The Climate Metrics Specialist will help ensure that climate metric accounting is consistent, reliable and accurate.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Global Climate team, Chief Conservation Office and TNC field teams to refine and report outcome and intermediate-result indicators and metrics.
This is a two-year funded position , with the possibility of extension based on deliverables and funding.
Job Summary
- Employer: The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Science
- Salary: For applicants based in the United States, the starting annual base salary is generally US$69,275-US$103,785 (Grade 7). For applicants outside the United States, compensation will be paid in local currency and determined according to the relevant local labour market rather than the US salary range.
- Closing Date: 2026-09-30
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary expert and point of contact for the Global Climate team on impact metrics and tracking systems.
- Work with the MEL Lead to develop and deploy climate mitigation and adaptation metrics, proxy metrics and methods.
- Develop adaptive management and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plans.
- Design and conduct quantitative analyses to establish baselines and measure impact.
- Apply approaches including carbon accounting, additionality principles, impact evaluations, surveys and field sampling.
- Support refinement of climate adaptation and mitigation metrics.
- Help develop MEL systems and protocols for 2040 and beyond goals and reporting.
- Deliver tools and training to staff and partners where appropriate.
- Manage spatial, tabular and other data and develop new datasets and tools where necessary.
- Conduct applied statistical and geospatial analyses on climate actions and outcomes where required.
- Contribute to research and analysis supporting metrics and MEL priorities.
- Potentially supervise staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
- Potentially manage grants, contracts or requests for proposals.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in a science-related field and two years of experience , or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analysing and interpreting data.
- Experience synthesising, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
- Experience translating scientific concepts for general audiences.
- Experience preparing technical reports or scientific publications and creating engaging visualisations.
- Experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Experience working with conservation or climate programmes.
- Experience developing metrics, monitoring, evaluation, outcome reporting or related areas.
Salary
For applicants based in the United States, the starting annual base salary is generally US$69,275-US$103,785 (Grade 7). For applicants outside the United States, compensation will be paid in local currency and determined according to the relevant local labour market rather than the US salary range.
How to Apply
REF Code: JR103944 | Job Code: JR103944
About the Company
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States. As of 2021, it works via affiliates or branches in 79 countries and territories, as well as across every state in the U.S.
Website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/africa/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Climate Metrics Specialist in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, climate science, statistics, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior roles. Practical experience with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and data analysis platforms like R or Python is highly valued. Certifications in carbon accounting or climate risk assessment from recognized bodies can strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Climate Metrics Specialist?
You will collect and analyze climate-related data, develop indicators to measure conservation outcomes, and prepare reports for donors and government partners. Fieldwork to monitor project sites and train local teams on data collection methods is common. You will also collaborate with international researchers and align local metrics with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
How does work culture and employer expectations differ for this role in Zimbabwe compared to international NGOs?
Zimbabwean workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and formal communication, so building relationships with government agencies and community leaders is essential. Employers expect flexibility to handle power outages, remote connectivity challenges, and travel to rural areas with limited infrastructure. Punctuality and thorough documentation are valued, though deadlines may shift due to external factors like funding cycles or seasonal field conditions.
What career progression paths are realistic for Climate Metrics Specialists working in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to senior technical roles, program management, or regional climate strategy positions within conservation organizations. Some specialists transition into consultancy work with development agencies or move into academia and policy advisory roles. Building expertise in carbon markets or nature-based solutions opens doors to emerging green finance opportunities across Southern Africa.
What benefits should I expect from a full-time science role with an international NGO in Zimbabwe?
Benefits typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave allowances that meet or exceed Zimbabwean labor law minimums. Many organizations provide housing allowances, relocation support for rural postings, and professional development funding for conferences or further study. Remote work flexibility varies by employer but is increasingly common for data analysis portions of the role.
How should I apply for Climate Metrics Specialist positions, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through official NGO career portals, LinkedIn, and Zimbabwean job boards like classifieds.co.zw, ensuring your CV highlights quantitative skills and local conservation knowledge. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated field experience in Zimbabwe or similar contexts, strong references from supervisors, and clear examples of managing data for decision-making. Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of specific challenges like drought adaptation or community-based natural resource management.
