Hybrid Disputes Manager

at Forest Stewardship Council™

• Job title: Disputes Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Bonn, Germany

About the role

• Disputes Manager managing complaint resolution for the Forest Stewardship Council. Overseeing sensitive dispute cases, strengthening dispute resolution systems, and ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Navigate sensitive disputes involving environmental and human rights
• Balance competing stakeholder perspectives with fairness and professionalism
• Strengthen FSC’s complaints and dispute resolution systems
• Contribute to continuous improvement of FSC policies and procedures
• Manage dispute cases under FSC’s Policy for Association, including initial assessments, investigations, stakeholder engagement, communications, and decision-making processes.
• Oversee FSC’s complaints mechanism, ensuring alignment with FSC’s normative framework and internationally recognized standards.
• Handle General Complaints and Appeals as assigned.
• Analyze dispute cases to identify systemic gaps and contribute to policy and procedural improvements.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and support inclusive, respectful engagement processes.
• Manage and further develop tools for dispute handling, such as risk screening and case tracking systems.
• Collaborate closely with internal experts and external partners to resolve disputes and strengthen system integrity.
• Prepare clear, well-structured reports, briefings, and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
• Contribute to additional projects and initiatives within Case Management as needed.

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent experience in law, environmental governance, dispute resolution, human or environmental rights, international relations, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience managing complaints and disputes, particularly related to forest management and conversion, human, Indigenous, and customary rights, workers’ rights and vulnerable groups, illegal trade or high-risk supply chains.
• Strong stakeholder management skills in high-pressure or sensitive contexts.
• Knowledge of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Experience designing, managing, or improving procedures and workstreams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and diligence.
• Project management experience and a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Spanish and/or French are a strong asset.

Benefits

• 30 days of annual leave
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation support available, if applicable