Hybrid Policy Manager – Forest Management

at Forest Stewardship Council™

• Job title: Policy Manager – Forest Management
• 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

• Policy Manager at FSC providing technical expertise for Forest Management documentation and practices. Collaborating with stakeholders and leading implementation activities in responsible forest management.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and identify areas requiring alignment.
• Facilitate workshops and calibration meetings.
• Collect data on implementation efforts and lead pilot projects.
• Develop interpretations and derogations.
• Collaborate with FSC teams and external stakeholders to ensure consistent application of established requirements.
• Contribute to the revision of FSC Principles and Criteria.
• Plan, organize, and implement activities related to the rollout of FSC normative documents.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Respond to enquiries and interpretation requests concerning Forest Management requirements.
• Work collaboratively within the Forest Management team and represent FSC externally in various forums.

Requirements

• University or technical college degree in forestry, environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field.
• Familiarity with FSC Forest Management certification and/or Forest Stewardship Standards.
• Deep knowledge of responsible forest management practices, environmental conservation, biodiversity, and social issues in the forest sector.
• Training in project management, FSC certification, communications, and/or administration is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following: multi‑stakeholder standards development processes, certification (including auditing), or forest management.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to assess complex topics, evaluate options, and provide evidence‑based recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to guide content discussions and produce high‑quality reports and drafts.
• Effective time management, with a strong attention to diligence and accuracy.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, Indigenous peoples, NGOs, and industry representatives.
• Proficiency with standard software packages (MS Office 365; advanced skills in MS Word).

Benefits

• Join a global FSC community of 400+ forest stewards and benefit from cross‑cultural collaboration and networking opportunities.
• Enjoy work–life balance through our hybrid working model.
• 30 vacation days per year.
• Regional transportation pass.
• Breakfast bars, coffee, tea, and water provided.
• Participate in learning lunches.
• Celebrate festivals from different cultures together.
• Annual in‑person gathering with global FSC staff.