Senior Biodiversity Expert

Overview

ERM is looking for a Senior Biodiversity Consultant in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre or Salvador.

• Lead biodiversity baseline studies, critical habitat assessments, and ecosystem services evaluations to inform project planning and conservation strategies.
• Lead vegetation suppression processes, from field to reports elaboration.
• Identify and assess project-related risks and impacts on species, habitats, and ecosystem functions, applying the mitigation hierarchy to avoid, minimize, and restore biodiversity loss.
• Prepare technical documentation, including biotic environmental sections of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), and compliance reports for regulators and financial institutions.
• Ensure alignment with IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6), IUCN guidelines, Business and Biodiversity Offsets Programme (BBOP) principles, and relevant national regulations.
• Develop and implement Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs), including offset strategies where necessary, to achieve measurable conservation outcomes.
• Design and oversee biodiversity monitoring programs, including Key Biodiversity Indicators (KBIs), to track ecological performance and inform adaptive management.
• Integrate nature-related risks, dependencies, and opportunities into project decision-making and reporting, in line with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework.

• Degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in biodiversity assessment, management, and conservation planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying IFC Performance Standard 6 (including Critical Habitat Assessments, Biodiversity Action Plans and biodiversity offsets) and integrating nature-related risk frameworks such as TNFD.
• Proficient in GIS, remote sensing, and biodiversity data platforms (e.g., IBAT, STAR, IUCN Red List).
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience working in biodiversity-sensitive regions is highly desirable.
• Excellent writing skills in both Portuguese and English.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to the dynamic nature of consultancy work.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, social consulting services and sustainability related services. We have more than 160 offices in over 40 countries and territories employing more than 8,000 people who work on projects around the world. ERM is committed to providing a service that is consistent, professional and of the highest quality to create value for our clients. We have worked with many of the Global Fortune 500 companies delivering innovative solutions for business and selected government clients helping them understand and manage the sustainability challenges that the world is increasingly facing.

For over 50 years we have been working with clients around the world and in diverse industry sectors to help them to understand and manage their environmental, health, safety, risk and social impacts. The key sectors we serve include Oil & Gas, Mining, Power, and Manufacturing, Chemical and Pharmaceutical. All face critical sustainability challenges and our clients in these and many other areas rely on our ability to assist them operate more sustainably which has a positive impact on our planet.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career.