Forestry and Conservation Officer Vacancy

We are seeking a Forestry and Conservation Officer to join the Standards and Integrity team at PEFC International. You will be joining a growing team at an exciting time as we look to develop our forestry standards and enhance the way we collect and analyse data to be able to demonstrate the positive impact of PEFC SFM certification.

You will be experienced in forest management and certification issues, with a particular emphasis on GIS and ecosystem services. Advanced knowledge and first-hand skills in GIS mapping and using Earth Observation technology will be particularly advantageous. You will be used to working and delivering at pace and with accuracy in a geographically dispersed team. Regular travel to Geneva, and elsewhere globally as needed.

Position Title: Forestry and Conservation Officer

Location: Geneva, remote options possible, depending on the candidate

Occupation Time: 100 %

Unit/Department: Standards and Integrity

Supervisor: Forestry and Conservation Manager

Supervised positions: none

Travel: 10% - 40 %

 General mission

Working with the Forestry and Conservation Manager to

• Coordinate, develop and maintain all Forestry and Conservation related activity, including Trees Outside Forests (TOF)
• Develop & manage projects related to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and TOF, seek & secure funding grants and income as needed
• Cooperate with other colleagues in Standards and Integrity to maintain and develop the certification systems for SFM and TOF

Responsibilities

Develop Forestry and Conservation outputs, impacts, and analysis:

• Develop and implement projects and initiatives to demonstrate outputs and impacts of sustainable forest management
• Collect information and assist in creating a draft framework to enable the inclusion of carbon and ecosystem services in the PEFC framework
• Research and develop GIS and Earth Observation (EO) Technology to assist in developing tools for managing data and demonstrating impact
• Analysis of lessons learned from System assessments and external factors

Coordinate, develop, and maintain SFM and TOF Technical Documentation:

• Assist work on drafting new and revised standards guides and other documents as necessary related to sustainable forest management including forest plantations, Trees outside Forests, and group certification requirements
• Act as secretary of the SFM and TOF Working Groups, as applicable, and coordinate work on the identified priority areas (e.g., ecosystem services), support and coordinate establishment and organisation/administration of additional technical working groups
• Support project development and implementation related to demonstrate values and benefits of SFM and TOF implementation
• Support of SFM and TOF related advocacy

Support and clarification on the implementation of Technical Documentation:

• Follow-up action on development and implementation of new/revised documentation and
• Provide general support/clarification of incoming questions on new and established technical documentation from members, scheme users and other stakeholders.

Additional duties:

Respond to other duties as may be from time to time allocated by the line manager

Work Environment

The role can be filled either by a Geneva office-based or remote candidate, requests from both preferences will be considered equally.

1. Geneva-based candidate, we work on a hybrid model, with up to two days’ work from home possible per week.
2. Remote, the candidate will be expected to travel to the Geneva office six to 12 times a year. Candidate will be expected to work aligned to CET work hours

Application instructions

• To apply submit your application through the application form provided at https://treee.es/fcofficerjob, please enclose your CV and a motivation letter in English.
• The deadline for applications is EOD 23 April 2025
• Please note that only applications submitted via the application form will be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

PEFC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation, bringing together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that drive innovation and success. We welcome and value individuals of all backgrounds. Our hiring decisions are based on competencies, qualifications, and organisational needs, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all applicants and employees. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

About PEFC

PEFC is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems. As an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation, we promote sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. PEFC provides forest owners, from the large to the small, with a tool to demonstrate their responsible practices, while empowering companies to buy sustainably. The PEFC label enables consumers to recognise products originating from a PEFC-certified forest - a forest managed in line with the strictest environmental, social, and economic requirements.

Work environment

PEFC is a purpose driven organisation. Working in the proximity of a small team at PEFC International HQ (based in Geneva), you will be exposed to a wider global team of members with enriching cultural diversity.