Nature Principal Consultant

Department: Climate & Nature Solutions : Advisory

Location: Italy

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Consultant with deep subject matter expertise in nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities (DIROs). In this role, you will provide technical leadership and strategic insight to Anthesis clients across a wide array of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert in nature-related DIRO assessments, applying TNFD-aligned methodologies to identify, assess, and prioritize nature-related risks and opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership on ESRS E4 (Biodiversity & Ecosystems), supporting clients in meeting CSRD disclosure requirements, including double materiality, metrics, and transition plans.
• Guide clients in SBTN target setting, including scoping, baseline development, and alignment with no conversion of natural ecosystems and freshwater targets.
• Lead the implementation of EUDR regulations, assisting clients in interpreting and operationalizing requirements such as due diligence systems, traceability, geolocation, and risk assessments.
• Ensure consistency with leading guidance, including AFi, the TNFD LEAP approach, and emerging best practices in nature-related financial risk management.

Project Management & Delivery of Client Projects

• Lead and deliver nature-related assessments (DIRO, footprinting, baselining) and translate outputs into clear priorities, action plans, and transition strategies.
• Support clients in embedding nature into enterprise risk management, strategy, and disclosures, including integration with climate, supply chain, and financial decision-making.
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across complex, multi-workstream engagements.
• Develop high-quality deliverables, including TNFD-aligned reports, ESRS disclosures, and executive-ready insights.

Strategic Advisory & Implementation

• Advise clients on operationalizing nature strategies, moving seamlessly from commitments and disclosure to implementation across value chains.
• Support the development of nature transition plans, including governance, KPIs, and monitoring frameworks.
• Translate technical findings into commercially relevant insights, articulating the business case for action on nature (risk mitigation, resilience, and growth opportunities).

Methodology & Offering Development

• Lead the development and refinement of Anthesis’ methodologies and tools for DIRO assessments, TNFD alignment, and EUDR/ESRS compliance.
• Contribute to internal knowledge development, ensuring Anthesis remains at the forefront of evolving nature frameworks and regulations.
• Develop reusable assets, templates, and training materials to scale delivery quality globally.
• Partner with digital teams to advance and scale our digital-based offerings.

Client & Business Development

• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor on nature-related topics.
• Lead or support proposal development for opportunities related to EUDR, TNFD, SBTN, ESRS/CSRD, and nature strategy.
• Identify opportunities to expand client engagements from diagnostics (DIRO) to full implementation (targets, transition plans, and transformation).

Developing & Strengthening Team Expertise

• Mentor and coach consultants, building internal capability on TNFD, SBTN, ESRS, EUDR, and DIRO methodologies.
• Deliver internal and external training on nature-related frameworks and best practices.
• Contribute thought leadership to strengthen Anthesis’ market positioning in nature advisory.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Technical Expertise & Frameworks

• 8+ years of experience in nature, biodiversity, natural capital, or ecosystem services.
• Demonstrated expertise in nature-related DIRO assessments, including the practical application of TNFD (specifically the LEAP approach).
• Strong working knowledge of ESRS E4 (Biodiversity & Ecosystems) and broader CSRD requirements, including an understanding of double materiality and nature-related financial risk.
• Experience supporting or advising on SBTN target-setting or equivalent science-based approaches.
• Deep familiarity with leading frameworks, guidance, and disclosure standards, including TNFD, EUDR, SBTN, ESRS/CSRD, AFi, GRI, ISSB, and CDP (Forests/nature modules).
• Proven ability to assess value chain risks, land-use change, and ecosystem impacts.

Data, Analytics & Modeling

• Experience working with complex datasets and successfully translating technical outputs into