Programme Manager Forest Management (m-f-d)

We are looking for an engaged

Programme Manager Forest Management who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.

This role leads the operational and content planning, development, and consistent implementation of FSC’s global normative framework for Forest Management.

You will ensure that the framework remains credible, effective, and aligned with FSC’s mission worldwide.

If you are ready to shape global Forest Management standards and drive meaningful impact in responsible forest management, we encourage you to apply.

• The Scope
• We are looking for an engaged

Programme Manager Forest Management who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.

This role leads the operational and content planning, development, and consistent implementation of FSC’s global normative framework for Forest Management.

You will ensure that the framework remains credible, effective, and aligned with FSC’s mission worldwide.

If you are ready to shape global Forest Management standards and drive meaningful impact in responsible forest management, we encourage you to apply.

• Main Roles & Responsibilities
• Lead the Forest Management Programme Team by providing clear direction, effective supervision, and a supportive environment that fosters trust, belonging, and high performance in line with FSC Leadership Principles.
• Develop and implement outcome‑oriented work plans aligned with organizational strategies, ensuring responsible budgeting and efficient use of resources.
• Oversee high‑quality project management across all programme initiatives, ensuring timely, compliant, and budget‑aligned delivery of projects.
• Provide strategic oversight for the revision of key normative documents, including the FSC Principles & Criteria and International Generic Indicators.
• Coordinate and guide the development, approval, maintenance, revision, and interpretation of all normative requirements under the Forest Management Programme.
• Ensure the creation of clear and effective communications, guidance materials, and training resources for certificate holders, certification bodies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain proactive monitoring and reporting systems of the normative processes to deliver regular, accurate status updates to management and approval bodies, ensuring timely interventions to address risks or delays.
• Foster strong collaboration with Country Requirements Programmes to ensure alignment in approach, operational execution, and shared objectives.
• Represent FSC in internal and external forums, contribute to cross-unit coordination, and participate in internal competence and accreditation programmes.

Your profile

• MSc in Forest Management (or related fields such as Ecology, or Natural Resource Management); Ph D is a strong asset.
• 5+ years of professional experience in forest management, certification, natural resource management, multi‑stakeholder processes, or program/project management.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams, with at least 5 years of direct people supervision experience.
• Demonstrated success in project management, including planning, coordination, and delivery.
• Strong skills in document review, evaluation, and management, with the ability to understand and assess complex technical content.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with monitoring & evaluation and voluntary sustainability schemes (highly desirable).
• Strong communication skills, including writing, presentation, facilitation, and conflict management.
• High level of accuracy, diligence, proactiveness, and solution orientation.
• Proficiency with MS Office 365 (especially MS Word) and ability to interpret data and guide analytics.
• Fluency in English; Spanish or French fluency is 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 is preferred, but we are open for remote/flexible arrangement as well.
• Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week.
• Duration of Employment: Temporary contract - 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance).

For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values.

As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.

Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.

We will confirm receipt of your application.

Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at careers@fsc. org

We are looking forward to your application!

About us

Welcome to FSC!

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry.

With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world’s forests.

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