Country Representative, China

Location: China (Remote/hybrid – Beijing preferred) Apply by: 9th October 2026 Job Purpose and Background: China is a critical market for global decarbonization, characterized by high ambition and leading industrial transformation. As the Country Representative for China , you will serve as the primary ambassador for the SBTi in the region. This is a funded position that supports SBTi’s updated Strategy. Your mission will be to accelerate the adoption of ambitious, science-based targets among Chinese corporations, financial institutions, and SMEs. You will act as the key liaison between the global SBTi network and local stakeholders. Given the unique market dynamics, you will play a crucial role in localizing SBTi guidance, overcoming language and technical barriers, and ensuring alignment with China’s governance and relevant policies. About the SBTi: The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies worldwide to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. For more information, please visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org Key Responsibilities: Corporate Engagement & Outreach Drive the strategic expansion of the SBTi in China by identifying and engaging high-impact companies across energy-intensive sectors including steel, power, chemicals, and automotive. Serve as the primary point of contact for Chinese companies regarding SBTi commitment and validation processes. Overarching SBT adoption goal : between January 2025 and January 2026, the number of validated SBTs in China grew 82% from 345 to 628. The goal is to broadly continue the current growth rate of 80%, at least, and ensure supply chain leaders are engaging their entities and that high-emitting sectors adopt SBTi. Capacity Building & Localization Address the significant language barrier by translating and interpreting complex global standards including the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 and SBTi Academy into actionable, localized insights for Chinese sustainability professionals. Development and implementation of a country-level SBTi strategic growth plan focusing on key sectors and companies, as well as options for SBTi partnerships and establishing an official SBTi presence. The growth plan is to be delivered by the end of Q1 2027. Delivery of at least 2 quarterly technical capacity-building training sessions, webinars, and workshops on GHG accounting, SBTi Standards, and sector-specific pathways for China. Establish and grow an accredited SBTi Academy cohort of China-based practitioners, building from the current 11 registered China experts to more than 50 registered experts by August 2027. Help companies navigate the SBTi Academy resources and bridge the knowledge gap regarding the technical requirements for target validation. Stakeholder Collaboration & Ecosystem Navigation Collaborate closely with SBTi founding partners in China (CDP, UNGC, WRI, WWF) to leverage their research and engagement capacity, and understanding of SBTi. Navigate China’s complex climate ecosystem, building relationships with relevant government partners and adjacent institutions. Establish and manage the SBTi China Business Advisory Group (CBAG) with support from SBTi and partner organizations. The CBAG should have at least 12 members for the first meeting by the end of Q1 2027. Align SBTi pathways and standards with China’s governance and relevant policies. Supervise 3rd party write up of how SBTi relates to Chinese policies and sector pathways. The write-up is to be completed and published prior to the end of Q2 2027. Public Advocacy & Representation Develop and maintain an annual calendar of flagship China events for SBTi participation and profile-building. Secure keynote and speaking opportunities for SBTi leadership at major Chinese climate, industry, and policy events. Act as a trusted voice in the Chinese climate discourse, representing the SBTi’s mission with neutrality and strategic foresight. Experience and Skills: Education: Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Sustainability, or a related field. Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in corporate sustainability, ESG consulting, or climate policy within the Chinese market. Technical Expertise: Deep, hands-on understanding of GHG Protocol Accounting and Reporting Standards (especially Scope 3) and climate risk management. Familiarity with SBTi methodologies is essential. Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of China’s policy and regulatory landscape, TCFD, and ISSB frameworks. Language: Native or bilingual fluency in Chinese and professional fluency in English . Desirable Experience: Diplomacy : Proven ability to navigate complex, fragmented stakeholder ecosystems with strategic neutrality. Communication : Exceptional ability to distill highly technical climate science into business-centric narratives for C-suite executives and board members. Strategic Growth : Demonstrated capability to execute a country-level strategy in a high-stakes, competitive environment. Chinese Government and/or State-Owned Enterprise experience : Understanding of Chinese regulatory practices for SBTi integration and alignment. Important information before you apply: This is a full-time role based in China (Beijing preferred) This position is contingent upon confirmation of funding. The salary for this role will depend on location and experience level. Interested candidates should be legally allowed to work in the specified countries and already be visa holders. The SBTi cannot sponsor working visas. If you are interested, please apply by completing the application form which can be downloaded from our job page. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in SBTi. What we offer: Working in one of the most successful and fastest-growing initiatives driving climate action. Exciting and challenging tasks in a dynamic, international, innovative, and highly motivated team. Training and development. Attractive holiday package plus public holidays in your country. Competitive NGO salary range SBTi is an equal opportunity employer - committed to building an inclusive workplace and diverse staff, where all can thrive. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.