Director Forest Carbon

Job Description

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to make a significant impact on the environment and society? At AstraZeneca, sustainability is woven into the fabric of our business strategy. We are committed to protecting and restoring ecosystems, investing in nature stewardship, and safeguarding biodiversity. Our bold actions aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, driving climate action through nature-based solutions. Join us in scaling our investments to create a healthier planet for future generations.

Accountabilities:

Would you like to contribute to AZ Forest's mission to combat climate change, restore biodiversity, and enhance ecological and community resilience? As a Director - Forest Carbon, you will play a pivotal role in delivering AZ Forest's commitment to plant and maintain 200 million trees by 2030. Your work will involve restoring over 100,000 hectares of land and supporting over 80,000 livelihoods. Collaborate with external partners as an AZ Forest project adviser and be an integral part of a small internal team. Your contributions will be crucial to the success of this flagship program and our Climate and Nature strategies.

• Work with partners to track and manage the delivery of projects against agreed project plans and alignment with the Circular Bio economy Alliance principles.
• Advise on emerging risks and challenges from projects, and work with partners on mitigating actions.
• Provide ground-truthing of project reports and mitigating actions, through direct observations of project progress, while building positive relationships with business partners.
• Advise on technical issues and undertake research and consultation with experts as required.
• Work with local AZ team on external customer engagement, connecting implementation partners with government and other external collaborators.
• Enable insights and standard methodology to be constructively shared across projects.
• Act as eyes and ears on the ground where needed to monitor project progress especially following audit reports or for-cause intervention.
• Assess and advise on biodiversity and socio-economic plans and research.
• Provide technical expertise on project development opportunities, including sourcing and evaluating projects in concept and feasibility stages.
• In working to deliver these goals, actively demonstrate, role model, and reinforce AstraZeneca’s values and behaviours.

Crucial Skills/Experience:

• Experience of forestry, agroforestry, or applied geography including landscape restoration projects
• Experience of delivering carbon projects, ideally in international locations
• Strong understanding of voluntary carbon standards including VERRA VCS and Gold Standard
• Track record of handling relationships with collaborators
• Ability to analyse complex information, extract key findings and present in a clear and concise manner
• Skilled in providing relevant and timely advice and recommendations
• A degree or equivalent experience in a scientific, environmental sustainability or engineering subject area
• Experience of the application of carbon projects within a broader, corporate strategy
• Experience of working in cross-functional team in corporate environment

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• A deep understanding of the applications of nature restoration projects and their climate, biodiversity and socio-economic potential.
• Experience of working on carbon or forestry projects on-the-ground in international locations.
• Knowledge of Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR) projects.
• Awareness of carbon market trends and initiatives such as SBTI, ICVCM, and VCMI.
• Good appreciation of policy and legislation related to land-based carbon projects.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment on a high-profile project.

Please note this role will involve business travel to project locations circa 25% of your time.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

At AstraZeneca, you'll find yourself immersed in an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to delivering accelerated growth is matched by our dedication to making people's lives better. With cutting-edge science, digitalization, and sustainable practices at the core of our operations, you'll be part of a team that thrives on solving complex challenges. Here, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills while contributing to meaningful change on a global scale.

Interested in this unique opportunity? Apply today!

Date Posted

28-Jul-2025

Closing Date

10-Aug-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.