Head of Climate and Nature

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Its 48,000 people across more than 100 countries strive to transform agriculture through breakthrough products and technologies that play a vital role in enabling the food chain to feed the world safely, sustainably and with respect for our planet. Swiss headquartered and Chinese-owned, the Group draws strength from its four business units – Syngenta Crop Protection headquartered in Switzerland, Syngenta Seeds headquartered in the United States, ADAMA headquartered in Israel, and Syngenta Group China – that provide industry-leading ways to serve customers everywhere.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet.

Our offering enables farmers large and small to address a wide range of challenges, including crop productivity and health, climate change and the pressure to achieve greater sustainability and biodiversity. Syngenta Group’s seeds, crop protection and nutrition products, agronomic solutions and digital services help farmers provide the world with healthy food, feed, fiber and fuel, while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

To support that challenge, we are currently seeking a Head of Climate and Nature (m/f/d). Preferred Location is Basel but could be remote.

Role Purpose

• Provide thought leadership and technical expertise on key areas of the climate and nature agenda so that relevant policies, strategies and innovations of Syngenta Group and its Business Units are scientifically credible and robust.
• Work in close partnership with the business to support the development of products and services that benefit climate and nature whilst also delivering a commercial benefit.
• Establish Syngenta as the industry partner of choice for external stakeholders in key areas of the climate and nature agenda. Represent Syngenta Group on high level forums and be a spokesperson on behalf of the company externally.

Accountabilities

• Shape the company’s policies and strategies that are associated with climate and nature agenda. Provide thought leadership and technical expertise to ensure such policies and strategies are scientifically credible and robust.
• Lead the development of a series of climate and nature specific policies in collaboration with internal business partners and experts. Ensure they are implemented through the organization.
• Monitor emerging issues and trends related to climate and nature that will influence the agriculture industry and the sectors that Syngenta operate within. Shape the organization’s view on these trends to ensure any associated risks are mitigated or business opportunities considered.
• Act as a subject matter expert and advisor for those working on policies, plans and innovations that are related to climate and nature (esp. within R&D, Production and Supply, Sustainability, Digital and Regulatory Functions).
• Collaborate with the business to help co-create new products and services that help benefit climate and nature whilst also meeting farmers needs and building the business.
• Act as an advocate and technical expert for Syngenta in external expert forums and help position the Company as a thought-leader on the topic.
• Build rapport and network with industry partners and civil society stakeholders in the areas of climate and nature so that Syngenta is seen as a collaborative science-based partner.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external experts in developing responses to emerging challenges.
• Communicate findings and best practices in high-level international forums and external publications and conferences. Cultivate an external presence, in coordination with the Communications team, as an expert in relevant disciplines.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A science degree or masters in relevant discipline is required plus in-depth working experience and technical expertise in key areas of climate and nature. Especially those that relate to the food, agriculture, and land use sector.
• Deep understanding of the agriculture industry and relevant topics such as, but not limited to, soil health, biodiversity, climate change, climate regulation and climate change, carbon sequestration and deforestation.
• Experience in dealing with environmental NGO’s, multilateral organisations, academic research agencies and national environmental authorities.
• Ability to translate scientific information and technicalities of climate and nature agenda into business-relevant policies and plans.
• Established connections and collaborations with research bodies and civil society groups.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, capable of assessing complex policy issues and developing solutions as well as innovative thinker, able to generate or seek out through discussion with others, new ideas and approaches.
• Proven track record in managing projects and balancing various deliverables and priorities at the same time.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work on multiple projects and within diverse teams.

What We Offer

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment
• Flexible working arrangements and environment with an open culture and diverse workforce
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options
• You will profit from an onsite doctor, gym, canteen, and other benefits

Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application including all relevant documents (cover letter, CV, diploma & certificates) – reference number 18038508.

Did you know? Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal.

Learn more about our team and our mission .

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Primary Location

CHE-Basel-Basel

Other Locations

Germany, France, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Italy, Russian Federation, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Switzerland

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