Senior Expert Forest Management (m-f-d) in Bonn bei FSC Global Development GmbH

The Scope

We are looking for an engaged Senior Expert Forest Management who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.

The Senior Expert Forest Management will perform quality and consistency reviews of new FSC requirements, support the introduction of new normative concepts, and develop training materials in the area of forest management with a focus on internationally applicable requirements.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

• Advise on the overall streamlining of forest management requirements.
• Conceptualize certification standards towards outcomes.
• Introduce risk-based approaches for auditing.
• Focus the wording and structure of requirements in documents on user needs and interests:
  • Modular organization of requirements.
  • Simplification of language.
  • Reduction of number of documents and requirements.
• Digitizing and connecting requirements, advice notes, and interpretations.
• Conceptualize new approaches towards critical topics such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity management, conservation vs intensification, etc.
• Undertake research and analysis of relevant external policy developments (e.g., on responsible sourcing, zero deforestation, restoration) and their impact on the FSC normative framework.
• Benchmark FSC requirements and concepts against official regulations, other relevant certification schemes, and third-party initiatives to ensure they remain state-of-the-art.
• Analyze and advise on risks and opportunities resulting from new concepts and mechanisms being considered for incorporation into the FSC normative framework.
• Provide technical expertise for the regular development, review and revision of FSC certification and accreditation requirements, for example:
  • development of zero drafts as starting points for relevant working group discussions.
  • advice on and interpretations of normative requirements and their intent, to ensure awareness and the consistent implementation of FSC requirements by relevant users (certification bodies, certificate holders, Assurance Services International (ASI), Network Partners, and others);
  • analysis of stakeholder comments as part of consultations or ongoing inputs.
  • provision of feasibility, impact and risk analyses of drafts prior to their consultation as well as prior to their submission for approval.
• Draft, conceptualize, and review training modules and other competence development measures in forest management certification.
• Represent FSC externally in technical and other fora (e.g., on ISO committees or EU policies).

Your profile

Education and Training:

• At least 10 years of professional experience within the forest sector with at least 5 years’ experience in one or more of the following areas technical drafting or reviewing of certification requirements, implementation of FSC certification requirements, auditing or consultancy services on FSC certification or FSC standard development processes.
• Substantive knowledge and extensive experience related to forest management.
• Sound project management experience.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to perform well while handling several functions simultaneously.
• Solution and service-oriented attitude to work.
• A strong sense for diligence and accuracy.
• Ability to conceptualize.

• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Spanish is a plus.

• Good skills in the use of standard software packages (MS Office).

Why us?

• Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry—and contribute to the mission to help protect the world’s forests.
• Play an active role in the FSC International Secretariat, coordinating marketing efforts with local FSC teams and a global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in-person at least once a year.
• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 40 nationalities represented under one roof.
• Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including relocat