG measurement, climate mitigation/adaptation, and regenerative agriculture

• Track and manage a pipeline of technical advisory requests on emissions and regenerative agriculture work for clients.

• Develop knowledge products and training on climate mitigation, adaptation, and nature-based approaches aligned with industry standards.

• Conduct research and prepare presentations, reports, and other communication materials.

• Collaborate with small teams to prepare high-quality products, pitching in wherever necessary and providing guidance and leadership. Prepare PowerPoint presentations, reports, memoranda, and other communication materials. 

• Support workplan development and new business proposals.  

• Complete tasks in fast-paced and self-motivated environment in a timely and efficient manner.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in international development or environment-related field required. Graduate level degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, ecology, geography, or related discipline is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in climate change in adaptation/mitigation/resilience and GHG accounting for land use required. Additional years of experience are strongly preferred.

• Industry/sector understanding of GHG profiles and potential mitigation strategies for one or more of the following commodities: Palm oil, cocoa, sucrose, Vegetable Fats & Oils, Cereals & Grains.

• Working understanding or experience with preparing submissions or reporting against key climate corporate leadership standards (e.g. GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and/or Project Standard, Science-Based Targets Initiative’s standards, the Value Change Initiative).  

• Experience managing GHG accounting projects in the agriculture and forestry fields.

• Experience leading or supports new business development efforts.

Position-Specific Skills:

• Fast learning, curious, passionate for uncovering and creating solutions to climate and sustainability problems.

• Demonstrated interest in contributing to technical innovation in climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.

• Strong analytical capability and problem-solving abilities required.

• Industry/sector understanding of the GHG profiles and potential mitigation strategies for one or more of the following commodities:  

• Fish and Seafood; Hazelnuts; Beef; Poultry and Eggs; Pulp and Paper; Packaging (pulp/paper, glass, or metals); Vegetable Fats & Oils; Vegetable & Horticulture; Spices; Cereals & Grains; Cocoa; Coconut; Soybeans; Animal By-Products; Energy (oil and gas and/or electricity) 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.

• Ability to contribute to project operations and workflow effectively, to track and meet deadlines for multiple tasks, and work effectively under pressure.

• Understanding of carbon quantification methodologies (e.g., for carbon credits/offset credits), carbon credit or other sustainability product certification standards, carbon credit project development, monitoring reporting and verification of GHG emissions impact.

Computer / Communication Skills:

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form. 

Language: English professional-level oral and written fluency required.

Required Travel: Up to 10% travel, domestic and internationally.

Physical Demands: Capability to sit and operate a computer for long periods of time.

This position may be based remotely within the United States or internationally, provided the employee is located within a time zone between Pacific Time (PT) and Central European Time (CET). The role requires regular availability during U.S. Eastern Time (ET) business hours.

The salary range for this position is $101,000–$106,000 annually, commensurate with experience, skills, and internal equity. Winrock offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.