Manager, Certification Performance and Relations (m-f-d)

Position description

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

Third-party certification is a cornerstone of FSC’s assurance system. Today, FSC has licensing agreements in place with over 40 independent certification bodies which audit conformance with FSC standards in the field of forest management and supply chain management for some 50’000 certificate holders in more than 100 countries.

In future, all companies placing forest product on the EU markets need to comply with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). FSC has created a voluntary offer for certificate holders, its Regulatory Module, for the uptake of which certification bodies play an important role.

The Manager Certification, Performance and Relations will support the Director Certification, Performance and Relations in managing the relationships with certification bodies in a systematic and coordinated manner to further strengthen the performance, integrity and credibility of our overall assurance system.

The Manager will be the direct contact person for certification bodies in relation to their uptake of the FSC Aligned for EUDR solution. In addition, the manager will be the overall liaison person for normative processes of Performance and Standards Unit (PSU) that will have impact on certification bodies.

This position offers the opportunity to lead and coordinate the development of an important area of work for FSC of high importance for our assurance system and credibility.

The incumbent will be part of a team of 4 persons.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational interactions with certification bodies related to EUDR and FSC Aligned for EUDR.
• Obtain intelligence from certification bodies about their business models, challenges, and appetite to implement new FSC offers like FSC Aligned for EUDR.
• Be an active link between System Integrity Unit in general, Certification Performance and Relations specifically and the EUDR Project Task Force, translating CBs’ expectations into applicable requirements for other team members.
• Monitor the implementation of specific FSC Aligned system tools for certification bodies.
• Coordinate within System Integrity and towards the Performance and Standards Unit all matters related to certification bodies.
• Participate in quarterly meetings with certification bodies.
• Document and evaluate learnings from certification body community to finetune FSC approaches and standards ensuring auditability and integrity, including providing input to ongoing revision processes.

Your Profile

Education and Training:

• University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, Relationship Management or similar.

Working Experience, Style and Skills:

• At least 5 years professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Quality Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Standard Development, Forest Management, Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, Relationship Management, Certification.
• Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to design, analyze and draw insights from data using commonly available tools (MS Office, Tableau, Power BI or similar).
• Proven successful project management experience.
• Excellent time management skills: Ability to perform well while handling simultaneously several administrative and support functions.
• A very strong sense for diligence and accuracy.
• Service and solution-oriented attitude to work.
• Proactiveness and high level of engagement.

Communication and Relationship Management Skills:

• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills that contribute to cohesive team efforts and decision making.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus (spoken and written).

Digital Skills: Good skills in the use of / experience with

• Standard software package (MS Office).
• Power BI, or adequate software for data analysis and visualization.
• CRM Tools.

Others:

• Experience in working in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, global team.
• Experience in working in / with an NGO or Non-Profit Organization.
• Commitment to FSC’s mission and values.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of values, views and approaches to issues relevant to the FSC program by stakeholders around the world.
  • Basic understanding of the scope of FSC’s programs and activities.
• Ability to represent FSC through his/her work with exemplary personal and professional authority and conduct.

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 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 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
• Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including relocation assistance if needed, and investment in training and development opportunities (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Learning Lunches and more) to advance your career.
• Explore the vibrant federal city of Bonn, home to Beethoven, Haribo, and the beautiful Rhein River promenade including many urban parks and close access to nature. As Germany’s UN City and second capital, Bonn is an international city with a rich cultural heritage. Learn more about the city or take a virtual stroll.
• Embrace work-life balance: beyond Bonn’s borders, unlock Europe’s wonders with 30 working days of vacation at your disposal. Whether it’s skiing in the Swiss Alps or basking in the sun on Mediterranean shores, your European adventures await.

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 travel may be required.

Application instructions

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