Job Description

Programme Manager for Certification Performance and Relations

Location: Bonn, Germany

Contract Duration: Temporary contract - 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance)

Working Hours: Full-time - 40 hours per week.

Starting date: As soon as possible

Travel: Sporadic (international) travel is required.

About FSC

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a leading non-profit organization that promotes the environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. https://fsc.org/en/about-us, using a rigorous system of certification based on ten core principles, FSC ensures that forest products, from wood to paper, are sourced responsibly, protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and fostering supply-chain transparency with its trusted “check-tree” label.

The Scope

To manage and foster the relationships with FSC-accredited certification bodies, to further strengthen the performance, integrity, and credibility of the FSC assurance system, and to encourage the engagement of certification bodies (CBs) in strategic areas beyond auditing.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Sets objectives for the Certification Performance and Relations (CPR) team and ensures their achievement, including development of workplans, budgets, and strategic approaches.
• Manages and decides on functional issues of the team and topics related to certification bodies (CB), with the unit’s leadership involvement required for certain CB-related decisions.
• Develops operational processes, tasks, and requirements to meet the results/outputs of the team, including but not limited to:
• Overseeing all contractual management, on- and off- boarding of CBs,
• Developing agendas and reviewing the overall engagement with the CB community, such as quarterly calls, annual meetings, and other outgoing communication.
• Directs and ensures the development and functioning of the CB Portal.
• Drives the development of KPI’s for CB’s performance.
• Develops and recommends measures and strategic interventions aimed at improving the quality and consistency of FSC certification and CB capacity building, while ensuring effective oversight of these processes.
• Serves as the primary leadership contact for CB concerns and maintains direct ties with major CBs.
• Initiates relevant normative changes and provides input into technical improvements on FSC tools and platforms available for CB’s (e.g. Salesforce, GIS-related platform, FSC Trace, Digital Audit Reporting), in collaboration with other FSC units.
• Oversees communication processes related to CBs’ scope of work, performance, and stakeholder relations across diverse interests.
• Delivers progress reports to the Board of Directors and prepares items for decision as appropriate.

Your Profile

• University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, governmental relations, international relations, management, business administration, forestry, natural resource management, or similar.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: certification, quality management/assurance/control, standard development, forest management, natural resource management, business administration, governmental relations, international relations.
• Proven management skills (project management, experience with financial administration/management).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Readiness to take contested positions, aptitude to hold courageous conversations, and strong ability to deal with conflict.
• Proven leadership skills (team management, management of diverse groups).
• Ability to work collaboratively and in cooperation with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in conducting or observing audits would be advantageous.
• Standard software package (MS Office).
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is a must. Any additional language is a plus.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural global team.

What FSC Offers

• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by being part of the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards
• Benefit from work-life balance with our hybrid working structure
• 30 vacation days yearly
• Regional transportation ticket
• Breakfast bars, coffee, tea, water
• Take part in learning lunches
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures
• Once a year, an in-person get-together with the global FSC staff

How to apply

Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!

Please visit https://fsc-jobs.tenderwell.app/ to apply.

The following documents should accompany applications:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
   Please address the following in your letter:
   • Why FSC?
   • Why this position?
   • Why me?
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you encounter challenges when applying online, please contact: a.romanadze@developmentaid.org for assistance.

The closing date for receiving applications is 29 December 2025. Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through channels other than this one will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are essential values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to considering all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability.

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