Programme Manager Environmental & Social Integrity (ESI) (m-f-d)

Mission – Lead the Future of Forests

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the world’s most trusted and recognized solution for sustainable forest management.

For more than 30 years, FSC has set the global benchmark for responsible forestry — ensuring that forests are managed in ways that protect biodiversity, respect Indigenous and community rights, and create long‑term economic value.

Our vision is bold and clear: a world where forests are valued, conserved, and restored — where communities thrive, biodiversity flourishes, and forests are protected for generations to come.

In short: Forests for All, Forever.

Program Manager Environmental & Social Integrity (m/f/d)

As a Programme Manager Environmental & Social Integrity you will strengthen the integrity and credibility of FSC by identifying, analysing, and addressing risks related to environmental protection and social rights.

You will maintain an overview of certification quality in related subject matter across multiple regions and contexts and collaborate with teams in the System Integrity Unit.

• Main Roles & Responsibilities
• Lead the Environmental and Social Integrity (ESI) team by setting objectives, managing work‑plans, budgets, and strategic priorities aligned with the System Integrity strategy.
• Manage and decide functional issues of the team and topics related to environmental and social integrity in certification with Unit’s leadership involvement required for certain decisions.
• Develop operations, internal procedures and requirements for the following tasks of the team, including but not limited to:
• Lead and oversee environmental and social integrity investigations, including complaints, blockage cases, and Remedy and Association cases, ensuring compliance with FSC requirements, legal obligations, and established procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance by guiding the ESI team and SIU colleagues, reviewing investigation outcomes, and developing practical, evidence‑based recommendations.
• Strengthen operational excellence by ensuring effective case management, accurate record keeping, and continuous improvement of procedures, standards, and ways of working.
• Support cross‑programme integrity working the System Integrity Unit, including supporting other programmes with analysis of complex social and environmental inquiries, cases and complaints, and providing input to the internal FSC steering committee meetings.
• Further develop the scope and offer of the Programme.
• Assess existing risks related to environmental matters and provide expert input (e. g.

HCVs, IFLs, legality of wood) and social matters (e. g. human rights, land tenure rights, customary rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights).

• Oversee and manage incident‑driven investigations and high‑profile integrity cases requiring engagement with internal teams, Network Partners, certificate holders, certification bodies, NGOs, and other national and international organizations, as needed.
• Oversee and contribute to communication processes, including crisis communication and stakeholder inquiries related to environmental and social integrity.
• Serve as the primary leadership contact for environmental and social integrity concerns.
• Present environmental and social integrity work at external expert forums.
• Deliver progress reports to the Board of Directors and prepare items for decision as appropriate.
• Initiate relevant normative changes and provide input into technical improvements on FSC tools and platforms developed to enhance environmental and social integrity of certification (e. g.

GIS tools, trainings for certification bodies) in collaboration with other FSC programmes.

Your profile

• University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, natural resource management, forestry, social studies, anthropology, human rights, stakeholder management or similar.
• At least 5 years of professional combined experience in environmental and social areas.

For example, a combination of the following areas: environmental and social & human rights protection, law, environmental policy, certification, accreditation, auditing, forest management, natural resource management.

• Demonstrated expertise and practical experience in engaging with environmental and social stakeholder interests, including labour rights, workers’ rights, community rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
• Experience managing conflict‑sensitive communication and engaging constructively with diverse stakeholder groups in complex or sensitive situations.
• Familiarity with FSC certification, other sustainability certification schemes, or accreditation systems and processes.
• Proven project management experience, including planning, budgeting, financial administration, and resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality results in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make sound, evidence‑based decisions.
• Ability to analyse complex information, identify systemic risks and root causes, and develop practical corrective actions and recommendations.
• Proven ability to remain effective under pressure, navigate crisis situations, and manage competing stakeholder interests with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to lead interactive discussions, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Proven leadership experience, including leading cross‑functional teams, managing diverse groups, and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

Why us?

• Benefit from cross‑cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by being part of FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards.
• Benefit from work‑life balance with our hybrid working structure.
• 30 vacation days yearly.
• Regional transportation ticket.
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures.
• Once a year in‑person get together with the global FSC staff.
• The Fine Print
• Location: Bonn, Germany.
• Working Hours: Full time – 40 hours per week.
• Duration of Employment: Temporary contract – 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance).
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.
• Travel: Sporadic (international) travel is required.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future.

• Please submit your CV in English.
• Please do not send any photos of yourself.
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